What age group does The Mentoring Lab Community serve?The Mentoring Lab Community primarily serves young people aged 10-25, with The Game Time Holiday program tailored to 5-16 year-olds. During school holidays, we also provide work experience and internships for 14 - 25 year olds.
How can I sign up my child for the different services you offer?
Youth Leadership Programme: You can sign up your child by visiting our website at www.tmlcommunity.org and fill out the Register Interest form under the "Get Involved" section, found here.
Youth Work Experience Programme: Each year we are able to offer four work experience placements. You can apply for work experience here.
Game Time: You can sign up your child by visiting our website at www.tmlcommunity.org and fill out the registration form on the Game Time page here.
Youth Mentoring: We now provide digital youth mentoring for young people and families, please go to www.mentoringforyouth.com or go to https://www.tmlcommunity.org/mentoring
Black Girls Pampering and MY Health Mental Health project. Please call 02081588500, 07412640174 or email [email protected] or learn more here
Met Police Project: Please call 02081588500, 07412640174 or email [email protected] or learn more here.
Are your mentoring services free?
Our grant-funded mentoring projects are free for participants. However, our sister organisation, Mentoring For Youth, specialises in a paid-for service where you can access digital and face-to-face Youth Mentoring. Prices range from £15 to £50 per hour, depending on the length of service, qualification, and experience of the Youth Mentor. Typically, the longer the mentoring package you book, the cheaper the per-hour mentoring fee.
Our founder, Elaine Thomas, offers Outreach Youth Mentoring through her consultancy, The Mentoring Lab Training and Development. Outreach Youth Mentoring provides Youth Mentoring Interventions and Solutions to schools, colleges, youth organisations and local authorities. This ranges from weekly youth mentoring based at the provision or in the community for 12 or more weeks. Learn more here: https://thementoringlab.co.uk/outreach-youth-mentoring
How often do Youth Mentoring sessions take place?
The frequency of Youth Mentoring sessions varies. Typically, Youth Mentoring sessions occur weekly or bi-weekly, lasting 1 hour each session.
What qualifications do your Youth Mentors have?
Our Youth Mentors undergo rigorous training and background checks. Many have experience in youth work, education, sports or within the private sector.
In alignment with Youth Mentoring best practices and standard, initial and ongoing training includes:
- Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Youth People
- Contextual, Extra-familial and Online Safeguarding
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- Youth Mentoring Tools and Techniques (CPD certificate or qualification), - Mental Health First Aider Certificate
- Youth Work Practices
- Detached Youth Work
Can I choose a specific Youth Mentor for my child?
Our free mentoring opportunities provided by The Mentoring Lab Community cannot allow participants to choose their youth mentor. However, we carefully match youth mentors and mentees based on shared interests, goals, and compatibility to ensure the best possible mentoring relationship.
If you would like to choose your child's mentor, please visit our sister organsiation, Mentoring For Youth (beta), where you can choose from a wide range of youth mentors from across the world
What topics are covered in your youth mentoring sessions?
We use a range of mentoring activities, coaching tools and leadership models in our Mentoring sessions to give mentees a chance to reflect on their current situation, explore their strengths and opportunities available to them, reframe current challenging experiences by adopting a growth mindset and then go on to develop an action plan to improve academic achievement, career preparation, life skills, personal development, and mental health fitness.
Our Youth Mentoring model and framework is grounded in the work of our Founder, Elaine Thomas and author of The Youth Mentoring Tool Kit, Workplace Tool Kit and the Reflect Now, tool kit for young people in police custody, who developed the Reflect, Explore, Reframe and Develop Mentoring Model.
How long does a typical mentoring relationship last?
We specialise in long-term youth mentoring. Most of our Mentoring relationships are designed to last for a minimum of one year, but many continue beyond that as long as both parties find it beneficial.
At The Mentoring Lab, we have found that longer term youth mentoring offers higher and longer impact.
Our sister organisation Mentoring For Youth provides shorter term mentoring lasting under 12 months.
Do you offer group Youth Mentoring sessions?
