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In an era where technology and gaming are integral parts of youth culture, this year at The Mentoring Lab we will meet youth where they are at to untap potential using esports. Our upcoming Community Youth Esports Tournament during the summer has the potential to significantly build young people's skills, character and key employability qualities. Esports, is misunderstood by many parents and caregivers, however we understand that esports offer more than just entertainment. Its provides a platform for young people to develop crucial life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. By participating in our tournament, youth will have the opportunity to cultivate these skills in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. To register your interest please sign up here Moreover, our program serves as a powerful diversion activity, reducing the likelihood of youth involvement in crime or becoming victims of crime. By providing a positive outlet for their energy and interests, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among participants. As one youth leader noted, this project will engage their friends who struggle with socialisation, helping them build connections and develop their social skills.
The educational components of our program further enhance its impact. Through workshops, tutorials, and discussions, participants will learn about the positive aspects of gaming, the importance of balanced habits, and the exciting career opportunities within the esports industry. By addressing common misconceptions and equipping youth with knowledge, we empower them to become advocates for the benefits of esports. Our dedication to inclusivity is reflected in the girls-only tournament, which promotes gender equality and encourages participation from all. As we strive to meet young people where they are, this project ignites excitement and provides direction when hope seems low. Through the Hackney Youth Esports Tournament, we are not just investing in a game; we are investing in the future of our youth and the strength of our community. Let us embrace the power of esports to inspire, empower, and unite the next generation. To register your interest please sign up here Elaine Isadora Thomas Founder Ceo
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Leadership is a skill that can be developed and nurtured, and youth mentoring programs play a vital role in helping young people discover and cultivate their leadership potential. At The Mentoring Lab, our mentors are dedicated to empowering young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.
A study by the University of Chicago found that youth who participated in leadership development programs showed increased self-efficacy, improved decision-making skills, and a greater sense of social responsibility compared to their peers who did not participate in such programs. Our mentors work closely with young people to help them identify their strengths, passions, and goals. Through one-on-one mentoring sessions and group workshops, mentors provide guidance, support, and opportunities for young people to develop their leadership skills. Whether it's through public speaking exercises, community service projects, or skill-building activities, our programs are designed to help young people discover their unique talents and learn how to use them to make a positive impact in their communities. We believe that every young person has the potential to be a leader, regardless of their background or circumstances. While our programs focus on African, Caribbean, and global majority youth, we welcome all young people to participate. We recognise that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential to building strong, inclusive communities, and we are committed to creating opportunities for all young people to thrive. If you are a parent, caregiver, or community member who wants to support the next generation of leaders, we invite you to get involved with The Mentoring Lab, sign up to volunteer here. To refer a young person to our free mentoring opportunities, explore what's on and sign up here Whether you sign up a young person for one of our programs or become a volunteer mentor yourself, you can play a vital role in igniting a young person's potential and inspiring them to create positive change in the world. Together, we can build a future where every young person has the opportunity to lead with confidence, commitment and courage. Peer mentoring is a powerful tool for supporting young people's personal and social development. At The Mentoring Lab, we believe in the transformative potential of peer mentoring and have seen firsthand the positive impact it can have on young people's lives.
Research has shown that peer mentoring can lead to improved academic performance, increased self-esteem, and better social skills among participating youth. A study by the National Mentoring Resource Center in the USA, found that peer mentoring programs can be particularly effective for young people who may be at risk of academic disengagement or social isolation. Our peer mentoring programs are designed to create meaningful connections between young people who share similar experiences and challenges. By pairing youth with trained peer mentors who have overcome similar obstacles, we help create a sense of belonging and provide a safe space for young people to express themselves and learn from one another. Peer mentors serve as positive role models, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to their mentees. Through regular check-ins and group activities, peer mentors help their mentees set goals, develop new skills, and navigate the challenges of growing up. Whether it's providing academic support, offering advice on personal relationships, or simply being a listening ear, peer mentors play a vital role in helping young people thrive. INCLUSIVE MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES While our programs focus on African, Caribbean, and global majority youth, we welcome all young people to participate. We recognise that the power of peer mentoring lies in its ability to bridge divides and create connections across different backgrounds and experiences. If you are a parent, caregiver, or community member who wants to support young people's personal and social development, we encourage you to consider peer mentoring. SIGN UP Sign up to our Peer Mentoring Programme today by clicking here. Whether you sign up a young person for one of our programs or become a volunteer peer mentor yourself, you can make a meaningful difference in a young person's life. Together, we can build a future where every young person has the opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive. We are a 100% Black-led youth organisation, we have a black British female Founder CEO, who lives in the community we serve, we also have an all black voluntary board of directors, who are from Black British backgrounds with lived experience of achieving in very adverse circumstances and strong links with local and wider communities across London.
