Who is LOOK?

LOOK exists to empower young people with visual impairments – and their families – to thrive!

What is the LOOK UK Sussex Mentoring Programme?

The LOOK UK Sussex Mentoring Programme connects young people with visual impairments with mentors who have similar life experiences. Our fantastic team of trained Sussex-based volunteer mentors offer support through the nitty-gritty of living with impaired sight, through our safeguarded online platform, social gatherings and events.

Who can apply?

If you or someone you care for is visually impaired, aged 11 to 29 and based in West Sussex, East Sussex or Brighton & Hove, our peer mentoring programme is here for you. In partnership with Blatchington Court Trust, LOOK offers personal, structured support for young people with visual impairments from a trained, visually impaired older mentor.

How Does it Help?

Connecting to the LOOK mentoring community helps to beat isolation, increase confidence, create opportunity, improve wellbeing and engagement in education. It can help with employability and tough transitions. Through sustained one-to-one contact with a person who has been there and got the T-shirt, LOOK mentees feel better equipped to live their best lives.

Young people tell us that LOOK mentoring helps them feel more…

  • Self confident
  • Empowered to communicate their thoughts & feelings
  • Able to self-advocate

To find out more about our mentoring programme in Sussex, keep reading!

Image of mentor project officer Maria with two Sussex mentors standing either side of her. All three people are smiling and one mentor is holding the lead of his guide dog. Behind them is a large LOOK banner.
Image of a large group of LOOK Sussex mentor sitting at a long restaurant table, everyone is smiling at the camera.
Image of a group of Sussex mentors in a meeting room sitting around a long table. Everyone is looking at the camera smiling.
"Living with a visual impairment can feel overwhelming, so having a supportive community to ask questions is vital. Mentoring makes a difference by inspiring people and showing them the unique value they bring to the world."
Image of two LOOK mentors sitting next to each other, they are both smiling and clapping.

Watch this video to hear mentor Ellie share her experience of being part of the LOOK mentoring community.

Video of LOOK Mentor Ellie, she is sitting down in a field on a blue sky day, with a bell tent and green hedges behind her.
“Through LOOK mentoring I’ve built communication, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills. I’ve met amazing people, developed lasting friendships, and had the chance to get involved in events and projects. It’s been a truly great experience.”

How does it work?

The LOOK UK Sussex Mentoring Programme lasts for up to one year. Our trained mentors provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can talk openly, have fun, gain confidence, and receive advice from someone who has been in your shoes. Most importantly, mentors are here to offer support and to listen. They also help their mentees set achievable personal goals and reflect on progress.

Mentoring is offered online, with opportunities to meet up in person with others on the programme, have fun, and share experiences.

“I didn’t have anyone growing up who shared a similar VI experience, but LOOK mentoring has given me that community. Since joining, I’ve learned to trust and believe in myself.”

Whether you’re looking for practical tips, emotional support, or just someone to chat to, we’re here to help. Having a mentor who truly understands can make all the difference.

Here are some examples of things discussed in mentoring:

  • Everyday life hacks
  • Self-advocacy skills and speaking up for yourself
  • Cane confidence
  • Accessible Gaming
  • Navigating friendships and social situations
  • Preparing for education, work, or independent living

How my mentor has helped

“Before I had chatted with my mentor, I felt really alone with my worries about how to access my learning. No one else was studying in the same way as I was. Now I know that I’m not the only one and have learned strategies to help. I would really recommend talking to a mentor -you will gain a lot, and it is fun to meet others.”

Image of LOOK Mentor officer Maria standing with two LOOK Sussex mentors Kombo and Syd. They are all wearing blue LOOK t-shirts and are smiling at the camera.
Image of two people wearing green aprons with a selection of different herbs in front of them, they are smiling at the camera and one person is doing a thumbs up.
Image of 3 young people sitting in a row looking at a performance in front of them, they are all smiling and one person is clapping.
"I was able to talk, express my feelings, and connect with people who truly related to me. I’m learning to be more self-confident, developing my independence, and becoming more aware of myself and my needs."

LOOK UK Sussex Mentoring Outreach Programme.

We know that online mentoring isn’t for everyone. And nothing beats getting together in person as a community to share experiences and talk things through.

That’s why we run a wide range of workshops and events to discuss all sorts of topics, from self-advocacy to employability and problem-solving. The events are designed to respond to the issues coming up in mentoring; they are hosted by LOOK mentors and offer a chance to get together and share information and advice.

We also have fun! We organise socials across Sussex, where young people with visual impairments can hang out, make new friends, and feel part of a community. Whether it’s a low-key meet-up or a lively activity, it’s all about making friends and connecting with others. Join us – because life’s better when we experience it together!

To find out more about becoming a mentee, click the button below.

Click here to register your interest or refer someone you know
Sussex Mentor Dave shares his thoughts on why mentoring matters.

In partnership with Blatchington Court Trust.

Blatchington Court Trust logo.