Yes, we offer both one-on-one and group mentoring sessions, depending on the program and the participants' needs.
How do you measure the success of your Youth Mentoring programs?
We use a combination of qualitative feedback from youth mentors, mentees, and parents and quantitative metrics such as academic improvement, goal achievement, and post-relationship surveys.
Can parents be involved in the youth mentoring process?
Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement and offer regular updates and opportunities for parents to participate in the mentoring journey through the completion of the Youth Mentoring Tool Kit authored by our Founder Elaine Thomas.
What if the mentoring relationship isn't working out?
If either the mentor or mentee feels the relationship isn't working, we have a process to address concerns and, where necessary, reassign mentees and mentors to ensure the best experience for everyone involved.
Do you offer youth mentoring services for specific career paths?
Yes, we have a fantastic network of professional volunteer Youth Mentors who can offer career-specific mentoring in STEM, the arts, finance, business, and more.
How do you ensure the safety of young people?
We have strict safeguarding policies in place, including background checks for all staff and volunteers, regular training, and transparent reporting procedures for any concerns. We foster safe enviornemtns and nip bullying in the bud, so that all particpants feel secure and can develop a strong sense of belonging. See our Safeguarding policy here: https://www.tmlcommunity.org/safeguarding-policy.html. See our Equality and Inclusion policy here: https://www.tmlcommunity.org/equality-and-inclusion-policy.html
Can young people with special educational needs participate in your programs?
Absolutely! We strive to be inclusive and can provide additional support or adaptations to our Youth Mentoring for young people who are Neurologically Disabled or have special educational or physical needs.
See our Equality and Inclusion policy here.
Do you offer any summer programs or camps?
Yes, we run Game Time.
What is Game Time
Character Building Competitions
Designed alongside our Mentoring Framework, GAME TIME is our pre-mentoring programme. It consists 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 and develop their soft skills, identity, and teamwork qualities.
Designed alongside our Mentoring Framework, GAME TIME is our pre-mentoring programme.
Learn more about Game Time here
How can I become a mentor with The Mentoring Lab?
There are three different routes to becoming a Youth Mentor.
Route 1) Apply to Volunteer as a Youth Mentor here
Route 2) Apply to become a Youth Mentor via our sister organisation Mentoring For Youth here
Route 3) Complete Youth Mentoring Training via our Founders Youth Mentoring training company The Mentoring Lab Training and Development here
How can I get a youth mentor at The Mentoring Lab?
To get a youth mentor:
Do you offer any programs specifically for girls or boys?
We have gender-specific programs, such as our current mental health and wellbeing workshops for girls. Click here for more information.
Our mentoring opportunities and activities are generally mixed-gendered and cater to different needs and preferences where needed.
For our 1:1 Youth Mentoring, we match birth gender to birth gender unless the mentee or their family requests otherwise.
What is your approach to mental health support for young people?
We integrate mental health awareness and support into all our services.
Zones of Regulation: We have adapted the Zones of Regulation tool to support our participants in developing their emotional literacy and ability to regulate their emotions.
During Youth Mentoring 1:1 and group sessions we explore resilience, assets, emotional intelligence, and coping strategies.
Our team Mental Health First Aiders or trained in mental health awareness, trauma-informed approaches and safeguarding.
Do you provide any academic tutoring services?
No, however, we suggest you contact Action Tutoring or Moore Education at www.mooreeducation.co.uk
How do you address issues of diversity and inclusion in your programs?
Diversity and inclusion are core values of The Mentoring Lab. We actively work to create inclusive environments, celebrate diversity, and address issues of equity in all our programs. Read our Equality and Inclusion policy here.
Can young people participate in multiple programs simultaneously?
Yes
Do you offer any leadership development programs for youth?
Yes, our Youth Leaders Programme offers young people aged 14 - 25 the opportunities to develop their employability qualities, gain confidence, and build their professional network.
How do you support young people in transitioning to further education or employment?
Within our Youth Leaders Programme, we offer career guidance, CV workshops, interview skills training, and connections to work experience opportunities, we also create opportunities to develop their employability qualities, gain confidence and build their professional network.
