<![CDATA[The Mentoring Lab Community C.I.C - Whats On]]>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:56:51 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[Annual Impact Review]]>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:46:50 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/annual-impact-review
Date: Sat 18th Oct 2025
Starts: 1:30pm
Ends: 5pm
​Address: Homerton Library
Homerton High Street London E9 6AS

Saturday 18th October 2025

Join us on our 6th anniversary for a day filled with reflection, celebration, and inspiration.

​Since 2019, we have been operating directly on social housing estates in Homerton in Hackney.

Our peer mentoring model leverages the organic relationships that already exist within the community.
​
This event is your chance to see firsthand the incredible impact our neighbourhood based youth mentoring model has had over the last financial year and what is to come in the near future.
]]><![CDATA[September 2025 - Jan 2026 opportunities]]>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:43:38 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/september-2025-jan-2026-opportunitiesStarting in September 2025
​Group Mentoring Project: Youth Leaders Club (includes CV Enhancing certificates)

Starts Sat 27th Sept 2025 @ Homerton Library, 3pm - 5pm, 
£Free, sign up here


October - December 2025

Peer Mentoring Project: Design a BoardGame (Hackney Edition)
Starts Sat 11th October 2025, 3pm - 5pm @ Homerton Library, 
£Free, sign up here

Event: Annual TML Community Impact Review 
Sat 18th October 2025, 2-5pm @ Homerton Library,
Donations Welcome, Book here
Email us if you'd to give us feedback or share your story / speak at the event

Group Mentoring: CareerXplore Half Term Mentoring Project
Wed 22nd October (Onboarding Session), then Mon 27th Oct to Thur 31st Oct 2025. 6-7pm. Free. Book here.

1:1 Mentoring: Online Youth Mentoring
Starts Wed 22nd October 2025
£25 per 45 min session or £0 if they live in Hackney Book here

Trip: Crystal Maze Live Experience (TML Reunion)
Fri 31st October 2025 - Book here (Tickets £30 only, rrp £69)

December Activities (Save the dates)
Event: Sat 6th Dec 2025 - Winter Special Speed Mentoring event 
Event: Wed 31st Dec 2025 - Family End of Year Celebration and awards

January 2026

Online Saturday Mentoring Club Lunches
The Online Saturday Club will start in January 2026 and provide group and 1:1 mentoring to youth across the UK. Bringing the Hackney Vibe to youth across the country.

Group Mentoring includes; 
​
Group Mentoring: Girls Wellness Project (here)
Group Mentoring: The Young Man Cave (Intergenerational Mentoring Project) here
Group Mentoring: Design a Board Game (Online Youth Leadership Project) here
Group Mentoring: Cultural Exchange Youth Mentoring Programme here
Trip/Event: Quarterly Face to Face MeetUps across the Country. 
]]><![CDATA[Game Time 2.0]]>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:28:22 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/about-game-time-20For years, our Game Time programme has been a cornerstone in Hackney, bringing multi-sports, creative arts, trips, and team challenges to young people aged 5-21.

​With an average of 500 participants annually, we've created a vibrant community where young people can thrive regardless of their circumstances.

Why We've Evolved!
Today, we're proud to announce Game Time 2.0, our refined approach focusing specifically on teenagers aged 13-18. This evolution isn't a departure from our mission—it's a strategic enhancement built on what we've learned works best.

Teenagers: Where Our Impact Shines Brightest
Working with teenagers has consistently been where our strengths as an organisation truly shine.

Here's why:

The Pivotal Teen Years
Adolescence represents a critical window of opportunity. At 13-18, young people are forming their identities, discovering their potential, and making decisions that will shape their futures. Our team has developed particular expertise in connecting with teens during this transformative period, when the right support can have life-changing impact.

Building on Proven Success
Our data and experience have shown that our leadership and mentoring frameworks produce the most significant, measurable outcomes with teenagers. The peer mentoring, goal-setting, and action planning components of our 'Youth Mentoring First' approach resonate powerfully with this age group, who are developmentally ready to take ownership of their growth.

