Unmask Me
Room to be yourself.
Sometimes, the world can feel like a place where you have to hide parts of yourself just to fit in. For young people who mask their feelings, needs or differences, everyday interactions can be exhausting.
Unmask Me offers a calm, accepting space where young people can begin to feel understood without pressure to explain themselves, perform or meet other people's expectations.
Through personalised, one-to-one online mentoring, we focus on connection, trust and helping each young person discover what feeling comfortable and being themselves means to them.
Finding your own ways to communicate and connect
Who might this suit?
Unmask Me may be particularly suitable for young people who feel they have to hide their needs, emotions or differences to fit in. This may include autistic young people, those with ADHD, anxiety, selective mutism or other communication differences.
Some may appear to cope well in certain environments but feel overwhelmed or exhausted afterwards. Others may find speaking, making eye contact, expressing their needs or navigating social expectations particularly challenging.
We recognise that every young person experiences the world differently. There is no expectation to communicate, interact or express themselves in a particular way.
We discuss suitability with each family or referring professional. A suitable mentor match and availability cannot be guaranteed before an initial conversation.
How Unmask Me can feel different
Being understood shouldn't mean having to explain everything.
Every young person deserves to feel accepted for who they are, including the ways they communicate, express emotions and experience the world. At Unmask Me, we don't expect young people to make eye contact, speak on demand, switch on their camera or share personal experiences before they're ready.
Our mentors take time to understand each young person's interests, preferences and communication style. Whether connection begins through gaming, art, music, shared interests or simply spending time together, we follow the young person's lead. We recognise that silence, pauses and different ways of communicating are just as valid as spoken conversation.
Exploring interests
Exploring interests, strengths and personal preferences through chosen activities.
Finding comfortable ways
Finding comfortable ways to express needs, boundaries and choices.
Building trust
Building trust through consistent sessions where silence, pauses and different communication styles are respected.
These are examples, not requirements or promised outcomes. The mentor and family can agree broad goals and revisit them as the relationship develops.
Connection before expectations.
We believe trust grows when a young person feels safe, respected and free from pressure.
Our sessions are delivered online, one-to-one, with a consistent mentor wherever possible. We understand that building relationships can take time, particularly for young people who have experienced anxiety, misunderstanding or pressure to behave in ways that don't feel natural to them.
Some young people may communicate through conversation. Others may prefer typing, gaming, shared activities, gestures or simply listening. There is no expectation to disclose personal information, stop masking or communicate in a particular way.
We work alongside families to identify flexible, meaningful goals that reflect the young person's individual needs and preferences.
We can discuss how to share relevant progress with families or professionals while respecting confidentiality, safeguarding and the young person’s needs.
Mentoring is not clinical therapy, crisis support or a substitute for statutory educational provision. If a different service is needed, we will discuss that openly.
Let's explore what support could look like.
We take time to understand the person and discuss a suitable starting point.
Families, schools and local authorities can enquire. Tell us a little about the young person and the support you are looking for. Please avoid sending detailed sensitive information through an initial enquiry.