What is your policy on confidentiality in mentoring relationships?
We maintain strict confidentiality in our mentoring relationships, with clear guidelines on when information may need to be shared (e.g., in cases of safeguarding concerns). To support the mentee in developing qualities such as being open and asking for help, we encourage mentees to share what happens in the mentoring sessions with their parents, caregivers, or a trusted adult in their network.
Do you offer any programs focused on entrepreneurship for young people?
Yes, young people can request a Youth Mentor to explore entrepreneurship that can help them develop business skills and explore starting their own ventures.
Can young people suggest ideas for new programs or workshops?
Absolutely! We are an equity-led, asset-based Youth Mentoring organisation with a strong youth voice. We thrive because of the ideas, input, suggestions, and feedback from our participants.
Do you offer any support for young people dealing with bullying?
Yes, we address bullying through our mentoring programs and to prevent bully support mentees in building resilience, openness, self-esteem, and strategies for dealing with bullying.
How do you support young people from low-income backgrounds?
We offer many of our services free of charge and can provide additional support (e.g., travel expenses, materials) for those from low-income backgrounds to ensure equal access to our programs.
Do you have any programs that involve community service or volunteering?
Yes, within our mentoring discussion, we encourage community engagement. We also offer various volunteering opportunities for young people as part of our youth leaders programme
How do you support young people with career exploration?
Within the mentoring relationship, we explore young people's strengths, talents, assets, and career aspirations. During group mentoring and our Youth Leaders programme, we also deliver career exploration workshops, arrange visits to different workplaces, bring in guest speakers from various professions, and provide one-on-one career mentoring.
Do you have any programs focused on arts and creativity?
Yes, we offer various creative programs during Game Time and work experience including visual arts, acting opportunities and documentary making.
How do you support LGBTQ+ youth in your programs?
We want every child and young person to 'Be'.
Be free to be themselves, be free from harm, and be free to succeed and thrive. As such, we strive to create inclusive environments for all youth. Our staff and mentors can provide specific support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Do you offer any sports or physical activity programs?
Yes, we have sports mentoring programs like Game Time, which combines sports activities with mentoring on various estates across Hackney.
How do you help young people develop life skills?
Life skills development is integrated into all our Youth Mentoring, work experience, and youth leaders programmes, with a specific focus on topics like financial literacy, time management, and communication skills.
Do you provide any support for young people dealing with family issues?
Our mentors are trained to provide emotional support, advocacy and signposting if a young person is dealing with complex family issues.
How do you engage with schools and other youth organisations?
We actively partner with schools and other youth organisations to deliver 1:1 and group Youth Mentoring. If you would like to partner or collaborate with us, please email [email protected]
How can young people stay involved with The Mentoring Lab as they get older?
As long as The Mentoring Lab continues, young people can use our services and receive Youth Mentoring until they are 25 years old. Thereafter, they can join our alumni, become peer mentors, volunteer in our projects, or join our board of directors to help shape our future.
Do you provide any support for young people interested in advocacy or social justice?
Yes, we have programs that focus on civic engagement related to health and policing. Here we upskill young people in Civil Leadership skills, public speaking and advocacy, supporting them in having a voice and developing campaigns on issues they care about.
How do you support young people with their mental health during exam periods?
Through our mentoring, we offer one-on-one support and can refer to specialised mental health services if needed.
Do you have any programs that help young people explore their cultural identity?
Yes, in our mentoring framework, we explore identity and cultural awareness. We continuously explore and celebrate the wide range of cultural heritage and identity within and beyond our community.
How do you support young carers in your programmes?
We offer flexible youth mentoring opportunities and provide additional support for young carers, recognising their unique challenges.
Do you offer any support for young people dealing with substance abuse issues?
While we don't specialise in substance abuse, we provide education on substance abuse prevention and refer young people to specialised services when needed.
How do you incorporate feedback from young people into your programs?
We regularly collect feedback and case studies through conversations, surveys, focus groups, and our youth leaders. We use this input to continuously improve and develop our organisation and activities.
How do you support young people in developing healthy relationships?
