Tangible Outcomes for All Involved - What quality youth mentoring looks like

​Youth mentoring has the power to transform lives, but not all mentoring experiences are created equal.

Quality youth mentoring is a purposeful, structured, and impactful journey that benefits everyone involved – the young person, their parents or carers, the mentor, and the organisation facilitating the programme. In this blog post, we'll explore what quality youth mentoring looks like in practice and the tangible outcomes it can produce.

 Identifying Quality Youth Mentoring 

Quality youth mentoring programmes are characterised by several key elements. They have clear goals and expectations, carefully match mentors and mentees, provide ongoing training and support for mentors, and regularly assess the progress and impact of the mentoring relationship. Quality programmes also prioritise the safety and well-being of all participants and adhere to best practices in youth protection and safeguarding.

The Young Person's Experience:
For a young person, quality youth mentoring is a transformative experience that helps them grow, learn, and thrive. They will feel heard, valued, and supported by their mentor, who serves as a positive role model and trusted confidant. Through regular meetings and activities, the young person will develop new skills, explore their interests and passions, and gain exposure to new ideas and opportunities. They will also benefit from a stronger sense of self-worth, improved social and emotional skills, and greater resilience in the face of challenges.

The Parent/Carer's Perspective:
Parents and carers will see tangible changes in their child as a result of quality youth mentoring. They may notice improved communication skills, increased confidence and self-esteem, better academic performance, and healthier relationships with peers and family members. They will also appreciate the mentor's commitment to their child's growth and development, as evidenced by regular check-ins, progress updates, and a genuine interest in their child's life.

The Mentor's Journey
For mentors, quality youth mentoring is a deeply rewarding and enriching experience. They will develop valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people today. Mentors will also learn from their mentees, gaining new perspectives and insights into different cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking. Through the mentoring relationship, mentors will grow as individuals and develop a stronger sense of purpose and connection to their community.

The Organisation's Gains
Organisations that deliver quality youth mentoring programmes will see significant benefits as well. They will have a greater impact on the lives of young people and their families, contributing to positive social change and community development. They will also attract more volunteers, donors, and supporters who are drawn to the tangible outcomes and evidence-based practices of the programme. By investing in quality youth mentoring, organisations can build stronger, more resilient communities and create a brighter future for all.

In conclusion, quality youth mentoring is a powerful tool for positive change that benefits everyone involved. By understanding what quality mentoring looks like in practice and the tangible outcomes it can produce, we can work together to create more impactful, meaningful, and transformative mentoring experiences for young people across the UK.

Whether you're a young person, parent, carer, mentor, or youth-serving organisation, quality youth mentoring has the power to change lives and create a better world for all.

Elaine Isadora Thomas, Founder ceo, The Mentoring Lab

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