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By Gill Pawley on October 18, 2016 in

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We’ve got quite a big week coming up - lots of (

We’ve got quite a big week coming up - lots of (hopefully) exciting things to share. Just need a few pieces of the jigsaw to fall into place.

During weeks like these, I love seeing the students’ ideas and in-put really being on display. So many teenagers feel their voices are not heard or are drowned out. It’s good to be able to change that narrative.

Have a great week too.

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

In my world, there have been lots of changes this

In my world, there have been lots of changes this September. In the work I do in schools, many staff members have changed and I have a whole new year group of students to get to know. In my private work too, I have a number of new families to work alongside.

Change can be unsettling and awkward. So look for the positives - the ‘glimmers’ of light coming through the cracks (new friends!). Because we will get used to the new situations.

Maybe we just need to give ourselves and others a bit of space and grace.

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

We’ve had a sudden shift of weather gears in thi

We’ve had a sudden shift of weather gears in this part of the UK. In the south, we’ve gone from shorts-wearing weekend weather to stormy mid-week.

But I am confident (having checked my trusty weather app) that calmer, golden Autumn days are on the way.

I love Autumn. It’s the colours, the crisp mornings, and the chance to get the knitwear out again. Closing the curtains, putting the lamps on and lighting spice-scented candles.

My mood shifts too. I ‘click’ into this season and find that I have more energy and enthusiasm.

We can’t be on and up all year round. But we can observe our moods and lean into the times when it’s ‘our’ season.

Now. Who else is #teamautumn ?

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

‘Mentoring helped me to grow so much in confiden

‘Mentoring helped me to grow so much in confidence. Especially in talking to people about my feelings.’

12 year old student

We all need a place where we feel safe enough to be able to talk about our innermost feelings.

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

Being able to offer support to some of my older st

Being able to offer support to some of my older students as they approach further and higher education is a real pleasure. I love seeing their dreams unfold as they take the next steps.

Inspired to use a Robert Frost quote here by both @pawleycj and @saorsapsychology

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

Hello on this Tuesday morning! 👋 I’m sprucin

Hello on this Tuesday morning! 👋

I’m sprucing up the regular email I send out to my subscribers with a new one going out soon.

It’s been a gradual move from creative writing and books to sharing well-being resources and ideas for young people, their parents and professionals working with them.

I’d really love it if you’d like to join the lovely community if you’re not with us already. The link is in the bio or copy and paste this one: http://eepurl.com/dtGZ65

I’d also be very happy to DM you the link if you send me a message. Thank you.

Off to school now to meet some more new students for this term.

📸: @jennysmithphoto

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

As well as running school mentoring programmes, I

As well as running school mentoring programmes, I also run some drop in groups and work with young people on a 1:1 basis.

It’s a complete joy to connect with young people in this way. We’re able to share worries and concerns of course. But also discuss issues which really matter to them. And also celebrate their wins and hear about dreams.

And - of course - make sure we have everyone’s favourite biscuits in. (Currently bourbons and custard creams. I like a digestive myself but I’m a bit out-numbered…)

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

Thinking about all the students finally returning

Thinking about all the students finally returning to school this week. In England, it’s against a backdrop of more ‘noise’ at national level but I’m hearing how much students are looking forward to seeing their friends again.

I’m popping into the lovely mentoring space I use and dusting things off ready for my first sessions with the new Year 9 in the morning.

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

We’re transitioning. In Sussex where we are, it

We’re transitioning.

In Sussex where we are, it’s back to school next week. I got my own my own bag out yesterday - luckily, I put the lanyard somewhere safe at the end of last term.

The September return can feel fresh and new and full of the ‘back to school/start of autumn’ vibes. But like all transitions, it can also feel a bit awkward and sticky. I have to admit to craving routine these past couple of weeks and now it’s almost here, there’s a reluctance to let go of the golden days of summer (and that’s from someone who is a fully paid up member of #teamautumn!).

Today then I’m sharing three things which may help you and your family move into the first week of school as smoothly as is possible.

🍁 As tempting as it might be, don’t leave all your preparation to the night before. It will seem less of an issue if you do a few things over the coming days to get ready.
🍁Take a look ahead too. See what’s happening over the next couple of weeks in terms of appointments, return to clubs and after school activities, social events. If you can spot any particularly busy days, see how these may be balanced out by quieter times. Make sure everyone knows if you need to be in a certain place at a particular time. No surprises!
🍁Our brains like continuity and consistency. But if there’s a particularly big change on the horizon, such as a change of school, have a look at the things which won’t change. These act as anchors to steady us when we’re faced with lots of new experiences.

I hope your transition week goes well. But before that, a gloriously golden late summer weekend!