We offer workshops on topics like communication, boundaries, and consent, and our mentors are trained to discuss and model healthy relationship dynamics.
Do you have any programs that focus on critical thinking?
Yes, we offer tools to improve critical thinking skills to help young people navigate life and the challenges life can bring.
How can young people stay updated on your latest programs and opportunities?
Young people can follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, join our WhatsApp, or stay updated through our website.
How can I get a Youth Mentor?
To get free Youth Mentoring, explore our grant funded opportunities on our home page. Alternatively, go to www.mentoringforyouth.com to explore our affordable options. If you are a school, college, youth organisation or local authority please click here.
What is Youth Mentoring?
Youth Mentoring is the practice of being safely guided by a trusted person with a set of qualities and more experience in a particular area, via the use of mentoring tools and techniques, to support another with less experience in the progression and achievement of chosen goals and targets. (Definition by Elaine Thomas The Mentoring Lab Founder Ceo).
What is the difference between befriending, Youth Mentoring, counselling, and coaching? While there can be overlap, these roles are distinct.
Why do you focus on Youth Mentoring?
We focus on Youth Mentoring because it provides a holistic approach to youth development. It allows for long-term relationship building, which can profoundly impact a young person's life. Mentoring can improve self-esteem, academic performance, and life skills while providing crucial emotional support during formative years.
What projects do you have on at the moment?
Our current projects include:
What Youth Mentoring Training is coming up?
The Mentoring Lab Training and Development offers various training opportunities throughout the year, including:
Please visit www.thementoringlab.co.uk/training for more details on Youth Mentoring Training.
How can I sign up my child for the different services you offer?
Youth Leadership Programme: You can sign up your child by visiting our website at www.tmlcommunity.org and fill out the Register Interest form under the "Get Involved" section, found here.
Youth Work Experience Programme: Each year we are able to offer four work experience placements. You can apply for work experience here.
Game Time: You can sign up your child by visiting our website at www.tmlcommunity.org and fill out the registration form on the Game Time page here.
Youth Mentoring: We now provide digital youth mentoring for young people and families, please go to www.mentoringforyouth.com or go to https://www.tmlcommunity.org/mentoring
Black Girls Pampering and MY Health Mental Health project. Please call 02081588500, 07412640174 or email [email protected] or learn more here
Met Police Project: Please call 02081588500, 07412640174 or email [email protected] or learn more here.
Are your mentoring services free?
Our grant-funded mentoring projects are free for participants. However, our sister organisation, Mentoring For Youth, specialises in a paid-for service where you can access digital and face-to-face Youth Mentoring. Prices range from £15 to £50 per hour, depending on the length of service, qualification, and experience of the Youth Mentor. Typically, the longer the mentoring package you book, the cheaper the per-hour mentoring fee.
Our founder, Elaine Thomas, offers Outreach Youth Mentoring through her consultancy, The Mentoring Lab Training and Development. Outreach Youth Mentoring provides Youth Mentoring Interventions and Solutions to schools, colleges, youth organisations and local authorities. This ranges from weekly youth mentoring based at the provision or in the community for 12 or more weeks. Learn more here: https://thementoringlab.co.uk/outreach-youth-mentoring
How often do Youth Mentoring sessions take place?
The frequency of Youth Mentoring sessions varies. Typically, Youth Mentoring sessions occur weekly or bi-weekly, lasting 1 hour each session.
What qualifications do your Youth Mentors have?
Our Youth Mentors undergo rigorous training and background checks. Many have experience in youth work, education, sports or within the private sector.
In alignment with Youth Mentoring best practices and standard, initial and ongoing training includes:
- Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Youth People
- Contextual, Extra-familial and Online Safeguarding
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- Youth Mentoring Tools and Techniques (CPD certificate or qualification), - Mental Health First Aider Certificate
- Youth Work Practices
- Detached Youth Work
Can I choose a specific Youth Mentor for my child?
Our free mentoring opportunities provided by The Mentoring Lab Community cannot allow participants to choose their youth mentor. However, we carefully match youth mentors and mentees based on shared interests, goals, and compatibility to ensure the best possible mentoring relationship.
