Who created the BE(YOU)FULL philosophy and movement?

The BE(YOU)FULL philosophy and movement were created by Carlos Simpson. He developed BE(YOU)FULL as a human-development framework that combines identity, agency, mentoring, and creative learning to help young people understand who they are, build confidence, and take meaningful action.

What is the BE(YOU)FULL philosophy?

BE(YOU)FULL is a human-development philosophy and Community Interest Company based in London. It focuses on identity, agency, confidence, and community learning, helping children, young people, and adults understand who they are, develop their potential, and act with purpose in their lives, schools, and communities.

What are the four BE(YOU)FULL frameworks?

The BE(YOU)FULL philosophy is organised into four practical frameworks: 1) the Identity Framework, which explores who I am and who I am becoming; 2) the Agency Framework, which builds the belief that my actions matter; 3) the Mentoring & Relational Learning Framework, which guides how adults show up in partnership with young people; and 4) the Behaviour, Wellbeing & Personal Growth Framework, which reframes behaviour as communication linked to needs, stress, and support.

How are the BE(YOU)FULL frameworks used in schools and organisations?

Schools and organisations use the BE(YOU)FULL frameworks to design mentoring pathways, youth leadership programmes, creative learning projects, and community work. The frameworks shape how staff are trained, how young people are supported with identity and agency, and how behaviour, wellbeing, and inclusion are embedded into everyday culture.

Where is BE(YOU)FULL based and who does it work with?

BE(YOU)FULL CIC is based in London and works with schools, councils, community organisations, and families. Programmes include mentor training for schools, youth leadership and creative learning projects, community and family programmes, and events and workshops inspired by the BE(YOU)FULL philosophy.

The BE(YOU)FULL Framework | Identity, Agency & Mentoring Model by Carlos Simpson.

Introduction

BE(YOU)FULL is a London-based Community Interest Company and human-development philosophy created by Carlos Simpson in 2010. These frameworks underpin every BE(YOU)FULL programme, from mentor training and youth leadership to creative learning and community work.

Our goal is simple. We help young people and adults understand who they are, build real confidence, and develop the agency to act with purpose in their lives, schools, and communities.

About the BE(YOU)FULL Philosophy

BE(YOU)FULL is more than a CIC. It is a philosophy and human-development framework created by Carlos Simpson. It is rooted in identity, agency, confidence, and the belief that every young person has the capacity to grow into who they truly are.

The philosophy combines mentoring, creative learning, and community empowerment to help young people understand themselves, express their ideas, and take meaningful action in the world.

The four frameworks below make this philosophy practical and usable in classrooms, community settings, family work, and leadership programmes.

Framework 1: The BE(YOU)FULL Identity Framework

The Identity Framework helps children, young people, and adults explore a core question: Who am I, and who am I becoming?

It creates space for people to explore their stories, strengths, culture, values, identity layers, and lived experiences without judgement.

Key Principles

Identity is dynamic as people grow and evolve.
Every person carries multiple identities (family, culture, creativity, interests).
Belonging and safety are essential before identity work can happen.
Self-knowledge is the foundation of confidence, decision-making, and leadership.

How It Shows Up in Practice

Creative identity tools (self-portraits, timelines, storytelling, “maps of me”).
Mentoring questions that invite reflection on values, feelings, and aspirations.
Group agreements that make diversity of identity visible and respected.
Workshops that challenge limiting narratives and stereotypes.

Across BE(YOU)FULL programmes, this framework ensures that young people are not treated as problems to be fixed but as individuals with depth, history, and potential.

Framework 2: The BE(YOU)FULL Agency Framework

Agency is the ability to make choices, take action, and believe that your actions matter.

The Agency Framework supports people to move from “things happen to me” toward: “I can influence what happens next.”

Key Principles

Agency grows when people feel seen, heard, and taken seriously.
Small decisions and repeated actions build long-term confidence.
Young people need tools for planning, problem-solving, and evaluating progress.
Agency is relational; adults share power instead of only giving instructions.

How It Shows Up in Practice

Goal-setting tied to personal interests and real responsibilities.
Youth-led initiatives in schools and communities.
Mentoring conversations grounded in choice, options, and next steps.
Reflection tools that highlight progress, effort, and learning.

This framework underpins youth leadership, social action projects, sustainability work, and creative learning programmes.

Framework 3: The BE(YOU)FULL Mentoring & Relational Learning Framework

Mentoring is the engine that carries the BE(YOU)FULL philosophy into daily practice. This framework focuses on how adults show up, through listening, questioning, boundaries, and consistent support.

