What We Got Up To

Team Activities

To kick off the weekend, our new mentors took part in a range of team-building exercises designed to strengthen communication, trust, and problem-solving skills. Activities like the sensory trail and den building encouraged collaboration and helped mentors understand the importance of teamwork in their roles.

“It was lovely to be outdoors with the participants, getting them to do team-building activities, and they all got stuck in. It was wonderful to see people who didn’t know each other at the start forming connections and getting to know one another.” LOOK Mentor Project Officer
Maria.

Image of two mentees working together to put up a hammock between two trees
Image of two mentees holding cut in half tubes of piping, they have to work together to move a ball along the tubes from person to person
Image of two mentees in a hammock one has their thumbs up the other is holding the lead of their guide dog.

The Role of the Mentor

Next, we introduced our new mentors to LOOK’s mission and the vital role they will play in supporting visually impaired (VI) young people. Through discussions and interactive workshops, mentors explored the significance of peer mentoring and how shared lived experiences can be a powerful tool for empowering others.

Communication Skills

Image of a group of mentors and the LOOK team standing outside with their guide dogs next to them.

Effective mentoring relies on strong communication. Through role-playing exercises and guided discussions, our mentors learned how to actively listen, share their experiences constructively, and provide support in a way that fosters growth and independence.

“It has given me the skills and confidence to be an effective mentor. I feel more equipped to navigate my own journey with a visual impairment while providing encouragement and support to others.” LOOK Mentor

Setting Goals

An essential part of mentoring is helping young people set and achieve their goals. Our mentors participated in workshops focused on goal-setting strategies, these sessions emphasised the importance of creating realistic, meaningful objectives tailored to each individual’s journey.

Image of a group of 5 mentors sitting in a circle leaning in to listen to each other as they do a group exercise.
Image of two mentors smiling at the camera, one has their hands in the air cheering the other is doing a thumbs up.
Image of a group of 4 mentors sitting in a row listening to one of the coaches talk through a communications task

Technology Training

To prepare for their roles, mentors were introduced to LOOK’s online mentoring platform, which facilitates structured, accessible communication between mentors and mentees. They learned how to use the platform effectively to provide ongoing support, share resources, and track progress.

Ending the Weekend with Reflection and Community

As the weekend drew to a close, we gathered for a team dinner and campfire, sharing stories and reflections on the experience.

“It was so refreshing to be in a room full of likeminded people, everyone has lived the same journey but on different paths. It made me feel understood and part of a community, its given me confidence in my ability to help others”. LOOK Mentor

Image of two people sitting around a camp fire one person is toasting a marshmallow
Image of a group of mentors sitting outside listening to someone speak. All of their faces are lit up by the glow of the camp fire

LOOKing Ahead

“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants and sighted volunteers who joined us. Their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and dedication to supporting others created a truly inspiring weekend. The sense of community, thoughtful discussions, and shared experiences made for an engaging and rewarding time for everyone involved.” LOOK Mentor Project Manager, Ruth

We are incredibly proud of our new mentors and excited for the positive impact they will have on their mentees. Thank you to everyone who took part—we can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next!

LOOK Mentor Bethan talking about the impact of her time at the Mentor training weekend. Bethan is wearing a grey wool hat and a dark red hooded top.

If you’d like to learn more about our mentoring programme or think you would benefit from a mentor, we’re here to help. We can connect you with someone who has shared lived experience and can offer guidance and support.

Find out more about how we can support you here