Addressing a Critical Gap
While Hackney offers various programmes for younger children, teenagers—especially those eligible for free school meals or facing additional challenges—often find fewer tailored opportunities. Game Time 2.0 fills this gap, providing structured support precisely when young people are making crucial transitions in their educational and career journeys.

What Game Time 2.0 Offers
Our new Spring Holiday Youth Leadership Programme exemplifies our teen-focused approach:
  • Skills with Staying Power: Peer mentoring training, CV building, and leadership development provide concrete tools for future success
  • Corporate Connections: 12 hours of one-on-one career mentoring opens doors to professional networks and opportunities
  • Developmental Journey: From skills assessment to community challenge to mentoring training, each element builds on the last
  • Community Leadership: Participants don't just develop themselves—they become role models equipped to positively influence others
Continuing Our Commitment
This evolution doesn't mean we've forgotten our younger participants. Rather, by focusing our specialised teen programme where we excel most, we can create deeper impact across the community. Many of our Game Time 2.0 participants will become the mentors and leaders who support younger children in other programmes, creating a positive cycle of leadership and growth.

Game Time 2.0 represents our commitment to excellence—concentrating our resources and expertise where we can make the most meaningful difference in young lives. By building on our strengths with teenagers, we're not just running a holiday programme—we're developing the next generation of Hackney's leaders.

Applications for our Spring Holiday Youth Leadership Programme are open now for eligible students aged 13-18 until Friday 4th April 2025.

​Contact us at office@thementoringlab.co.uk or 07412640172 / 02081588500 for more information.
]]><![CDATA[winter game time]]>Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/winter-game-timeJoin our FREE Winter Game Time HAF Holiday Programme.

For youth aged aged 5-16 year olds, eligible for free school meals, that live or go to school in Hackney, (younger siblings welcome with parent/guardian supervision).

Whats On

Sat 21st Dec: End of Year Award Ceremony + Lunch
Sat 28th Dec: Youth Leaders Dinner with Mentors
Mon 30th Dec: Roller Skating + Gaming Party
Tues 31st Dec: Gravity Trip Stratford
​
WHAT ELSE IS INVOLVED

- Multisports
- Fun team competitions
- Cooking lessons
- Employability Skill Work Experience for 14 - 18 year olds
- Podcasting Show
- Creative arts
- 2025 Goal setting with a mentor

Location

Wyke Community Hall,15 Berger Road, Homerton, E9 6HA

Cost

FREE If eligible for free school meals: We will need proof. £10 per day if you are not eligible. If your child is not Free School Eligible, ee are also Ofsted registered and you may be eligible for up to 70% discount. 

What is Game Time?

Game Time is full of fun 'Character Building Competitions' and activities.

Designed alongside our Mentoring Framework, GAME TIME is our pre-mentoring programme, consisting of fun sporting tournaments, sports games, team challenges, creative art workshops, and competitions.

We use competitions and the Silly Points system to encourage young people to work as a team and develop confidence, identity, and leadership skills.

Game Time aims to allow young people to play safely, develop their soft skills, identity and team work qualities.
​
Designed alongside our Mentoring Framework, GAME TIME is our pre-mentoring programme.

Register a child

Click here to register your child

Contact Us

Email: office@thementoringlab.co.uk
​Call: 02081588500 or 07412640174
]]><![CDATA[2024 End of Year Award Ceremony]]>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/2024-end-of-year-award-ceremonyWe're excited to announce our End of Year Youth Mentoring Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements and growth of our young people aged 10-21 years old. 
This is your opportunity to recognise the remarkable progress and talents demonstrated throughout the year.

Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/jaLeJsWhi6fW3fE67
​

Event Details

Date: Saturday 21st Dec 2024
​Time: 12-4pm
Location: Wyke Community Hall, 15 Berger Road, Hackney E9 6HA

Award Categories

Please nominate a young person in your family or community for one of the below Award Categories.
  1. Growth Mindset Champion - Acknowledging youth persistence and beneficial ways of thinking in difficult situations
  2. Outstanding Peer Mentor - Recognising youth who consistently positively support and guide their peers
  3. Most Improved - Recognising significant personal development and growth
  4. Community Champion - Celebrating youth who've made a positive impact in their community
  5. Academic Achievement - Acknowledging exceptional educational progress
  6. Leadership Initiative - Celebrating youth who've shown outstanding leadership
  7. Creative Excellence - Honoring artistic, musical, or creative accomplishments
  8. Sports Achievement - Recognising sporting excellence and team spirit
  9. Environmental Hero - Acknowledging contributions to sustainability and environmental causes
  10. Digital Innovation - Recognising achievements in technology and digital creativity

Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/jaLeJsWhi6fW3fE67

Prizes

We have two award pathways
Category Award) The Winner from each Category gets an award with their name on it
Most Votes Award) The youth with the most votes also receive the following prize
  • Winner: £50 cash prize
  • First Runner-up: £35 cash prize
  • Second Runner-up: £15 cash prize
Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/jaLeJsWhi6fW3fE67

How to Vote

  1. Please nominate a young person 
  2. Submit your young person's FULL NAME and AGE
  3. Provide a brief description (50-100 words) explaining why they deserve recognition
  4. Include specific examples of their achievements this year
Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/jaLeJsWhi6fW3fE67
Submission Deadline: Sunday 15th December 2024

Important Notes

​You may only nominate one young person per category
  • You can nominate other young people for different categories
  • Young people must be between 10-21 years old
  • All achievements must be from 2024 only
Winners will be announced at our Year-End Celebration event on the 21st December 2024, held at 1-4pm at Wyke Community Hall, 15 Berger Road, Hackney E9 6HA
We look forward to celebrating the incredible achievements of our young people together!
Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/jaLeJsWhi6fW3fE67
Best regards, 
The Mentoring Lab Community C.I.C
Office Number: 02081588500
Mobile / WhatsApp: 07412640174
Email: Office@thementoringlab.co.uk
Picture
]]><![CDATA[100 Black Youth | MET TALKS]]>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:31:25 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/100-black-youth-met-talks
We are seeking young people aged 12 - 25 who want to enhance their CV and leadership skills and who are willing to help The Mentoring Lab inform young people, parents and caregivers on how they can improve experiences with the police. 

This powerful project aims to bring together Black youth together engage to drive positive change in police-youth relations.

This project is a must-attend for students interested in law, youth work, community activism, social policy, and public service careers. 

Event Freebies include:
  • Dynamic workshops on amplifying youth voice, challenging systems, reimagining policing, and sharing lived experiences
  • Networking with renowned activists, lawyers, police representatives, and policymakers
  • Exclusive access to internships, mentoring, and work experience placements
  • Certificate of participation to enhance their CV
  • Professional headshot photos
  • Job References from Project Manager and Ceo of The Mentoring Lab
Sign Up Now
]]><![CDATA[Peer Mentoring for NEURODIVERSE Youth (North + East London)]]>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:21:53 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/peer-mentoring-for-neurodiverse-youth-north-east-london
Picture
Starting in May 2024, we are delivering a free 9-month Peer to Peer mentoring project for Neurodiverse Black and Global Majority youth aged 10 - 21 years old, living in City of London, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest. 

During the 9 months, we aim to develop mindsets, character, social networks, employability qualities and tools to navigate barriers. 
​
By signing up to this project, your child will engage in:
- 1:1 mentoring with a volunteer
- Group Mentoring with a peer mentor
- Trips and Outings
- End of Project Graduation Event​

Sign Up Now
]]><![CDATA[LIMITLESS AFTER SCHOOL PROJECT @ Nye Bevan]]>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:16:07 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/limitless-after-school-project-nye-bevan
Picture
Take part in our free After School Project, in Hackney, mixing homework Support, Team-building challenges, Gaming, Peer Mentoring, Public Speaking, Performance Art and producing a mini-documentary.

