December 16, 2025

Staying Connected This Winter: Session Ideas for Mentors

Happy New Year, Mentors!

As we begin a new year, we want to say a huge welcome back and thank you for everything you do. We hope you had a restful break and are feeling ready for the months ahead. Every session you give helps a child feel seen, listened to and supported, and that consistent, trusted relationship is especially important during the winter months, particularly when sessions are resuming after time away over the holidays.

While winter brings darker afternoons and colder weather, it can also be a chance to slow things down, focus on connection, and enjoy meaningful one-to-one time with your Little Londoner.

Below are some tips and activity ideas to help you continue enjoying sessions together throughout the winter.

Planning for winter sessions

A little preparation can help sessions feel calm, safe and enjoyable during the colder months.

At pick-up, always check that your mentee is dressed warmly enough for the weather and the activity you’re planning. This may include a coat, hat or gloves if you’ll be outside for any length of time.
Be mindful of early darkness and winter weather when planning sessions. Travel disruption can be more common at this time of year, especially when using public transport or travelling further afield. Ending sessions in good time helps ensure everyone gets home safely.
Arrive with a simple plan, but be ready to adapt depending on your mentee’s mood or energy levels, particularly after a long school day.
It can be helpful to have a familiar back-up activity in mind. This might be a visit to a favourite snack spot, a bubble tea shop, or simply spending time somewhere your mentee already feels comfortable.
Remember that being present, patient and consistent matters far more than doing something big every week. Quiet sessions are just as valuable.

Making the most of indoor time

As the weather gets colder, sessions may move indoors more often. These slower-paced sessions are a great opportunity to build trust, follow your mentee’s lead and enjoy spending time together.

You could explore:

Museums and galleries, many of which offer interactive exhibits that keep children engaged while introducing new ideas and interests.
Indoor alternatives to favourite outdoor activities. If you’ve been visiting the park or playing sports together, see if a local leisure centre or community space offers something similar indoors.
Local libraries, bowling alleys, cinemas, theatres or arcades. Even trying a new bus or tube route together can feel like an adventure.

Keeping sessions child-led indoors

If you choose to stay in one place, such as a library or café, there are still plenty of ways to keep sessions fun, creative and child-led.

You might try:

Drawing, colouring or crafts, including activities like origami, which can help children express themselves when words feel tricky.
Story writing or comic strips, allowing imagination to take centre stage while supporting literacy skills.
Board games and card games such as Uno or Top Trumps (pick a theme based on your mentee’s interests), which help develop communication, turn-taking and problem-solving.
Reading together, even in small chunks. Taking turns, choosing characters or using silly voices can make storytelling more active and engaging.
Conversation games like “Would you rather…?”, which are a relaxed way to build trust and learn more about each other.

If you’re ever unsure about what to do in a session or would like ideas specific to your local area, your Programme Manager is always there to help. You can also find lots of inspiration on our Community Platform – you can find resources on the home page on the right hand side.

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Here’s to a winter full of connection, laughter and meaningful moments – and to a fantastic year ahead together.