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By Jane Prior on September 21, 2016 in

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“I like having someone to talk to who really lis

“I like having someone to talk to who really listens. Gill doesn’t interrupt me when I’m finding it hard to get the words right.”

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

Ten things that you can do today (if it’s your e

Ten things that you can do today (if it’s your end of term) to make your life easier for returning to school:

· Sort out the school bag now so that things don’t fester away in there over the summer.

· Have a think about if the said bag has REALLY worked for this past term – do you need more pockets?

· Sort out all the equipment – and make a shopping list for replacements now.

· How’s the water bottle looking – will it last another term?

· Has your school mentioned any changes that might be coming in for September? Make sure you keep a note somewhere so that it’s not lost totally before the start of term

· Make sure you know the return date and put in on all the calendars/planners/diaries.

· Lunchboxes. Just sort them now!

· Lost uniform. Did everything make it home at the end of term?

· Make sure that you put things away in a safe space. The last thing you need come the end of August/start of September is a panic about where everything is.

· My biggest, hottest top tip is to spend a short amount of time reflecting. Just ask yourself – what went well this year? What wasn’t so great? What would you like to take with you into the next school year. This small exercise alone can help set you up for a great return in September. It helps put things in perspective.

Then after all this, you can truly relax for the summer and kick back.
⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

The end of term is in sight! If it’s the same f

The end of term is in sight!

If it’s the same for you, hope these last few days are filled with fun.

I have to confess this is not my best season; I’m an autumn girl through and through 🍁🍂anyone else with me?

But. I am determined to make the most of the next few weeks. I have lots of lovely plans, a reading list and a host of friends to catch up with.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

As we approach the middle of July, and schools are

As we approach the middle of July, and schools are either already finished for the summer, or getting very close to the last week(s), I’ve been finalising my own plans (even have a summer list - see my previous post for languid loveliness 👀).

Things might slow down a little here but I do still have mentoring availability.

Everyone needs a good break after the last term of school, but it is also a good time to sort out any wrinkles or worries - the kind of thing which might still be there come September and might actually threaten the peace of summer.

This is also the time of year when I talk with young people about moving from one stage in their education to another - and how they can do it with the most ease.

Come September, I’ll be launching a new service for adults too - specifically those who work in schools. But it occurs to me that this is exactly the time of year that a session to reflect and review might be just what’s needed.

Work on my new website is underway so the best way to get the latest information is directly from me just now. If you are at all interested, please pop me a message or email gill@inkpots.org and I’ll get details to you.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

I love these images by @kerryhyndman - I have the

I love these images by @kerryhyndman - I have the prints in my hallway.

They’re so evocative of long, dreamy summers. Filled with reading, travel, being by water. Quiet. Calm.

We’re on the cusp of the school summer holidays here and a good time I feel, to bring out the Summer List (even though the weather may have different ideas):

Here are my plans:

⛱️ Build a website (in reality this is more likely to be sitting in awe and watching the build…)

⛱️ Lovely work with lovely clients

⛱️ Gentle days by the river

⛱️ Catching up with friends and hearing their stories of the last few months

⛱️Watching swallows swoop around as the sun sets

⛱️ Early mornings in the garden

⛱️ Paddling in the sea

⛱️ Good coffee in new coffee shops

⛱️ London days

⛱️ A pile of good books from the library

⛱️ Just being. With my family. Putting the world to rights.

⛱️ Lovely, smooth ice cream from that place we went to last time.

⛱️ Dreaming and planning.

What are your plans? Do you have a similar Summer List? I’d love to know!

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

Well, hello 1st of July. And welcome the promise

Well, hello 1st of July.

And welcome the promise of long, lazy summer days.

There’s a few weeks of school to go yet in our neck of the woods. But, I’m already hearing plans of how the summer might be spent:

🏖️Trips with friends to the local swimming pool

🏖️ BBQs on the beach

🏖️ New ice cream flavours to try out

🏖️ Summer reading lists

🏖️ Dreaming the day away by the river

🏖️ All the sleepovers

🏖️ Music festivals

🏖️ Family camping trips

🏖️ And lots of sleep.

I hope your July is long, languid and filled with happy times and friendships ❤️❤️❤️

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

I’m preparing a presentation for the parents and

I’m preparing a presentation for the parents and families of young people I’ll start working with in September.

I have a limited amount of time to explain the whole of the mentoring programme so I need to be focussed and clear. Non of the usual waffle Gill!

One of the ways I explain the mentoring journey to my students is to talk about us going on a walk through a woodland together.

At the start, we’ll be looking into the wood and we can just about make out the pathway. But it’s overgrown and neglected. There may be fallen trees and tangled weeds; the young person may also have heard that there’s a swamp.

I’ve not been down this path before, because it belongs to the student. But I have been down similar ones. I’m also carrying a rucsac of helpful resources. Together, we’ll tackle whatever comes along.

As we travel together, we’ll maybe meet other people who can help us too. We may get a bit diverted but we will get to a point where we’ll begin to notice that the trees are thinning out. We can see the blue of the sky.