Richard Nero (Volunteer Partnerships Director): FinTech Consultant and the UK’s No1 LinkedIn Excel Expert Daniel Max- Orumbie (Volunteer Safeguarding and Vulnerable Youth Director): One of a small number of Black Male Social Work Managers in the Country Evonne Riley (Volunteer Finance Director): Head of Maths Department Becky Gittens (Volunteer director of youth voice): Ex participant, young mum and survivor of youth violence -100% of our directors are black -100% of our delivery staff are from Black, Asian and marginalised communities. -100% of our youth panel is from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds We believe that our participants are fantabulous. 'Diamonds in the rough', aged 10-25 years old from black and marginalised communities, predominantly living in social housing.
They are young people with draw-dropping creative thinking, inspiring values, unsurpassable grit, without solid guidance on how to focus their skills and talents. However, the rise in the cost of living is putting already struggling families under extreme pressure, unable to afford rising entertainment or youth participation costs or, due to the intersection of issues, struggle to organise activities for their children to participate in. Our systemic support has given us insight into young people's home life, where we are seeing high levels of need, i.e. parents who are no longer getting out of bed, children being fed unhealthy food, children whose mental health is suffering as a result of no structure or help to understand and respond positively to these challenging times. Families may be allowing another member of the family to live with them to share costs, or where parents are not unemployed they are working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Trying their best to love and care for their children, many feel overwhelmed, out of touch with youth culture, or unable to steer their child in a positive direction, this is especially so for caregivers who are supported by adult social services, or have a special education need themselves. Participants most at risk may live in either overcrowded homes, common households with extended members of the family residing with them or share a room with sibling/s, with little access to outside space and little structure to their lives, causing them to have no where safe to relax, reflect or simply have time to themselves. We are seeing young people who are bored, stressed, and anxious about their safety, friendships and future. Young people who may have already been struggling with school have been left with little support because many of the services they relied upon have limited funds or have stopped running altogether. 30% of our participants are at risk of or have been school excluded. The quality of school provisions does vary, however many of our participants experience educational inequalities, that create barriers to accessing high-quality education. Many participants need support to organise themselves, to make the best of what school is providing. Unfortunately, this support is not possible from busy, overworked or depressed parents, coping with the impact of structural and systemic injustice in their own lives. The above show the intersection of issues and gaps created by structural and system racial inequalities, causing young people from African and Caribbean backgrounds more at risk of violence and criminal involvement (as victims or perpetrator). Research conducted by Youth Endowment Fund shows that minority ethnic children were more likely to feel the effects of violence, or the fear of violence in their day-to-day life, with 55% of Asian, 54% of Black and 53% of mixed ethnicity children reporting impacts on their daily lives, compared to 45% of White children. 37% of children on free school meals, 46% of children supported by a social worker, and 67% of children supported by a youth offending team; they say they have skipped school in the past 12 months. 48% of teenage children who said they’d committed violence were also victims of violence. This proportion increased to 81% for those who said they were part of a gang, 78% for those supported by a youth offending team and 64% for those receiving free school meals. Black teenage children were, on average, more likely to be vulnerable as both victims (21%) and perpetrators (22%) compared to White children (16% and 14%, respectively). As such, through this project, we will target and prioritise young people who have the following Risk Indicators: - Receive free school meals - From a low-income / unemployed family -Single carer family -supported by a social worker/Looked After Children -Learning needs or neurodiverse -At risk of school exclusion / experiencing school exclusion (in all forms) -On the Camhs waiting list -Access Early Help services -supported by a youth offending team -Has a family member associated with youth violence, gangs or criminal behaviour -Past history of youth violence, gangs or criminal behaviour -History of being a missing person or experiencing homelessness (homelessness in all forms) -With caregiver receiving support from social services or NHS -Young people who are or have sibling/s affected by criminal exploitation (county lines) - A Member of family experiencing domestic violence, mental health or addiction Upon referral, young people must complete a registration form or contact, which acts as a baseline assessment and evaluation tools to assess the risk level of each young person. As such Risk indicators help us to assess -Our capacity to support the young person (and if not who we can refer/signpost them to) -Mentoring style and project best placed to support the young person -Thresholds necessary to engage the young person -If we have capacity if we need to prioritise their onboarding -How we can offer equal and fair support, based on the young person's needs. |
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The Mentoring Lab Community CIC
Rights and Equalities In Newham 478 Barking Road London E13 8QB |
Office Number: 02081588500
Office mobile/whatsapp: 07412640174
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Registered Community Interest Company Number 12269937
Website designed with the help of our Youth leaders
Website designed with the help of our Youth leaders