Hope Mentoring

24/02/2026

Testimonial Tuesday: it was lovely to get this review in my inbox this week, from an adult I recently did some short term mentoring with. I was really pleased to hear his contract has been extended.

"Ali was hired by my employer to help find ways to support me in the work environment to make my ongoing employment sustainable and to prepare for a meeting between the company and myself in order for me to explain what my needs were and how they might be able to support that. I had four one-to-one mentoring sessions, each lasting one hour, with Ali in a neutral place. The meetings were non-judgemental and fact-finding, identifying my strengths and weaknesses, and getting to know me as a person. Following these sessions, she was able to produce a report for the company highlighting areas for possible adjustments. She also produced a plan to help people at work understand me better and areas where I may struggle or react differently to others. Lastly, she helped me produce notes, based on the ADHD UK’s ADHD at Work welfare pack for me to use in a meeting with people from the company. She also attended the meeting to help make sure I was able to speak for myself but aid me if there was a need. The sessions with Ali were incredibly helpful and insightful. She was clearly very knowledgeable and patient with me. She showed me compassion but also was very professional and made me feel like she understood me and was there to advocate for me."

12/01/2026

It was great to meet with other parents at Neurodiversi-tea in Twyning this morning and chat about what I offer at Hope Mentoring.

We spoke about behaviour as communication and how our communication is so much more than the words we speak (or don't speak)

24/12/2025

Feeling very Christmassy after a few slower days, a walk in the countryside and a Christingle this evening.

From my family to yours, wishing you and your families a Happy Christmas.

09/12/2025

Testimonial Tuesday:

"Ali is highly recommended by myself and family she has been working with my daughter (suspected autistic and ADHD, aged 12) for well over a year. The progress my daughter has made from not engaging to now very confident in talking to her, getting bus to school independently - her approach has always been professional but works at my daughters level.She has progressed with Ali she now goes for hot chocolate in a cafe, visits public places etc during their time and my daughter is a lot more chatty.Thank you Ali I thought we would never see these days."

01/12/2025

Are you a youthworker or a youth pastor?

If the answer is yes, and you would value the opportunity to chat through some of the things on your mind with another youth work professional, please get in touch.

I have 3 free sessions available. The frequency of the sessions can be up to you.

I can offer:

* my time and an external perspective to process some of the things you are facing in your youth work or volunteering

* chatting through your ideas for moving your work forward

* a safe and confidential space

* meeting online or in person (in Cheltenham).

21/11/2025

Tonight my family are happy dancing for a battle won in a very long fight. We got a just outcome in a PIP tribunal and strong evidence to help us in next steps.

I know we aren't alone in trying to navigate the system which makes it so difficult to get support for our children and young people with additional needs.

For those of you reading this who are weary from the battles, I see you. Keep going, keep showing up.

Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we prepare for the next battle.

19/11/2025

Another fun day of inclusion training in Tewkesbury yesterday with Active Impact. It's always good to think through practical ways of making our spaces for children and young people more inclusive, and I love that I am learning how to improve my own practice whilst holding the conversation with other practitioners.

04/11/2025

Great to be part of the training team with Active Impact in Tewkesbury today. Such a fab group! We had some really good conversations about what disables people in society and how we can remove barriers for children and young people to feel included and welcome in our activities. Very much looking forward to day 2 in a fortnight.

27/10/2025

Today is and I've been grateful for a bit of time off in nature, appreciating a beautiful landscape and time with my family.

Rest is a good thing, it helps us renew our strength, ready for whatever lies ahead.

As I reflect, I am grateful for the people who have mentored me over the years , and for those I have had the privilege of mentoring.

And I'm looking forward to getting back to walk alongside some of those I am journeying with later in the week.

22/10/2025

I really enjoyed attending the Neurodiversity Network meeting this morning. Artshape's talk on neurodiversity and mental health was great, and the talk on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome was very thought provoking. Thanks for hosting Active Impact

It’s conference day and we are in full swing!

Today we are delighted to welcome everyone to our third Neurodiversity Network Conference.

With a full programme of workshops, keynote speakers and networking, we are pleased to welcome organisations running activities who want to be more inclusive, neurodivergent people and families who want their voices heard and advocates working for positive change.

07/10/2025

This is worth a watch. I could relate to lot of it as a parent of autistic children. It gives a good insight into the fight many parents have to access an appropriate education for their children. It also offers some balance by talking to a local authority about their experiences of the SEND system.

Kellie Bright meets parents fighting for the right education for their autistic children.

30/09/2025

This is your final call to join our 'Including Neurodivergent Children and Young People – a Practical Workshop' for those who’ve already completed Inclusion Needs You and Neurodiversity Training.

We’ll explore the Autistic SPACE Framework and help you adapt your setting for real, lasting inclusion of neurodivergent children and young people.

✅ Free to attend
✅ Hands-on and practical
✅ Led by neurodivergent trainers and parent carers

🎟️ Book your spot: https://bit.ly/3UZDv0c