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

I’ve been listening to the Life in Food podcast

I’ve been listening to the Life in Food podcast with @laurapricewrites - about food and love, life and mental health.

It really got me thinking about how many of my mentoring sessions can involve food chats too. One of the wonderful students in last year’s school mentoring programme has an incredible food heritage. Talking about the food at his family celebrations helped break down any initial barriers there may have been.

We do love cake at Inkpots too. I often think it deserves a mention in our mission and values 🧁😁

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

The doors are open! I am now taking bookings for

The doors are open!

I am now taking bookings for 1:1 mentoring for the coming term. I work with 11 - 16 year olds and offer sessions online at a time to fit in with their schedules.

Some of my long-term students are moving on to sixth form college and university so this is a chance for me to work with new students. Each term, I work with up to six young people; this ensures that each one receives the highest standard of mentoring.

If this is something you might be considering, here's a few areas which I've helped with this past year:
* Friendship issues
* A dip in self confidence
* Exam worries
* Finding an outlet for creative writing after moving to secondary school
* And, that big move to secondary in the first place.

The very first starting point is a chat. I'll be very happy to talk with parents and their young people in a free, no obligation call over the next couple of weeks.

Please drop me a DM or email gill@inkpots.org. There’s also more information available via the link in my bio.

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

“We have been so grateful to you - your work wit

“We have been so grateful to you - your work with our daughter has been a really great outlet for her and I am sure is helping her process her response to all that has gone on recently.”

I am always so grateful to get feedback like this from families. My work with young people always remains confidential so there’ll never be social media-worthy ‘before’ and ‘after’ stories.

But providing a safe space for a young person means they do thrive and even if it’s just for a short time, they can set their worries aside.

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing # introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens #teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

The families I work with have busy lives. The dema

The families I work with have busy lives. The demands of schooling, jobs, other family members, everyone’s individual needs - it’s a lot.

I’ve been a member of the sandwich generation and will never forget feeling completely stretched in all directions.

That’s why I ensure the ‘back end’ of my mentoring offer is as simple as possible while offering parents the reassurance of a confidential and secure mentoring agreement.

I’ve just updated some informations of our website, including a page of questions I get asked regularly. The link is in the bio and you can also copy and paste from here: https://inkpots.org/welcome-to-inkpots/

You can always pop me a DM too and I’ll send you the link.

Booking for 1:1 mentoring opens in a few days but I’ll be delighted to chat at any time in the lead up. ☺️

#creativementor #youthmentor #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #thrivenotsurvive #raisingteens #teenselfconfidence #teenanxiety #parentingteens # teentips #wellbeingforteens #compasssionatementoring #calmandquiet #parentingforteensandtweens #safeenvironment #calmcounsel #mentoringforteens #mentoringmagic

On my morning walk yesterday, I was thinking a lot

On my morning walk yesterday, I was thinking a lot about trust.

Particularly because of the upcoming women’s football World Cup match for the @lionesses. Sarina Wiegman has built a team which seems to have trust at its very heart. By the way, what dignity in defeat too. Another great lesson.

Last Friday, I also had my regular supervision session with @saorsapsychology. Among many things, Sarah is a great listener and I really value having the time and space to explore the things on my mind. Sometimes, just talking helps me untangle my thoughts.

I wouldn’t be able to do this unless I trusted Sarah completely. Even though some days have now passed, I’m still feeling the warm glow of that conversation.

Trust is essential in my work with young people too. Without it, we’re not likely to make any progress and it’s one of the foundations of my mentoring programme.

I’ll be opening up mentoring spaces for September soon and if you’d like to know more, please do drop me a line at gill@inkpots.org or DM me.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet #mentoringmagic #thriveandshine

Hello to my very welcome new followers - great to

Hello to my very welcome new followers - great to have you here 👋
And thank you to those of you who have been here a while. I’m so grateful to have this space. It’s my cosy corner of the internet!

So quick intro. I’m Gill a mentor and trainer with a background in publishing, so books, reading and creative projects all play their part in my mentoring approach.

I work with teenagers - helping them navigate the sometimes tricky years of puberty. I have 20 years’ experience of mentoring too and use all that to help young people look at some of the issues which they feel are holding them back or causing anxiety and worry.

I work in schools and colleges but I also offer private online mentoring. Many students have been coming to my sessions for a long time but some spaces have opened up as situations change and students move on.

I’ll be sharing some more about how the sessions work - and the benefits of this work for young people next week. Bookings will also open up soon. But in the meantime, if any of this sparks your interest please do drop me a DM or email gill@inkpots.org

Have a lovely weekend too!

📸: @jennysmithphoto

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet #mentoringmagic #thriveandgrow

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