This page provides details of achieving mentoring qualifications with Communication Matters.
The Communication Matters (CM) Mentoring Project aims to deliver qualifications in mentoring for AAC users as well as other training opportunities.
Mentoring is where an experienced Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) user works with a new, younger or less experienced AAC user. The CM Mentoring Project offers qualifications to prepare experienced AAC users to act as mentors.
These fully funded (until July 2029) qualifications are for people aged 13 up to adulthood. There are a number of different entry points depending on the prospective mentor’s skills and communication ability.
The CM Mentoring Project is managed by Verity Elliott; a fully approved assessor accredited by NCFE.
Subscribe to the Peer Support & Mentoring Newsletter
Our newsletter will keep you up to date with training events, and updates on funding, Mentoring qualifications and Communication Clubs across the UK. Click the button below to subscribe.
“I’ve officially completed Level 1 in Mentoring with Communication Matters! Proud to be building skills to support others who use AAC. Here’s to growing, learning, and lifting each other up.”
Course content and timing
These qualifications cover topics such as self advocacy, managing your technology, communication skills & assertiveness, digital skills and employability.
Courses are workbook based and are often timetabled for completion between 3 to 12 months.
There is plenty of scope and support available to personalise the learning journey for each individual taking the course.
On this page we share information that is widely applicable to many. Members of Communication Matters will soon be able to explore examples of personalised study plans in our Members Area.
How to enrol
Course enrolment begins with a telephone or online call with Verity Elliott to assess individual communication needs and personalised adaptations to coursework and assessments. Complete the form below to request your call with Verity.
The following qualification structure provides an overview of entry points for Personal & Social Development Certificates/Awards, and Mentoring and Employability Awards.
These mentoring qualifications are fully funded until July 2029.
Entry Level 2 Certificate and/or Entry Level 3 Award in Personal & Social Development
Level 1 Award in Personal & Social Development
Level 1 Award in Mentoring
Level 1 or Level 2 Award in Employability
Request an enrollment call
Please click the button below to book a call to discuss enrolment on the appropriate course for your needs. Please provide complete contact details.
Funding Peer Support and CM Mentoring Projects
Communication Matters was awarded a grant from the National Lottery to continue our AAC Peer Support and CMMentoring Project in England for another five years (2024 – 2029).
Communication Matters has also been successful in receiving funding from National Lottery, Awards for All, Scotland for Mentoring projects in Scotland for the next two years (2026 to 2028).
This enables us to continue to offer a range of opportunities for accredited and non-accredited learning in a wide range of topics including mentoring, peer support and CM Communication Clubs.
Events Diary for Peer Support, Mentoring & Communication Clubs
25 November 2025 : Looking After Myself - The Capacity to be Resilient and Assertive
Online Event
Led by Gregor Gilmour, AAC user and Verity Elliott, CM Mentoring Project Co-ordinator
This workshop will include gaining an understanding of some of the underlying issues that impact on our mental health and wellbeing, alongside a range of positive strategies and tools that we can use in our daily lives to help our capacity to be resilient.
We will also explore what ‘assertiveness’ looks like (self-advocacy) and create some useful resources for AAC users to be able to communicate ‘this will help me’.
2 December 2025 : Achieving the Level 1 in Mentoring Qualification
Online Event
Led by Becky Tyler, AAC user and Verity Elliott, CM Mentoring Project Co-ordinator
This is an opportunity for AAC users to find out more about this fully accredited and fully funded opportunity to achieve Mentoring qualifications. Verity will present how this qualification can be delivered and completed in a flexible and adaptable way, the benefits and next steps. Becky will tell you more about her recent experience of completing the qualification.
The qualification includes understanding the role of a mentor, preparing for the role of a mentor and demonstrate mentoring
All resources, including a handbook for each unit, along with different formats for completing assessment activities, are provided along with induction and support. The qualification can be completed in small groups or individually.
AAC Online Groups & Chats
CM Facebook Groups
We have established two Facebook Groups to support the ongoing effectiveness of Communication Matters’ Peer Support & Mentoring Projects.
The first is for AAC mentors to meet online. You can find this group on Facebook as CM AAC Mentors.
The second is for Communication Club organisers to discuss best practice and share experiences of successful Club activities and organisation. You can find this group on Facebook as CM AAC Communication Clubs.
PWUAAC Online Chats
ISAAC invites people who use AAC to meet online for informal chats. Find details of the next international chat on the ISAAC website.
