A Solution-Focused approach involves building on a strength’s perspective and using a time-limited approach, solution focused brief therapy is a treatment model in social work practice that holds a person accountable for solutions rather than responsible for problems.

Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) is unconditional acceptance, love, or affection and requires that a person be warm and accepting even when another person has done something questionable. The term is credited to the Humanist psychologist Carl Rogers.

Reflective Practice is the capacity to reflect on action so as to engage in a process of continuous learning..." (Shon 1983:102-104), and "...paying critical attention to the practical values and theories which inform everyday actions, by examining practice [life/work experiences] reflectively and reflexively. Reflective learning is a way of allowing students to step back from their learning experience to help them develop critical thinking skills and improve on future performance by analysing their experience.

Information, guidance and advice (IGA) is part of every programme, these sessions, often held in the early evenings or weekends serve to provide IGA as well as give the sisters an opportunity to meet sisters from other programmes, they explore themes such as legal advice, housing, health and fitness; to how to become an entrepreneur, often led by external people or our partners who give them a presentation or facilitate a Q&A. Our networking sessions are a fun and informal way to get answers to your questions whilst building positive relationships with your peers.

Sister System’s unique approach to mentoring aims to provide mentees with tools and strategies which enable them to identify risk, and raise awareness and resilience whilst encouraging emotional, mental and social independence. Employing our three chosen models - the solution-focused approach, unconditional positive regards and reflective practice - alongside ‘rational’ mentoring techniques, these sessions are a time for a sister to begin to recover and identify new wishes, hopes and dreams for a better future. Our experienced mentors, who often hold qualifications in additional therapeutic approaches, are matched with a sister. The mentoring relationship and its aims are led by her individual needs. Sessions employ the solution-focused approach, unconditional positive regard and are interactive. Paramount importance is given to measuring her journey and progress made in terms of her identified goals, her personal resilience, growth and wellbeing. The women and girls are at the heart of the mentoring and as such the impact of each mentoring session is identified and recorded by each sister with her mentor encouraging reflective practice and a partnership approach.

Led by an appointed career mentor, these sessions work with the sister to inspire support and encourage entry into her ‘dream job’. She is matched with a professional from her destination career who offer her up to 6 sessions in aspirational or career-relevant locations. The mentor shares their professional journey with a view to creating a plan of action for the sister’s future. Sister System’s work mentors come from a range of fields such as business, science, health and beauty, media and marketing, event management, social changers, entrepreneurs, engineering and journalism. We are always actively seeking to broaden our pool of mentors so we can match the ambitions of all our sisters. Sessions take place in a variety of settings and times including a session over lunch or dinner, somewhere aspirational or in the professional setting. Internships and work placements are also available. If you want to become a work mentor for Sister System please <add>get in touch.<add> </add></add>

An Ambassador is a young woman aged 16+ who may have been affected by the care system directly, or who has a relationship with someone who has. Ambassadors are graduates of our Ambassador and Leadership programme who are passionate about empowering other women to be the best they can be, and who have worked with us to build a community that can support girls and women journeying through their challenges. Sister System recognises that these young women are the experts and we are passionate about providing appropriate support and a platform for their voices to be heard. Through our empowerment model, Sister System provides paid roles for both Big Sisters and Ambassadors and leaders providing services for the organisation.

What is a Big Sister? Big Sisters are graduates from our The Big Sister You Never Had programme during which they received accredited training in leadership and peer mentoring skills, granting them the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to fulfil this role. Big Sisters host peer-led networking events offering a range of both practical support and knowledge which is essential to sustaining independence and well-being. They offer 1-1 Power up peer mentoring and work alongside the team to shape and inform our approach. Sister System recognises that these young women are the experts and as such are at the forefront of our work.