Become a Mentor with Freemind

If you're a university student who's passionate about helping others, eager to learn, and looking for flexible, meaningful experience, you could be a great fit! We welcome mentors from all backgrounds—what matters most is your attitude and willingness to support young people.

No, you don't need any previous mentoring or teaching experience. We look at individual circumstances, and the interview will help us get to know you a little better and see if you're a good fit for us (and us for you). We provide full training, resources, and ongoing support to help you succeed.

We welcome mentors from all degree subjects and backgrounds. Many of our mentors study Psychology, Education, or related fields, but what matters most is your desire to help and your ability to relate to young people.

Yes, international students can apply as long as you're currently based in the UK, have the right to work in the UK, and can prove this during the onboarding process.

No—mentoring is different from tutoring or therapy. As a mentor, your role isn't to teach school subjects or provide clinical advice. Instead, you'll offer relatable support, share strategies for confidence and wellbeing, and help mentees navigate life's challenges as someone who's "been there." Our focus is on building skills, confidence, and perspective, not academic grades or therapy.

Just hit the “Apply” button and fill out our quick online questionnaire. It takes about 15–20 minutes and helps us get to know you, your strengths, and what you’re passionate about.

After you submit your questionnaire, we’ll review your responses and invite you for a friendly interview with our Freemind team. If it’s a good fit, you’ll complete safeguarding training and join a training session to prepare for your mentoring journey.

The online questionnaire takes around 15–20 minutes to complete. After the questionnaire, there will be an interview, a training process, and then onboarding. It may take a few weeks for you to be matched to your first mentee—sometimes as little as one week, or a little longer depending on individual circumstances and how long your DBS check takes.

We’ll get in touch as soon as possible to arrange your interview and guide you through the next steps.

Yes, we’ll invite you for a friendly, supportive interview with the Freemind team. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and make sure it’s the right fit.

Yes, safeguarding training is required for all mentors. It’s an accredited, one-hour online course that gives you the essential knowledge and confidence to work safely with young people.

You’ll join a training session with the Freemind team (sometimes in a group, sometimes 1:1) to cover how the programme works, what to expect, and to clear up any questions. You’ll get a Mentor Toolkit (session ideas, conversation starters, mentor handbook, and a workbook for your mentees).

Both mentors and mentees fill out questionnaires about their interests, strengths, and personalities. We use this information to thoughtfully match you with mentees who will benefit from your unique perspective. Mentees can choose from a few mentor options, and the first session is a chance to check the fit.

We do our best to match you with mentees based on shared interests and strengths. Mentees are given a choice of mentors, and the first session is always about making sure the right fit for everybody.

That depends on you—your availability, your schedule, and your preference. It can be one mentee or ten (or more). It’s completely up to you, your needs, and the number of mentees looking for a mentor at any given time.

No worries—if things don’t feel right after your first session, just let us know and we’ll take it from there.

You’ll support mentees with everything from building confidence and communication skills to managing stress, exploring interests, and tackling everyday challenges. (See the “Word Wall” topics for examples!)

We provide a structure and toolkit for inspiration, but you’re encouraged to tailor sessions to your mentee’s needs and interests. Every mentoring journey is unique.

You’ll receive a Mentor Toolkit with session ideas, conversation starters, a mentor handbook, and a workbook for your mentees. Plus, ongoing support and new resources as they become available.

The schedule is agreed beforehand between us and the mentee’s family, based on what they want—whether that’s weekly, biweekly, twice a month, etc. You’ll then schedule sessions with that cadence, based on your availability and schedule.

Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes.

Yes! You and your mentee family agree on a schedule that works for everyone—around your studies, work, or other commitments.

Absolutely. Mentoring is designed to fit around your life and other priorities. If anything comes up last minute, it’s really important you let us know so we can support your mentee and make any necessary adjustments.

Just let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to adjust your schedule or arrange cover if needed.

Most mentoring relationships last for a package of 6, 12, or 24 sessions, but we’re flexible. We ask that you see your mentee through the agreed package if possible.

You’ll have ongoing support from the Freemind team, access to a group chat with other mentors, and plenty of opportunities for feedback and questions.

You can reach out to the Freemind team at any time via group chat, email, or phone. You’ll usually be assigned a member of our team to support you throughout your programme. You’ll have a chat with us and be able to text us at any time.

If you’d like feedback on your mentoring, just ask us—we’re always happy to provide it!

Yes! There is a mentor group chat where you can connect, share tips, and support each other.

All mentors complete accredited safeguarding training. We have clear policies, regular check-ins, and open communication with families to ensure everyone feels safe and supported. All sessions are held online and are monitored for safeguarding and safety reasons. This ensures everyone’s safety and the highest quality of support for both mentors and mentees.

Contact the Freemind team immediately. We’ll guide you through the right steps and provide any support you need.

We keep parents/families informed about logistics and progress, but respect the privacy of mentoring sessions unless there’s a safety concern.

Yes, mentoring is a paid opportunity. We’ll share all the details about payment during your application chat.

Absolutely! Mentoring is a fantastic way to build skills and experience. We’re happy to provide references or certificates upon request.

Just a reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, and a quiet space for sessions.

Yes! All sessions are held online.

We use secure, easy-to-access video platforms (like Zoom) for all sessions.

Reach out to the Freemind team—we’re always here to help you troubleshoot and get back on track.