Starting in May 2024, we are delivering a 40 week After School Project for youth aged 8 - 18 years old, living in Hackney, every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 4.30-6.30pm.
Participants must be aged 8 - 18 years old (or up to 25 if they have SEND), or if under 8 years old accompanied by an appropriate adult.
Participants will engage in; 
- A range of fun activities
- Homework Support 
- Team-building challenges 
- Gaming Tournaments
- Peer Mentoring following our Youth Mentoring Tool Kit Framework 
- Public Speaking / Performance Art
- Planning, producing and sharing a mini-documentary
This project aim's to;  
- Develop confidence
- Self-worth and esteem
- Key qualities and characteristics
- Understanding of their strengths and assets
- Develop their network
- Get closer to accessing education and employment


This project has been funded by the Hackney Residents Team.

Sign Up Now
Picture
]]><![CDATA[WALES RESIDENTIAL & Mount Snowdon Sponsored hike]]>Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/mount-snowdon-sponsored-hikeAbout the residential 
Picture
Picture

Mount Snowdon Element of the Trip

Location: Mount Snowdon Fundraising Challenge
Date: Sat 10th Feb - Thur 15th Feb 2024
Age Range: Over 15's only
​Cost: £100

Pick Up and Return:
Sat 10th Feb @ 8am: Homerton Library, E9
Thurs 15th Feb @ 10pm: Homerton Library, E9

About Mount Snowdon

At 1,085 metres above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales. Situated in the glorious mountain range of Snowdonia, you’ll be treated to some spectacular views at the summit.

Snowdon Weather Forecast: We do not expect it to be snowing on the mountain in August. 

Snowdon Peak find the weather forecast here
Snowdon area general weather forecast here

Who can go on this trip?

Suitability: This fundraising hike is suitable for people 15 years and over.
​
Access for all
Click here to learn more about the accessibility of hiking Snowdonia Mountain

​Hiking builds character

By taking part in this trip hikers will develop a range of qualities such as resilience, confidence, self awareness and sense of achievement that sharpen their character and attitude towards life. 

Whether this is your first challenge and you want to test yourself, or you simply want to meet like-minded people and raise for a good cause, take on this incredible challenge with The Mentoring Lab and join over 350,000 hikers annually up Mount Snowdon.

You’ll be joined by expert mountaineering guides throughout your time with us, providing you with support and assistance along the way.

​How to take part

Pay your contribution fee here and complete the registration form.

FAQ's

How long will the hike take?

The full hike should take approximately 5-7 hours up and down. The route is liable to change in line with weather conditions to ensure the safest path is taken.

Do I need to be fit and healthy?

You don’t need to be super fit, but you must be prepared to be on your feet for at least 5-7 hours.


How to prepare for the hike?
It is recommended that hikers prepare by going on local power walks a few times a week.


Trip Guide and Leads

We will have professional hiking guides that will supervise our hike to and from the Snowdon Peak.

The Trip lead to and from Hackney will be Elaine Thomas, please contact us on 07412640174 or 02081588500 if you need to call in the morning or throughout the trip. 2 members of The Mentoring Lab staff team will be assisting this trip, ensuring all young people are safe and engaged in the trip activities.

We currently have two Parent Volunteers. We are currently seeking trusted parents in our TML community, to assist during the trip and support our fundraising efforts.

Youth Leaders are to be confirmed. They are trained to support their peers and ensure everyone engages and has safe fun during Game Time sessions.


Where will hikers be staying?
From Sat 10th Feb 2024 we will spend five nights at Residential at Kingswood Colomendy. We will provide more details to those who register.

At the accommodation young people will stay in a shared room of 4-6 people (same gender rooms). For more information email office@thementoringlab.co.uk.


