Begin without a fixed story.
Listen to how the young person understands their experience. Avoid treating their background as an explanation for everything they do.
Give possibility a practical form.
Recognise strengths and identify something they want to work towards. A different future becomes easier to discuss when there is a next step within reach.
Work within the support around them.
Mentoring can contribute to engagement and development alongside other services. Agree the role, review progress and adapt the plan as understanding develops.
From the ECNM journal
This reading edition adapts our published work. Explore the original article below.