Start with a working agreement
Discuss expectations, choice, confidentiality, contact, missed sessions, safeguarding and endings. Revisit the agreement when circumstances change.
Topic
Youth mentoring & coaching
Give mentoring and coaching conversations direction.
A strong relationship matters, but young people also need clarity about the purpose, boundaries and next steps of mentoring or coaching. SF Connects resources help make conversations reflective, practical and led by what matters to the young person.
Where to start
Four ways to think about what's happening.
Build from strengths and priorities
Explore interests, skills, supportive relationships and what the young person wants to be different. Avoid choosing a goal simply because an adult thinks it should matter.
Make goals workable
Turn a broad aim into a small action with a timeframe, possible barriers and people who can help. Review progress with curiosity and adjust the plan when needed.
Stay within role
Mentoring and coaching are not therapy, statutory social work or crisis support. Follow the programme’s referral and safeguarding procedures when needs fall outside the role.
Find the right resource
Browse tools, books and workshops, or follow this topic.
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