What is included in the trip? (Note that the cost will be covered by your fundraising efforts)

- Transport there and back
- Round the clock support from The Mentoring Lab Team
- Resources to help with fundraising efforts
- Qualified mountain guides
- Qualified first aiders
- Refreshment pack
- Celebratory meal
- Challenge medal


What should I bring with me?

Having the correct personal equipment will make your hike more enjoyable and comfortable. We hope that you find the following suggestions useful when considering what to take on your trip. They are based on personal experiences and we are confident that you may find other solutions working equally well.

We recommend that you travel as light as possible. Below is a non-exclusive list of what you should bring to the hike:

- Good ankle high boots with excellent grip (not shoes or pumps)
- Thermal and waterproof socks
- A couple of t-shirts (cotton or preferably breathable/fast drying)
- Foldable waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
- Synthetic mid layer or warm fleece
- Rucksack
- Water bottle

Additional things to bring
Please use the following checklist to help pack bags:
  • One swimming towel and costume (where required)
  • One bath towel
  • Toiletries bag containing: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hairbrush etc
  • Night clothes
  • Socks and underwear
  • Four t-shirts, shirts, blouses (at least one with long-sleeves), sweatshirt (two in winter)
  • One thick sweater plus one light sweater
  • Three pairs of trousers and/or jeans and/or tracksuit bottoms
  • Clothes for the evening activities
  • Waterproof jacket (and trousers if you have them)
  • Sturdy shoes or wellingtons (even in summer)
  • Two pairs of trainers (one old pair)
  • Large plastic bag for dirty clothes
  • Gloves, hat, scarf (in winter)
  • Water bottle
  • Hat and sunscreen (in spring and summer)
  • Rucksack for off-site studies (if applicable)
  • We recommend advising your young people to bring some money with them (no more than £10) in
  • case they would like to make a purchase in our centre shop. Our shops sell snacks and drinks, as well as
  • postcards, souvenirs, games and mementos.
  • *Please note that most activities require long sleeves.
  • Incase of lost property please put your child’s name on all
  • items of clothing!
  • Please do not bring
  • Mobile phones, expensive cameras, electronic games, iPods or MP3 players, expensive or much
  • cherished jewellery, expensive favourite clothing or shoes. Kingswood can’t accept liability for the
  • loss, theft or damage of any personal property your child may bring.
  • Packing​

Snowdon National Park Map
Via the Snowdon National Park Map HERE


Food and Refreshments
Lunch and refreshments will also be provided however, we recommend children bring more food and healthy drinks. No fizzy drinks or sweets!


Safety Measures:

- We will be purchasing group travel insurance to cover the mountain hike, however we recommend you also buy personal travel insurance with your preferred travel insurance company. Please let us know if you already have annual multi trip / banks travel insurance policy, that covers your child.

- Parents are welcome to attend with their children. However must obtain a DBS and supply reference details in order to attend. Please contact us asap if you would like to come, so we have your DBS/ reference checks before the trip date.

Staff will also ask that all follow trip safety guidelines that include:
- All children will be allocated a Key TML person, unless they are with their parents, who will have the responsibility for their child.
- Follow the instructions of the professional hike guide, customer service team and TML staff.
- Children are to be escorted to the toilets by a member of the TML team or their parent



Itinerary

Sat 10th Feb 2024
8am - Leave Hackney
3pm - Arrive at Kingswood Colomendy, Wales
9pm - Bedtime

Sun 11th  - Wed 14th Feb 2024
Range of activities at ​Kingswood Colomendy. Click here for more info

Thurs 15th Feb 2024
9am - Wake
​10am - Breakfast
12pm - Leave Snowdon, Wales
6pm - Arrive back in Dalston, Hackney

Fundraising Details

How people can sponsor you to take this trip.

Step 1) Download and print the fundraising form found in the link below
Fundraising Form
Step 2) Set up a fundraiser account with Local Giving, instructions in how to set up an account are in the link below
Step 3) Ask your friends, family, school and community to sponsor you. Using the fundraising form and your personal online Local Giving account. 