If you would like to choose your child's mentor, please visit our sister organsiation, Mentoring For Youth (beta), where you can choose from a wide range of youth mentors from across the world
What topics are covered in your youth mentoring sessions?
We use a range of mentoring activities, coaching tools and leadership models in our Mentoring sessions to give mentees a chance to reflect on their current situation, explore their strengths and opportunities available to them, reframe current challenging experiences by adopting a growth mindset and then go on to develop an action plan to improve academic achievement, career preparation, life skills, personal development, and mental health fitness.
Our Youth Mentoring model and framework is grounded in the work of our Founder, Elaine Thomas and author of The Youth Mentoring Tool Kit, Workplace Tool Kit and the Reflect Now, tool kit for young people in police custody, who developed the Reflect, Explore, Reframe and Develop Mentoring Model.
How long does a typical mentoring relationship last?
We specialise in long-term youth mentoring. Most of our Mentoring relationships are designed to last for a minimum of one year, but many continue beyond that as long as both parties find it beneficial.
At The Mentoring Lab, we have found that longer term youth mentoring offers higher and longer impact.
Our sister organisation Mentoring For Youth provides shorter term mentoring lasting under 12 months.
Do you offer group Youth Mentoring sessions?
Yes, we offer both one-on-one and group mentoring sessions, depending on the program and the participants' needs.
How do you measure the success of your Youth Mentoring programs?
We use a combination of qualitative feedback from youth mentors, mentees, and parents and quantitative metrics such as academic improvement, goal achievement, and post-relationship surveys.
Can parents be involved in the youth mentoring process?
Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement and offer regular updates and opportunities for parents to participate in the mentoring journey through the completion of the Youth Mentoring Tool Kit authored by our Founder Elaine Thomas.
What if the mentoring relationship isn't working out?
If either the mentor or mentee feels the relationship isn't working, we have a process to address concerns and, where necessary, reassign mentees and mentors to ensure the best experience for everyone involved.
Do you offer youth mentoring services for specific career paths?
Yes, we have a fantastic network of professional volunteer Youth Mentors who can offer career-specific mentoring in STEM, the arts, finance, business, and more.
How do you ensure the safety of young people?
We have strict safeguarding policies in place, including background checks for all staff and volunteers, regular training, and transparent reporting procedures for any concerns. We foster safe enviornemtns and nip bullying in the bud, so that all particpants feel secure and can develop a strong sense of belonging. See our Safeguarding policy here: https://www.tmlcommunity.org/safeguarding-policy.html. See our Equality and Inclusion policy here: https://www.tmlcommunity.org/equality-and-inclusion-policy.html
Can young people with special educational needs participate in your programs?
Absolutely! We strive to be inclusive and can provide additional support or adaptations to our Youth Mentoring for young people who are Neurologically Disabled or have special educational or physical needs.
See our Equality and Inclusion policy here.
Do you offer any summer programs or camps?
Yes, we run Game Time.
What is Game Time
Character Building Competitions
Designed alongside our Mentoring Framework, GAME TIME is our pre-mentoring programme. It consists 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 and develop their soft skills, identity, and teamwork qualities.
Designed alongside our Mentoring Framework, GAME TIME is our pre-mentoring programme.
Learn more about Game Time here
How can I become a mentor with The Mentoring Lab?
There are three different routes to becoming a Youth Mentor.
Route 1) Apply to Volunteer as a Youth Mentor here
Route 2) Apply to become a Youth Mentor via our sister organisation Mentoring For Youth here
Route 3) Complete Youth Mentoring Training via our Founders Youth Mentoring training company The Mentoring Lab Training and Development here
How can I get a youth mentor at The Mentoring Lab?
To get a youth mentor:
- Explore our home page for free and affordable youth mentoring offers
- Or go to www.mentoringforyouth.com
- Fill out the mentee application form
- Select your needs and interests
- Select a Youth Mentor that suits your needs
- Attend an initial meeting to start your mentoring journey
Do you offer any programs specifically for girls or boys?
