For Young People Referred by Parents or Carers
So your parent or carer has suggested mentoring might be helpful, and now you’re wondering what that’s all about? That’s completely fair, and it’s your decision whether this is something you want to try. This page is just for you, to help you understand what we offer and decide if it feels right.
We understand that having someone else make decisions about your life can feel frustrating. That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to make your own choice about mentoring.
Your Questions Answered
What exactly is mentoring?
Mentoring is not therapy or school. It’s more like having a guide who understands what it’s like to be neurodivergent and can help you figure things out on your terms. Our mentors don’t tell you what to do, they work with you to explore options and build skills that make everyday life a bit easier.
Do I need to be diagnosed with something?
No. We work with people who are diagnosed, waiting for assessment, or just feel they might be neurodivergent. You know yourself best, and we respect that.
Will you tell my parents everything we talk about?
No. Our sessions are private between you and your mentor. We only share information if we’re worried about your safety or if you specifically ask us to tell your parents something. We’ll always be clear about what stays private and what doesn’t.
What if I don’t click with my mentor?
That’s completely fine and happens sometimes! The relationship with your mentor is important, so if it doesn’t feel right, we can help you find someone else who might be a better fit. There’s no pressure to stick with someone if it doesn’t feel comfortable.
Can I try it out before committing?
Absolutely! We offer a free 15-minute discovery call where you can meet a mentor, ask questions, and get a feel for what it would be like. There’s no obligation to continue after this call, it’s just a chance to see if mentoring feels right for you.
What if I want to stop?
You can stop mentoring at any time. We don’t lock you into long contracts, and we understand that your needs might change. Just let your mentor know, and we’ll respect your decision.
Making Your Own Decision
It’s completely okay to take time to decide if mentoring is right for you. Here are some ways to help you make that decision:
Explore Mentor Profiles
Browse our mentor profiles to see if anyone seems like someone you’d feel comfortable talking with. Each mentor has different experiences and interests, much like you.
Watch Our Intro Video
See what mentoring actually looks like and hear from other young people who’ve tried it. This gives you a better idea of what to expect.
Book a Free Discovery Call
Chat with a mentor for 15 minutes to see if it feels right. This is just a getting-to-know-you conversation with no pressure to continue.
What to Expect from Mentoring
Comfortable Environment
Sessions take place online in a relaxed setting where you can be yourself.
Personalized Support
Sessions are based on what you want to work on, not a fixed curriculum.
No Pressure
You set the pace and can take breaks when needed. No expectations to be a certain way.
Practical Tools
Learn strategies that actually help with real-life challenges you’re facing.
Stories from Others Like You
“Before mentoring, I felt completely lost. I didn’t know where to begin with career planning or how to manage my anxiety. My mentor didn’t just listen—she got it. Sessions felt safe, honest, and really practical. I now feel more confident in who I am and what I want. It’s made such a difference.”
— A, 18
“This was the first time I didn’t feel broken. I’ve always masked to fit in, even around professionals. But with Inclusive Outsource, I felt accepted as I am. My mentor helped me explore my autistic identity in a way that made sense—and gave me tools to navigate life in my own way.”
— J, 21
“Mentoring helped me rebuild my self-esteem. After leaving school early due to EBSA, I felt like I’d failed. But working with my mentor showed me that success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. I’m now working part-time and planning to start my own small business.”
— K 19
“I’ve masked for so long, I forgot who I really was. Starting mentoring felt scary at first, but my mentor created a space where I didn’t have to pretend. I was able to talk openly about the anxiety I carry every day and finally started unpacking the years of pressure, burnout, and people-pleasing. It’s helped me understand my needs, embrace my neurodivergence, and start making decisions that actually work for me—not just what’s expected.”
— L, 20
Self-Assessment Tool
Not sure if mentoring might help you? Consider these questions to help you decide. There are no right or wrong answers, this is just to help you think about what you might want.
- Do you sometimes feel that others don’t understand how your mind works?
- Are there specific challenges at school, home, or with friends that you wish you had help with?
- Would it be helpful to talk to someone who isn’t your parent or teacher?
- Are you unsure about what you want to do in the future?
- Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by expectations or sensory inputs?
- Would you like to learn strategies that could help you feel more confident or less anxious?
- Are you curious about understanding your neurodivergent traits better?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, mentoring might be helpful for you. But the most important thing is how you feel about it.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to answer any other questions you might have about mentoring. You can book a free chat with one of our team members, or send us a message.
