Gwella Mentoring
Gwella is Cornish for “better” or “best”.
Gwella Mentoring helps young people move towards their “better” — with clearer direction, stronger confidence and practical next steps.
Is your teenager struggling with confidence, motivation or direction?
Gwella provides experienced one-to-one mentoring for young people, giving them the space to talk, think and work out what comes next. Together we build confidence, develop direction and turn thoughts into practical, realistic next steps.
Does your teenager seem stuck?
Sometimes young people don't need another person telling them what to do. They need someone outside home and school who will listen, ask the right questions, challenge their thinking and help them work out their own next step.
Gwella provides a calm, supportive space where young people can talk things through, gain perspective and begin moving forward.
Phil Petchey (BEd Hons) – Founder, Gwella Mentoring
About Phil and Gwella
Gwella Mentoring was founded by Phil Petchey following a career spanning more than 30 years working with young people in education.
Over that time Phil has developed a range of practical tools and approaches designed to help young people understand themselves, build confidence, strengthen resilience and make positive decisions.
Sessions are friendly, down-to-earth and focused on small, manageable changes that build over time.
Away from mentoring, Phil is a sailor, surfer, runner and questionable ukulele player.
How Gwella Can Help
For Parents
Gwella can support young people who are:
- struggling with confidence or self-belief
- lacking motivation
- feeling stuck or unsure what to do next
- finding school or life overwhelming
- capable but not fulfilling their potential
- trying to build resilience in sport or everyday life
- facing important choices or transitions
For Schools & Professionals
Gwella provides an additional supportive relationship for young people who may benefit from focused one-to-one mentoring alongside the support already available through school, college or other services.
Mentoring can focus on confidence, motivation, aspirations, resilience, goal setting, decision-making and preparation for future transitions.
Gwella Next
For young people aged 16–20 who are figuring out what's next.
Moving beyond school can bring exciting opportunities but also uncertainty. Gwella Next provides a space for older teenagers and young adults to think clearly about where they are heading and what practical steps they can take.
What Parents Say
“Our son absolutely loved his mentoring sessions and could not wait for Fridays. He came home buzzing with what he had learned and what he wanted to work on next. That alone speaks volumes.”
— Parent of Year 9 student“The visualisation techniques had a real impact. He used them in his karate training and competition and gained both confidence and success. We truly believe the mentoring helped him believe in himself.”
— Parent“We've seen real growth in confidence and positive mindset. He now thinks more constructively and believes he can succeed — which is one of the greatest gifts.”
— Parent“She loved the challenge of the sessions. She now understands the difference between positive self-talk and limiting beliefs and is beginning to reflect more thoughtfully on her emotions and goals.”
— Parent of Year 8 student“He says you are his favourite teacher he has ever had. Since mentoring, his confidence at school has grown and his friendship group has widened. He would absolutely love to continue the sessions.”
— Parent of secondary student“Playing sport at national level can be very challenging for a teenager. Since starting his mentoring he has become more resilient and is now able to bounce back from defeat and focus on the positives from his matches. That mindset is vital in competitive sport.”
— Parent of national-level athleteStart With an Informal Conversation
If you think Gwella might be right for a young person, get in touch for an informal, no-obligation conversation.
- 📞 Phone: 07761 946529
- 📧 Email: gwellamentor@gmail.com
- 📸 Instagram: @gwellamentor