Frequently Asked Questions

Mentee

IS THE APP SAFE?

All our Mentors have been through a strict application, reference & background check as well as appropriate training to be able to join the App. 

Any messages that break our code of conduct are investigated and users will be removed who abuse the system. 

CAN I BE ANONYMOUS

Yes, you can, you don’t need to say your name and have a choice of photos you can choose from. 

CAN I MEET MY MENTOR?

In the interest of safeguarding, meeting up with Mentors is not appropriate in this context. We aim to provide you with the maximum value from online communication. 

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SERVICE?

No, this is a charity and a free service. 

If you feel there is value from this service, please subscribe or donate to enable someone else to also benefit.

WHAT IF MY MENTOR IS NOT AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED THEM?

Mentors are volunteers and are giving up their time to help you so please be flexible on timings. Been There is not a helpline – please click on the Crisis link for more information. 

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND A MENTOR I CAN RELATE TO/ LIKE?

Please contact the Been There team at [email protected] and we will assist you. 

WILL THE MENTOR HAVE ACCESS TO ANY OF MY CONTACT DETAILS?

No, all communication is kept on the App and there is no swapping/sharing of contact information. 

WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR CONTACT DETAILS?

No, all communication is kept on the App and there is no swapping/sharing of contact information.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM A MENTOR?

Our Mentors will aim to respond to an individual within 24 hours. 

ARE THE VOLUNTEER MENTORS SUPERVISED?

Yes, all our volunteer Mentors have a Mentor Manager that will check-in on them on a regular, recurring basis.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO STOP ALL CONTACT WITH MY MENTOR?

You are free to leave your Mentor and the app at any point. If you have any concerns or wish to change your Mentor, then please contact us on [email protected]. 

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BEEN THERE TEAM?

Please contact us at [email protected]

Mentor

IF I DO NOT HAVE A PROFESSIONAL REFEREE, WHO ELSE CAN I PROVIDE FOR REFERENCES?

We can also accept the following if you do not have a professional referee:

– Religious leader

– Teacher/Educator (a Personal Tutor, Lecturer, Careers Advisor)

– Doctor/Health Visitor

– Lawyer

HOW MANY HOURS OF VOLUNTEERING MENTORING IS EXPECTED OF ME?

We ask that you dedicate a minimum of 4 hours a week to an individual (the Mentee). 

General

WHAT IS BEEN THERE? 

Been There is an app which supports people over 18 years old struggling with body image issues. The app connects ‘Mentees’ with adult ‘Mentors’ who have been in a similar situation to them. The Mentee and Mentor can communicate via a chat function on the app.

WHO CAN USE BEEN THERE? 

Adults over the age of 18 experiencing body image issues. 

HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?

Find a Mentor:

– Download the app

– Click on ‘Find a Mentor’

– Follow the steps to complete your own profile

– Choose from the list of Mentors (each one has their own profile)

– Start a chat with your chosen Mentor (speak to one of our Mentors who’s truly Been There)

Be a Mentor:

– Download the app

– Click on ‘Be a Mentor’

– Complete the application form, including two reference details and information for background check

– Once complete, you will be notified that your application screening is in progress and if successful, you will be contacted within 4 weeks.

– Once you have passed the application screening and checks, you will be contacted with details for the training course. 

WHAT DOES BEEN THERE MENTORING SUPPORT AIM TO ACHIEVE?

Openness to talk about things
Ease of accessing help
Feeling not alone
Safe space to express feelings
Confidentiality  
Active support
Positive improvements in your life
Overcoming the fear with a listening ear

DOES BEEN THERE PROVIDE COUNSELLING OR THERAPY?

Been There provides trained and vetted Mentors as active listeners to Mentees experiencing body image issues. Our Mentors are not counsellors or therapists, but rather people who have lived through similar experiences of the Mentees. 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A SMARTPHONE? 

All communication is done through the app via chat. If you don’t have access to an App Store from your mobile device, then it is not possible to access this service at this stage. Please see our resources page for information on how you can access other services.

IS THERE A LIMITED CHARACTER AMOUNT ON THE APP? 

The character amount on the chat page is unlimited. 

ARE ALL MESSAGES CONFIDENTIAL? 

All conversations are confidential but are monitored by our Mentor Manager to ensure the right support is being given and there are no safety concerns. If a Mentee is believed to be in imminent danger or a safeguarding issue is raised, the Mentor Manager will share the Mentee’s details with emergency services or appropriate authorities.