Ready to make a difference in someone’s life?

How does it work?

Been There Mentors communicate with their Mentee via the chat function in our App — likeWhatsApp. When you are matched with a Mentor, you can agree a weekly time to chat that suits you. Conversations are completely text-based and no phone/video or other communication is advised. During your arranged chat time, you are committing your availability to speak to your Mentee. Communication with a single Mentee lasts for 12 weeks. You will learn everything you need to know about the best practices for communicating with your Mentee in our training programme. 

Can I become a Mentor if I live outside the UK?

Not at the moment—our mentorship programme is currently open only to UK residents, however, we plan to expand in the future! Join our mailing list and we’ll keep you updated.

Do my experiences merit having Been There?

If you have been there, then you merit having Been There! You don’t need to have been diagnosed, or had therapy to be a Mentor. If you can put yourself back to a place where you needed someone to support you when you were struggling with your body image, that is it. You’ve been there and you can now be there for someone else.

What if I’m not very good?

Our training gives you the tools to support your Mentees, and if you have any questions, or feel you need more support, you have a community around you to help and advise. We can all question our abilities but please know that you will be given the training to enable you to do the role. 

What is the time commitment?

We ask that in addition to the training (6-8 hours) you will commit from a minimum of 1 hour a week to a maximum of 3 hours per week depending on how much time you have available and how many Mentees you would like to support.

What if I lack skills or experience?

By having lived experience, you will be able to offer hope and support. We will provide you with the tools to help you to do this, and a structure to enable you to feel confident in your role.

I am scared of over-commitment…

We do ask that you commit to volunteer at least 1 hour a week as a Mentor for 6 months. This is because of the costs attached to vetting and training each Mentor volunteer. However, we are aware that life happens, so if you need a break for a period of time, you can contact your Mentor Lead and take that time to enable you to come back when you are able.

What about my personal safety?

Our safeguarding guidelines detail the processes and policies in place to keep you safe and secure at all times. Though there is no threat to your physical person, we want you to feel able to confidently deliver your role as a Mentor without feeling any threat to your own wellbeing, mental health or person. You will be known by your first name only on our App and your personal details will not be disclosed to Mentees, so that you can maintain separation outside of your Mentoring role.  

 Safeguarding is a core part of our training and service delivery and by the end of your training, you should feel fully informed about these processes and our expectations of you as a Mentor. 

As you will be dealing with vulnerable individuals, there is always a chance that emergency situations will arise. You will be trained on how to appropriately escalate these situations, and   a network of support will be on hand at all times to support you. This will include our Senior Leadership, Safeguarding Team, Mentor Leads and your fellow volunteers.

Impact and Fulfilment

Each year, you will receive the Charity’s Impact Report which will provide you with an overview of the achievements of the Charity that year. You will also be receiving regular communications from the Mentor Lead and the Charity about what we are doing and the impact that our Mentors are having on their Mentees. You will also be asked to complete Feedback Forms, as will our Mentees to ensure that we are making the right decisions for everybody.

Bureaucracy and Paperwork

This Volunteer role is one in which you can use your experience to help others. You can share what you feel that you would be happy sharing, if it is in the best interest of the Mentee. As long as you are supporting your Mentees within the guidelines of your role, and the Charity’s policies, you are free to communicate with your Mentee as you feel fit. All chats are moderated to ensure your safety and flag concerns and malpractice. We do ask for regular Feedback from our Mentors, and you will be expected to attend further training and Safeguarding training as required. This will always be delivered online. 

Financial Concerns: Are they expected to pay for training/additional costs?

No. We do ask that you make the commitment in time due to the outlay that the charity makes to train and support our Mentors. As a Charity, we are always looking at funding opportunities but we expect nothing from you unless you choose to fundraise on our behalf or make regular donations.