The young person will be starting to make independent decisions, learning to trust their own instincts and a growing confidence in their own abilities.

There’ll come a point when we’ll reach a clearing and our paths will diverge. It’ll be time for the young person to carry on their journey, equipped with their own wellbeing toolkit.

My job as a mentor is to help unlock all the wonderful potential in young person - and it’s always a privilege.

Now to put all that into a few notes!

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

In this last half term of the academic year, I am

In this last half term of the academic year, I am helping the students I am currently mentoring in school prepare for the end of their programme. I’ve been working with many of them since last September so we’re preparing everyone for that transition.

One of the exercises I really hope the students will carry on with is that of reflection. I have shared with them the power of pausing and taking just a small amount of time to reflect back. And to be mindful of what they then want to take forward.

Obviously, this is done in an age appropriate way. But in such a confusing, demanding world this is a habit which I hope will support them well.

I have a free download which is available for everyone too. I’ve made a quick video to explain the process and there’s a reflection sheet too to help get people started. The link is in my bio or just pop me a DM and I’ll send it over to you.

Just pause.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

Inkpots mentoring programmes and sessions offer th

Inkpots mentoring programmes and sessions offer the chance to discover a safe space where you can be yourself, and share your doubts and worries.

But also helps you uncover hopes and dreams for the future.

Mentoring helps you see the gold inside yourself too.

I am taking bookings now for the summer- particularly for anyone moving on to secondary school.

If you’d like more info, please just pop me a DM or email: gill@inkpots.org

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

Back to the school routine this week. Part of my

Back to the school routine this week.

Part of my role with Year 9 mentoring students is to start preparing them for the transition to Year 10 and with that comes the end of the mentoring programme but there’s so much to celebrate too.

Peer mentoring work continues and we’ll look forward to meeting new students in a few weeks when they visit for their taster day ahead of starting in Year 7 in September.

There’s also on going support for Year 10 and 11 students with their exams too.

All the while, online mentoring sessions continue and I’ll be catching up with some students this coming week. Now is also a great time if you’d like a chat about mentoring for the summer - especially support for transitioning to secondary school or into a new school year. Pop me a DM and we can take it from there.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

Welcome to our new followers - thanks so much for

Welcome to our new followers - thanks so much for joining us.

Every young person who comes to Inkpots sessions has massive potential - and my job is to help unlock that.

I offer in-person mentoring and drop-in sessions in mid Sussex, as well as online mentoring. In an increasingly challenging world we all need space and time to recalibrate from time-to-time. Inkpots mentoring programmes and sessions offer just that for young people. Often, they join a programme feeling frazzled and stressed, and leave with a selection of resources to hand and an increased confidence in their own abilities.

Please get in touch if this sounds what you’re looking for.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

I started using some new training materials this w

I started using some new training materials this week designed by @coppermothdesign

This is all part of our re-branding exercise and will culminate in a new website later in the year.

The new accessible materials are being used as part of a training programme for peer mentors - year 9 students who will be supporting new students moving from their primary schools.

It’s such a pleasure to use these lovely designs and it sends out a very clear message to the students that they are very worthy of having materials of a high quality.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit #peermentoring

I work with a lot of young carers. Mentoring offer

I work with a lot of young carers. Mentoring offers them space to reconnect with themselves and have a chance to think beyond their caring responsibilities. It’s also a chance to share their deepest worries and concerns about family members.

I am putting together some ideas for a young carers project in our area. Over the next few months, I’ll be reaching out to my networks to see if we can make something happen.

I’d love to hear from you if you have any experience in this area, or you have some ideas/thoughts.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit

I’ve been reminded this week of the importance o

I’ve been reminded this week of the importance of steady, solid friendships. People who are lighthouses in our lives.

A constant, warming light to help guide us through dark times.

It’s always worth knowing who the people are that really will provide you with a safe place to talk (or not) and will leave any judgements to one side.

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit

Our plans for May: 🌼One of the most important

Our plans for May:

🌼One of the most important tasks this month is to support all our students as they weave their way through exam timetables.
🌼Another big project is starting work on our new website. My tasks include researching aspects of the website I want to improve and how. Then putting a brief together for @coppermothdesign and @pawleycj
🌼In school, I can’t wait to start training a new cohort of peer mentors with the support of the current team.
🌼Then there’s three lots of training to complete and a supervision session with @saorsapsychology
🌼Plus some new funding to discuss and marketing plans to look at.
🌼 Finally…I am very excited to be having initial meetings with a couple of wonderful adults who would like to discuss mentoring. Space for one more if you’re interested in gentle, supportive 1:1 sessions.

Quiet month then 😉

#selfconfidenceforteens #selfconfidenceforteenagers #youthmentor #mentoringmagic #teenagementalhealth #teenagesupport #teenmentalhealth #introvertlife #mentalhealthsupportforteens #teenwellbeing #compassionatementoring #mentoringforteens #calmandquiet #safeandsecure #inclusivegroups #calmcounsel #warmandwelcoming #timeandspace #safespace #bealighthouse #supportkit #wellbeingkit

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