How does the programme work?

Beacon’s patient group mentoring programme runs for a 12-month period, offering patient group leaders the opportunity to learn, develop, and strengthen their impact with the support of experienced mentors.

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Partnerships

Each year, Beacon carefully reviews all applications and pairs mentees with mentors based on their goals, experience, and areas of interest. Every match is designed to create a supportive partnership where mentors can share their knowledge and experience, and mentees can gain confidence, insight, and practical skills to help achieve their goals.

Once paired, mentors and mentees work together to set a series of SMART objectives for the year, with guidance from Beacon. From there, they work together to turn these goals into action, with the mentor providing encouragement and advice along the way.

To make the most of the experience, pairs are encouraged to meet for at least an hour each month, whether virtually or in person, to catch up, reflect on progress, and plan next steps.

Throughout the year, Beacon hosts three check-in calls to see how pairs are progressing and to offer additional guidance and support.

What to expect

The programme goes beyond one-to-one mentoring. We know the rare disease community is strongest when we come together, so we make sure there are plenty of opportunities to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These include:

In person Welcome Event

We will kick off the Mentoring Programme in February with a day in London for the whole cohort. You’ll have the opportuntiy to meet your partner, learn about the programme and connect with your fellow mentees and mentors.

Programme wide meet-ups

Throughout the programme, you’ll be invited to join virtual meet-ups, from relaxed monthly drop-ins to three more structured group sessions. These are a great opportunity to network, share experiences, and get advice and encouragement from others in the mentoring community.

Mentoring newsletter

The newsletter will be sent out every two months, keeping you up to date with the latest news and opportunities from across the cohort. It’s a space where you can share updates, ask questions, and highlight your events, helping everyone stay informed, engaged, and connected throughout the year.

Training

At the start of the programme, mentors will have the opportunity to take part in leadership and mentoring training designed to give you the skills, confidence, and tools to make a real impact with your mentee. Additional training sessions may also be offered for both mentors and mentees during the programme, based on demand and the needs of the cohort.