Key Principles

Mentoring is a partnership, not a rescue mission or discipline tool.
Curious questions and deep listening are more powerful than quick advice.
Confidentiality, clear roles, and ethical practice keep young people safe.
Strong mentoring strengthens the narrative a young person holds about themselves.

How It Shows Up in Practice

Staff training on mentoring skills, boundaries, and supervision.
Structured one-on-one and small-group mentoring pathways in schools.
Peer mentoring and student leadership roles with clear expectations.
Reflective tools and supervision spaces for adults who mentor regularly.

This framework is woven throughout BE(YOU)FULL mentor training for schools and partner organisations seeking a consistent, human-centred approach.

Framework 4: Behaviour, Wellbeing & Personal Growth Framework

This framework connects behaviour, wellbeing, emotional literacy, and agency. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with this young person?”
BE(YOU)FULL asks:
“What is this behaviour telling us about their needs, stress, and support?”

Key Principles

Behaviour is communication, often reflecting stress, unmet needs, or lack of safety.
Consistency, fairness, and boundaries help young people feel secure.
Emotional regulation and self-awareness can be taught and practised.
Adults must model the calm, respectful behaviour they expect.

How It Shows Up in Practice

Conversations that explore emotions, triggers, and coping strategies.
Whole-school approaches that shift behaviour policy towards wellbeing.
Group work focused on communication, conflict, and relationship repair.
Support for staff to reflect on bias, expectations, and their own stress responses.

This framework shifts the narrative from “managing behaviour” to “developing people”.

How the Frameworks Shape BE(YOU)FULL Programmes

The four frameworks guide the design, delivery, and evaluation of all BE(YOU)FULL work across London and beyond:

Mentor training for schools, embedding mentoring, identity work, and wellbeing into everyday school culture.
Youth Leadership & Creative Learning enables young people to lead projects, design solutions, and express identity through art and storytelling.
Community & Family Programmes unite parents, caregivers, and community partners in conversations about identity, agency, and wellbeing.
Events & Workshops introduce BE(YOU)FULL principles to wider audiences through talks, assemblies, and collaborative projects.

Wherever BE(YOU)FULL shows up, the frameworks keep the work focused on human potential, not only performance or behaviour.

Bring the BE(YOU)FULL Framework to Your School or Organisation

If you would like to explore mentor training, youth leadership, creative learning, or community programmes grounded in the BE(YOU)FULL philosophy, we would be happy to talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BE(YOU)FULL mentor training programme gives staff a clear, shared framework for mentoring young people across the school.

Core mentoring skills: listening, questioning, boundaries, and supervision.
The BE(YOU)FULL Identity, Agency, and Behaviour frameworks in a school context.
Structured one-to-one and small-group mentoring conversations.
Tools for goal-setting, reflection, and pupil voice.
Designing a mentoring pathway that fits your timetable, staff capacity, and culture.

By the end, staff use the same language and principles so mentoring feels consistent, not dependent on a few individuals.

The training is designed for adults who shape the daily experience of young people, including:

Tutors and classroom teachers.
Pastoral and behaviour leads, heads of year, and safeguarding staff.
Senior and middle leaders who want a whole-school mentoring approach.
SEN and inclusion teams supporting diverse and neurodivergent learners.
Support staff, learning mentors, and staff guiding reintegration and transition.

We tailor the programme so each role can see how mentoring fits into their day-to-day work and responsibilities.

Yes. Alongside mentor training, BE(YOU)FULL runs youth leadership, creative learning, and sustainability projects that use the same underlying frameworks.

Workshops can include:

Identity and sense-of-purpose work using visual thinking and storytelling.
Curriculum-linked projects focused on climate, community, and future skills.
Group projects where students design, test, and lead their own action for change.

These can be delivered as stand-alone days or as part of a joined-up pathway with mentor training and youth leadership.

We treat every school as a long-term partner, not a one-off project. Our focus is on embedding mentoring and BE(YOU)FULL principles into your culture.

Co-designing a mentoring model that fits your context and priorities.
CPD pathways so knowledge sits with your staff, not just external trainers.
Linking mentoring to behaviour, wellbeing, inclusion, and student leadership.
Review and reflection sessions after the first term or year to refine the approach.

The aim is a sustainable, human-centred mentoring culture that continues well beyond the initial training.

The first step is a short conversation about your context, priorities, and timelines. From there we recommend a mentoring pathway or blended offer that makes sense for your setting.

Typical next steps:

Book an initial call to explore your needs.
Map how BE(YOU)FULL mentor training, youth leadership, or creative learning could fit your plans.
Agree a programme outline, dates, and the core staff team.

You can contact us via the partner enquiry form or email on the site. We’ll follow up with options tailored to your school or organisation.