We have gender-specific programs, such as our current mental health and wellbeing workshops for girls. Click here for more information.
Our mentoring opportunities and activities are generally mixed-gendered and cater to different needs and preferences where needed.
For our 1:1 Youth Mentoring, we match birth gender to birth gender unless the mentee or their family requests otherwise.
What is your approach to mental health support for young people?
We integrate mental health awareness and support into all our services.
Zones of Regulation: We have adapted the Zones of Regulation tool to support our participants in developing their emotional literacy and ability to regulate their emotions.
During Youth Mentoring 1:1 and group sessions we explore resilience, assets, emotional intelligence, and coping strategies.
Our team Mental Health First Aiders or trained in mental health awareness, trauma-informed approaches and safeguarding.
Do you provide any academic tutoring services?
No, however, we suggest you contact Action Tutoring or Moore Education at www.mooreeducation.co.uk
How do you address issues of diversity and inclusion in your programs?
Diversity and inclusion are core values of The Mentoring Lab. We actively work to create inclusive environments, celebrate diversity, and address issues of equity in all our programs. Read our Equality and Inclusion policy here.
Can young people participate in multiple programs simultaneously?
Yes
Do you offer any leadership development programs for youth?
Yes, our Youth Leaders Programme offers young people aged 14 - 25 the opportunities to develop their employability qualities, gain confidence, and build their professional network.
How do you support young people in transitioning to further education or employment?
Within our Youth Leaders Programme, we offer career guidance, CV workshops, interview skills training, and connections to work experience opportunities, we also create opportunities to develop their employability qualities, gain confidence and build their professional network.
What is your policy on confidentiality in mentoring relationships?
We maintain strict confidentiality in our mentoring relationships, with clear guidelines on when information may need to be shared (e.g., in cases of safeguarding concerns). To support the mentee in developing qualities such as being open and asking for help, we encourage mentees to share what happens in the mentoring sessions with their parents, caregivers, or a trusted adult in their network.
Do you offer any programs focused on entrepreneurship for young people?
Yes, young people can request a Youth Mentor to explore entrepreneurship that can help them develop business skills and explore starting their own ventures.
Can young people suggest ideas for new programs or workshops?
Absolutely! We are an equity-led, asset-based Youth Mentoring organisation with a strong youth voice. We thrive because of the ideas, input, suggestions, and feedback from our participants.
Do you offer any support for young people dealing with bullying?
Yes, we address bullying through our mentoring programs and to prevent bully support mentees in building resilience, openness, self-esteem, and strategies for dealing with bullying.
How do you support young people from low-income backgrounds?
We offer many of our services free of charge and can provide additional support (e.g., travel expenses, materials) for those from low-income backgrounds to ensure equal access to our programs.
Do you have any programs that involve community service or volunteering?
Yes, within our mentoring discussion, we encourage community engagement. We also offer various volunteering opportunities for young people as part of our youth leaders programme
How do you support young people with career exploration?
Within the mentoring relationship, we explore young people's strengths, talents, assets, and career aspirations. During group mentoring and our Youth Leaders programme, we also deliver career exploration workshops, arrange visits to different workplaces, bring in guest speakers from various professions, and provide one-on-one career mentoring.
Do you have any programs focused on arts and creativity?
Yes, we offer various creative programs during Game Time and work experience including visual arts, acting opportunities and documentary making.
How do you support LGBTQ+ youth in your programs?
We want every child and young person to 'Be'.
Be free to be themselves, be free from harm, and be free to succeed and thrive. As such, we strive to create inclusive environments for all youth. Our staff and mentors can provide specific support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Do you offer any sports or physical activity programs?
Yes, we have sports mentoring programs like Game Time, which combines sports activities with mentoring on various estates across Hackney.
How do you help young people develop life skills?
Life skills development is integrated into all our Youth Mentoring, work experience, and youth leaders programmes, with a specific focus on topics like financial literacy, time management, and communication skills.
Do you provide any support for young people dealing with family issues?
Our mentors are trained to provide emotional support, advocacy and signposting if a young person is dealing with complex family issues.
How do you engage with schools and other youth organisations?
