The following examples illustrate situations that might arise during your mentoring journey. They’re here to help you think through what good judgement looks like in practice and to remind you that support is always available if you’re unsure about what to do.
Scenario 1: A mentee discloses a personal issue #
During a session, your mentee mentions they’re struggling with anxiety, housing instability, or family difficulties. You’re not sure if it’s something serious or just a passing comment.
What to do:
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Listen calmly and show empathy, you don’t need to give advice or solve the issue.
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Avoid asking probing or personal questions.
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Let them know you’ll share what they’ve said with our team, who can make sure the right support is in place.
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Contact the Safeguarding Lead at sa**********@***************ve.com within 24 hours, summarising what was said.
Scenario 2: Communication feels too personal #
A mentor or mentee begins to share personal messages outside scheduled meetings, or the tone starts to feel overly familiar or uncomfortable.
What to do:
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Keep communication professional and redirect it to programme-related matters.
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Do not continue private conversations through WhatsApp, text, or social media such as Instagram.
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Inform our team immediately if the communication feels inappropriate or makes you uneasy.
Scenario 3: Concerns about a young person’s wellbeing #
A mentor notices that their mentee has become withdrawn, missed a meeting without explanation, or made comments that raise concern about their mental health or safety.
What to do:
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Check in once, gently, and ask if everything is okay.
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Don’t try to diagnose or counsel.
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Contact the Safeguarding Lead immediately with your observations. Include the date, what was said, and any noticeable changes.
Scenario 4: Witnessing inappropriate behaviour #
You hear or see behaviour from another mentor, mentee, or external contact that feels discriminatory, disrespectful, or unprofessional.
What to do:
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Do not confront the person directly during the incident.
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Make a clear record of what you observed – date, time, and details.
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Report it immediately to sa**********@***************ve.com.
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We will investigate and take action in line with its safeguarding procedures.