Start Fundraising

Using the Fundraising Form
Please keep the money safe and declare all donations to The Mentoring Lab. You can hand donations in once the fundraiser is over.
​
Using the online Local Giving account 
This is a great and prefered way to ask people to sponsor you, please ask if they can also click the gift aid, so that we receive an extra 25% on top of their donation from the UK Government
Download Fundraising Form

Prize for the highest fundraiser
The fundraiser that raises the most funds will also receive a Virgin Experience day.

The Fundraising target per young person: £250 -£750

The Fundraising target per young adult (over 17 years old): £250 - £1000
The fundraising target will cover the total cost of the hike including, transport to Wales and back, overnight accommodation, meals and the cost of the tour guides.

Fundraising Target 
We would like to raise a minimum of £10000 via our friends and supporters giving donations to The Mentoring Lab to complete this challenge. In order to do this we ask that both young people and those over 18 years old, fundraise to cover the cost of the trip donations to The Mentoring Lab, as such:



Why support The Mentoring Lab's Fundraising Efforts

At The Mentoring Lab we know that hiking can improve lives for the better, allowing hikers to develop perseverance, resilience and confidence.

By taking part in this trip young people will develop a range of qualities such as resilience, confidence, self awareness and sense of achievement that sharpen their character and attitude towards life.

As you already know, mentoring empowers young people and creates opportunities to lift themselves out of difficulties.

Why are we are doing this fundraising to; 

1) give young people the opportunity of a lifetime 
2) give young people space to practice using patience, team work, positive thinking and resilience 
3) help The Mentoring Lab continue doing great work. We often provide mentoring even when we do not have funding to cover our costs.

Why is this? It's because every week we are approached by parents and guardians anxious to use mentoring and advocacy to empower their child, however many are from low income families and can not afford our services.

Our mentoring offers parents/ guardians a chance to invest in their child, giving young people the tools to improve the quality of their life as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Due to the work we do, throughout a year we also advocate and mentor our youth members struggling with educational injustices.

With your help, The Mentoring Lab will be able to continue to provide young people, with culturally sensitive mentoring and advocacy support, resources and the opportunities essential to reflect, explore, reframe and develop the qualities and characteristics to thrive.
​Why support The Mentoring Lab's Fundraising Efforts

At The Mentoring Lab we know that hiking can improve lives for the better, allowing hikers to develop perseverance, resilience and confidence.

By taking part in this trip young people will develop a range of qualities such as resilience, confidence, self awareness and sense of achievement that sharpen their character and attitude towards life.

As you already know, mentoring empowers young people and creates opportunities to lift themselves out of difficulties.

Why are we are doing this fundraising to; 

1) give young people the opportunity of a lifetime 
2) give young people space to practice using patience, team work, positive thinking and resilience 
3) help The Mentoring Lab continue doing great work. We often provide mentoring even when we do not have funding to cover our costs.

Why is this? It's because every week we are approached by parents and guardians anxious to use mentoring and advocacy to empower their child, however many are from low income families and can not afford our services.

Our mentoring offers parents/ guardians a chance to invest in their child, giving young people the tools to improve the quality of their life as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Due to the work we do, throughout a year we also advocate and mentor our youth members struggling with educational injustices.

With your help, The Mentoring Lab will be able to continue to provide young people, with culturally sensitive mentoring and advocacy support, resources and the opportunities essential to reflect, explore, reframe and develop the qualities and characteristics to thrive.
]]><![CDATA[winter GAme time 2023]]>Sun, 17 Dec 2023 09:04:52 GMThttps://www.tmlcommunity.org/whatson/winter-game-time-2023We celebrate the end of another year
Winter Game Time is back to say 'Thank You' to another year of making progression. 

Roller Skating and Gaming Party, Buffet Lunch at Frampton Estate and fun challenges from our amazing Game Show 'Too Much Leverage' designed by our Youth Leaders!!
Register here
]]>