Making connections and sharing resources
Communication Matter’s Peer Support & Mentoring Project is all about empowering Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users to develop their communication skills, enhance their independence and improve their quality of life.
We are launching this newsletter to raise awareness of the activities, training, qualifications and support we offer. In this issue, you can read about:
Case Studies | Training Events | Northallerton Communication Club | Feedback | New Facebook Groups
Case Studies
Meet Becky the Mentor
“Completing this course has been really valuable for my personal development.
As a role model for the charity 1Voice, it has helped me to better understand how to support and guide a mentee effectively, giving me more confidence in my ability to listen, encourage, and offer useful advice.
The course has also strengthened my communication and reflection skills, which are essential in my role. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained through this course will help me contribute more meaningfully in different settings as well. Overall, the course has given me a stronger foundation to support others while also growing personally and professionally.”
Becky achieved a Level 1 Award in Mentoring qualification earlier this year. She is now studying for the Level 2 Award in Employability. Becky will be presenting at a Mentoring Qualifications Online Training Event on Tuesday 2 December 2025 — see details below.
National Star College Gloucester
Communication Matters provided 1-1 support and bespoke workshops to students and staff at National Star College in July 2025, culminating in students achieving Level in Mentoring qualifications. National Star has started a Communication Club and has extended invitations to other local organisations and services to join the next Club meeting in the autumn term.
Emily Harris, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist-AAC, said, “The inaugural meeting of the Gloucestershire AAC Communication Club was planned and run by students and staff at National Star College (NSC) in July 2025. The students were able to develop and generalise their communication skills in a functional and meaningful context as well as start making links with their local community.
The group was attended by 10 AAC users and the students were all very excited to meet and take part in a range of activities including an ‘ice breaking’ quiz written by one of the NSC students, some time for conversation and time to feedback on what they would like the group to look like in the future.”
Training Events
Looking After Myself – The Capacity to be Resilient and Assertive
2-3pm Tuesday 25 November 2025, Teams Session
Led by Gregor Gilmour, AAC user and Verity Elliott, CM Mentoring Project Co-ordinator
This online 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’.
Achieving the Level 1 in Mentoring Qualification
2pm – 3pm, Tuesday 2 December 2025 , Teams Session
Led by Becky Tyler, AAC user and Verity Elliott, CM Mentoring Project Co-ordinator
This is an online 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 for taking the qualification, 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.
Northallerton AAC Communication Club
Tom McDonald and Julie Tarn led a really informative session about the Northallerton AAC Communication Club at this year’s Communication Matters International AAC Conference in Leeds (September 2025).
The Club is a welcoming and inclusive group where individuals who use AAC can come together in a safe, sociable and engaging environment. Tom and Julie shared how they set up the Club and what has worked well. The Club meets once a month on a Saturday morning.
Want to find out more about the Northallerton Communication Club, finding a Communication Club near you, or want to start a Communication Club yourself? Book a call with Verity to discuss the support YOU need to get started.
Feedback on Peer Support Events
Earlier this year, we hosted a very successful, informative and enjoyable first Sharing Best Practice Day for Peer Support & Mentoring at the University of Leeds.
Here’s what some of our attendees had to say about this mentoring and self advocacy event.
“It was very inspirational and for once I am thinking I maybe I can do something meaningful with my life.” — AAC user
”For my son to see the benefits of training to become a mentor.” —Parent
“Hearing from AT mentors and networking with likeminded professionals and AAC users.” — Speech and Language Therapist
“About the youth club, AT therapy and meeting so many amazing people.” — AAC user
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.
Save the Date
Sharing Best Practice for Peer Support and Mentoring
10am – 3pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026, University of Leeds
The next workshop on Sharing Best Practice for Peer Support and Mentoring is for AAC users, families and AAC professionals who are interested in attending, supporting or setting up an AAC Communication Club.
We look forward to sharing details of how to register in January 2025.
