The Thames Valley network provides a safe space for knowledge exchange and learning through open and respectful dialogue, and conversations about coaching and mentoring theory and practice. Our events are an opportunity to connect with other professional coaches and mentors in the Thames Valley and beyond with the aim of building a peer-to-peer network.
Who is the group for?
We welcome a broad and varied community of practitioners – including coaches, mentors, supervisors, etc – from the Thames Valley and beyond to our events. Anyone interested in knowledge exchange and promoting best practice in coaching and mentoring is welcome!
Why join the group?
Through our events, we seek to explore, discuss, and develop our understanding by:
- Promoting best practice in coaching and mentoring
- Sharing new thinking and approaches
- Creating a space for exploration and discovery
- Encouraging discussion and identifying areas for research
- Building a peer-resourced network of practitioners with a passion for coaching and mentoring
We include opportunities for connection and networking at each event through break-out group discussions. Events may feature: a guest speaker such as a published author; an emerging coach and mentor sharing research from their studies; or coaches and mentors from other disciplines.
Information and meetings
On average, we aim to meet five times a year in a mix of virtual and face to face meetings – this will include at least one annual in-person event in Oxfordshire – offering informal networking, guest speakers and panel discussions.
For more information about this network or to register your interest in speaking at a future event, please contact:
Tania Mechlenborg and Paul Crawte
[email protected]
Lead coordinators
Tania Mechlenborg – Tania is an experienced coach and mentor who is passionate about supporting individuals to greater fulfilment in their professional and personal lives. Tania is also a professional policy facilitator with a 25-year track record in international conflict and security, giving her a deep understanding of the importance of liaising effectively, fostering positive relationships and mutual understanding to produce effective and sustainable outcomes and solutions. Tania is currently finalizing her MA thesis in coaching and mentoring at the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring, Oxford Brookes University. She holds a BA and MSc in political science and international relations from the University of Copenhagen, and runs her own career coaching practice.
Paul Crawte – Paul has recently completed his masters in coaching and mentoring with Oxford Brookes University, as part of his ongoing personal and professional development. His employment history spans 30 years in the public and community sector. Specialising in community-based work, particularly with vulnerable groups, he has held roles as head of youth service, a safeguarding lead and trainer, consultant to community groups, and project manager in the fields of mental health and the children's hospice and palliative care sectors. He is currently employed by a national disability charity. Paul’s coaching focus includes supporting those in the third sector new to management roles, and developing new leaders in this sector. He also has specialisms in coaching neurodivergent clients, and men’s mental health and wellbeing.
More networks