Easy Read Mentoring Module – Full Version (Draft Outline)

 

1. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Understand mentoring and its purpose

• Recognize types of mentoring

• Know what mentors do and don’t do

• Use basic mentoring and emotional support skills

• Respond to realistic scenarios safely

• Know where to get support for themselves and mentees

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2. What is Mentoring?

• Mentoring = someone experienced helping someone less experienced

• Mentor guides, encourages, and supports

• Mentoring is about the mentee, not the mentor

• Can happen in person, online, or in groups

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3. Why Mentoring Matters

• Helps mentees build confidence

• Supports emotional wellbeing

• Guides career, learning, or life decisions

• Encourages independence and problem solving

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4. Types of Mentoring

1. One-to-One – mentor and mentee

2. Group – one mentor, several mentees

3. Virtual / Distance – online, phone, email

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5. What Mentors Do

• Listen carefully

• Share experiences and advice

• Support emotionally

• Help set goals

• Build confidence

• Connect mentees with useful resources

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6. What Mentors Don’t Do

• Solve all problems

• Take on work they’re not trained for (finance, clinical counseling)

• Replace professional help

• Ignore risks or unsafe situations

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7. Emotional Support & Befriending

• Mentors often provide emotional support, like listening and reassurance

• Example: helping someone feel valued, heard, and understood

• Always know your limits—don’t offer professional help if unqualified

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8. Safety & Boundaries

• Always prioritize safety

• Be aware of mental health issues that might affect behavior

• Report concerns to supervisors if mentees might harm themselves or others

• Use safe spaces and approved communication channels

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9. Basic Mentoring Skills

• Active Listening – show attention, nod, use eye contact

• Reflect & Paraphrase – repeat in your own words to show understanding

• Summarise – recap important points

• Focus – keep on mentee’s goals and needs

• Build Rapport – respect, honesty, empathy

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10. Scenario Practice

Scenario 1: Young Mum with Addiction & Child Support Issues

• Mentee is trying to stop using drugs

• She is struggling emotionally with the child’s father not providing support

• Mentor’s role:

  • Listen without judging

  • Help her explore possible solutions (e.g., legal advice, support services)

  • Encourage coping strategies and goal setting

  • Connect her to local services like addiction support or child benefits advice

Scenario 2: Mentee struggling with anxiety and isolation

• Mentor can: listen, validate feelings, suggest safe coping strategies, and provide helpline info

Scenario 3: Mentee needing career guidance but anxious about steps

• Mentor can: set small achievable goals, celebrate progress, provide resources

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11. Quiz (Easy Read)

1. What is mentoring?

   • a) Doing tasks for someone

   • b) Helping someone grow and learn ✅

2. Mentors should solve all mentee problems. True or False?

   • False ✅

3. Which of these is a mentoring skill?

   • Active listening ✅

   • Ignoring problems

   • Giving money

4. If a mentee is at risk of self-harm, what should you do?

   • a) Handle it alone

   • b) Tell a trained supervisor ✅

12. Reflection & Checklist

• Did I listen carefully?

• Did I focus on mentee goals?

• Did I stay safe?

• Did I connect mentee to resources?

• Did I respect boundaries?

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13. Support Helplines & Resources

UK: Mind, Samaritans, Victim Support, Age UK
USA: NAMI, 988 Lifeline, Mental Health America
Worldwide: Befrienders Worldwide, IASP