Empowerment Through Networking

Many mentees arrive in a new city or context with few contacts beyond a support worker or one family member. Mentoring and sport can open doors into wider networks: teammates, coaches, neighbours, volunteers, club staff, language teachers and more.

When these connections feel safe and respectful, they support:

The aim is not to push mentees into constant activity, but to help them build a small, meaningful network they can trust and grow over time.

Sport and movement are ideal entry points into local networks. They combine low-threshold activity with social contact and routine.

Low-threshold settings

• Walking groups, beginner fitness or “try-out” sessions.
• Family-friendly or women-only classes and open gyms.
• Community events: picnics, sports days, festivals or open houses.

Fit to interests and energy

• Match activities to what the mentee already enjoys (dance, outdoor walks, ball games, yoga, etc.).
• Start with gentle intensity and short duration; add more only when the mentee feels ready.
• Combine movement with another interest (e.g. language café + walk, cooking group + active break).

Linking into the local fabric

Encouraging mentees to join local clubs, associations or hobby groups helps them feel part of the “normal life” of the community — not only of special projects.

Mentors are companions and door-openers, not full-time social workers. Small, concrete actions can have a big impact.

Before entering a new space

• Talk through expectations: what the place looks like, who will be there, how long you’ll stay.
• Check cultural comfort: dress codes, women-only needs, prayer times, food, or music concerns.
• Agree a simple exit plan (e.g. “If it feels too loud, we step outside and decide together.”).

During the first visit

• Arrive together; introduce the mentee by name and strengths, not only as “a refugee” or “newcomer”.
• Stay for the first session if possible; model questions such as “What do we need to bring next time?”
• Notice body language: does the mentee relax over time or look tense and withdrawn?

Afterwards

• Debrief with open questions: “What felt good?”, “What felt difficult?”, “Would you like to return?”
• Agree one tiny follow-up step (send a message, attend once more, invite a friend).
• Respect a “no” and look for alternative spaces if the fit isn’t right.

Many mentees are entering new spaces where unspoken rules, language and power dynamics feel unfamiliar. These strategies support dignity and safety.

Culture and gender

• Offer women-only or women-led options whenever possible.
• Ask about comfort with mixed-gender changing rooms, coaches, or spectators.
• Avoid stereotypes; ask how the mentee prefers to be introduced.

Communication

• Use simple language and avoid jargon (“training”, “trial”, “membership”, “season fee”).
• Check understanding gently (“How would you explain this to a friend?”).
• Use visuals, translated flyers or voice notes where possible.

Shared responsibility

Inclusion is not only the mentee’s task. Coordinators, mentors and clubs share responsibility for adjusting rules, formats and expectations so more people can participate.

Many mentees face overlapping barriers. Address one or two at a time and celebrate small shifts.

Language

New settings often bring unfamiliar words, fast speech or multiple languages.

• Pair with bilingual mentors or peers where possible.
• Encourage “key phrases” practice (greetings, asking for help, thanking).
• Use WhatsApp messages or pictures to explain times and locations.

Confidence & past experiences

Negative experiences in authorities, schools or clubs may make people cautious.

• Normalise nervousness: “Most people feel shy the first time.”
• Start with observation (watching a session, sitting on the side) before full participation.
• Highlight strengths the mentee already shows in other areas of life.

Time, care and money

Childcare, shift work, transport or fees can block participation.

• Look for programmes with free/low-cost options or equipment loans.
• Use locations reachable by public transport or walking.
• Coordinate family-friendly times or parallel activities for children.

Exclusion and bias

Racism, sexism, xenophobia or subtle exclusion may appear.

• Take concerns seriously; report patterns to coordinators and, if needed, safeguarding leads.
• Choose partners and clubs that show clear commitment to inclusion.
• Offer mentees alternative spaces if a setting proves unsafe.

In the wider MOTM “Roles and Responsibilities” framework, coordinators build the bridges; mentors walk the first steps with mentees; clubs and community partners keep the door open over time.

Programme coordinators

• Map local networks (clubs, NGOs, language schools, youth and women’s groups, libraries, services).
• Negotiate low-threshold access: trial passes, reduced fees, flexible attendance, equipment support.
• Provide mentors with up-to-date contact lists and clear information.
• Monitor partnerships and gather feedback (what works, what doesn’t).

Sports clubs and community organisations

• Nominate a contact person who understands the mentoring programme.
• Train key staff/volunteers on intercultural communication and safeguarding.
• Co-host events (try-out days, open houses, family sessions) with the mentoring programme.
• Recognise mentees as full members, not only “project participants”.

Ultimately, mentees decide which connections feel meaningful and safe. The goal is to build their autonomy, not to design their social life for them.

Identify interests and priorities

• What kind of people or places does the mentee want more of (e.g. women friends, language practice, nature)?
• Which spaces feel draining or unsafe and should be avoided?

Take small actions

• Choose one space to return to regularly for a few weeks.
• Practice starting or ending short conversations (“See you next week!”, “Thank you for today”).
• Invite a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to join.

Maintain and nurture connections

• Exchange contact details with people who feel safe.
• Send simple messages to keep in touch (“Happy holidays”, “Good luck in the match”).
• Notice which connections feel mutual and energising.

It is okay to start very small — one group, one coach, one neighbour. Networks grow step by step.

Network mapping is a simple way to visualise existing contacts and spot gaps or next steps. It can be done with pen and paper during a mentoring meeting.

How to use it (3 steps)

1. Draw yourself in the centre of the page. Add circles for “family”, “friends”, “services”, “sport”, “learning”, “work/volunteering”.
2. Add names or places you already know in each circle (even if contact is occasional).
3. Choose one small action for the coming month: strengthen an existing link or explore one new space.

Small adjustments — arriving together, introductions, and a short debrief — turn a stressful moment into a step towards belonging.