We actively partner with schools and other youth organisations to deliver 1:1 and group Youth Mentoring. If you would like to partner or collaborate with us, please email [email protected]
How can young people stay involved with The Mentoring Lab as they get older?
As long as The Mentoring Lab continues, young people can use our services and receive Youth Mentoring until they are 25 years old. Thereafter, they can join our alumni, become peer mentors, volunteer in our projects, or join our board of directors to help shape our future.
Do you provide any support for young people interested in advocacy or social justice?
Yes, we have programs that focus on civic engagement related to health and policing. Here we upskill young people in Civil Leadership skills, public speaking and advocacy, supporting them in having a voice and developing campaigns on issues they care about.
How do you support young people with their mental health during exam periods?
Through our mentoring, we offer one-on-one support and can refer to specialised mental health services if needed.
Do you have any programs that help young people explore their cultural identity?
Yes, in our mentoring framework, we explore identity and cultural awareness. We continuously explore and celebrate the wide range of cultural heritage and identity within and beyond our community.
How do you support young carers in your programmes?
We offer flexible youth mentoring opportunities and provide additional support for young carers, recognising their unique challenges.
Do you offer any support for young people dealing with substance abuse issues?
While we don't specialise in substance abuse, we provide education on substance abuse prevention and refer young people to specialised services when needed.
How do you incorporate feedback from young people into your programs?
We regularly collect feedback and case studies through conversations, surveys, focus groups, and our youth leaders. We use this input to continuously improve and develop our organisation and activities.
How do you support young people in developing healthy relationships?
We offer workshops on topics like communication, boundaries, and consent, and our mentors are trained to discuss and model healthy relationship dynamics.
Do you have any programs that focus on critical thinking?
Yes, we offer tools to improve critical thinking skills to help young people navigate life and the challenges life can bring.
How can young people stay updated on your latest programs and opportunities?
Young people can follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, join our WhatsApp, or stay updated through our website.
How can I get a Youth Mentor?
To get free Youth Mentoring, explore our grant funded opportunities on our home page. Alternatively, go to www.mentoringforyouth.com to explore our affordable options. If you are a school, college, youth organisation or local authority please click here.
What is Youth Mentoring?
Youth Mentoring is the practice of being safely guided by a trusted person with a set of qualities and more experience in a particular area, via the use of mentoring tools and techniques, to support another with less experience in the progression and achievement of chosen goals and targets. (Definition by Elaine Thomas The Mentoring Lab Founder Ceo).
What is the difference between befriending, Youth Mentoring, counselling, and coaching? While there can be overlap, these roles are distinct.
- Befriending offers people a trusted friend, typically a volunteer who helps to decrease isolation and increase participation in the local community.
- Youth Mentoring focuses on building a long-term relationship to support overall personal and professional development.
- Counselling typically addresses specific mental health or emotional issues with a trained therapist.
- Coaching is usually goal-oriented and focused on improving performance in particular areas. Youth Mentoring can incorporate elements of both counselling and coaching, but within the context of a sustained, supportive relationship.
Why do you focus on Youth Mentoring?
We focus on Youth Mentoring because it provides a holistic approach to youth development. It allows for long-term relationship building, which can profoundly impact a young person's life. Mentoring can improve self-esteem, academic performance, and life skills while providing crucial emotional support during formative years.
What projects do you have on at the moment?
Our current projects include:
- Mental Health Education podcasting workshops for Black female pupils in years 7-12
- The Met Police Project Event, aiming to engage 100 Black youth to improve policing standards
- Game Time, a multi-sports mentoring programme delivered on estates across Hackney
- Youth Leaders Programme, offering volunteering opportunities during school holidays
What Youth Mentoring Training is coming up?
The Mentoring Lab Training and Development offers various training opportunities throughout the year, including:
- Peer Mentoring Training for those 14 and older
- Youth Mentoring Tools and Techniques
- Introduction to Youth Mentoring
- Level 3 Certificate in Youth Mentoring
Please visit www.thementoringlab.co.uk/training for more details on Youth Mentoring Training.