First, watch this video overview about being a HOPEFUL mentor. This explains how mentoring works in practice and outlines the principles of HOPEFUL mentoring stated below.
H |
Being hope-enhancing is about believing in the young person, focusing on their strengths and efforts, gently triggering their sense of hopeful thinking, and encouraging them. |
O |
Being open is about being accepting, curious, and non-judgmental – being genuinely interested in, and led by, the needs and goals that matter to the young person themselves. |
P |
Being patient means continuing to be there and using gentle, respectful persistence to help young people keep working on their hope even when it’s difficult. |
E |
Being engaging means building a meaningful connection with the young person and working together collaboratively. |
F |
Being flexible means using adaptability and creativity to help young people to complete the package in the way that works best for them. |
U |
Being understanding means being sensitive and using empathy so that young people feel heard, validated, and respected. |
L |
Being light-hearted means being playful and active – using humour and fun, being willing to give things a go without taking them too seriously or worrying about the outcomes, and taking sessions outside and making them active where possible. |