 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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 Youth mentoring has long been recognised as a powerful tool for promoting positive youth development and helping young people reach their full potential. However, as the field has grown and evolved, so too has the need for a clear and comprehensive set of standards to guide the work of youth mentoring organisations and practitioners.
The Mentoring Lab's Youth Mentoring in Practice Standards and Framework is a detailed and evidence-based set of guidelines designed to support the delivery of high-quality mentoring sessions to young people. Developed through extensive research and consultation with youth mentoring experts in the field and the youth mentee's they have served, this framework provides a roadmap for youth mentors looking to create, enhance, or evaluate their youth mentoring sessions. At The Mentoring Lab we have focused intently on developing these standards, drawing on our years of experience delivering mentoring programmes at a local community level. By practicing these standards ourselves and demonstrating their effectiveness, we aim to share our learning and best practices with the wider youth mentoring sector across the UK. The Youth Mentoring in Practice Standards and Framework covers the delivery of youth mentoring sessions, from mentor recruitment, training to programme management and evaluation. It includes specific guidelines and best practices for both one-to-one and group mentoring, as well as recommendations for ensuring the safety, confidentiality, and well-being of all participants. One of the key aims of the framework is to promote consistency and quality across the youth mentoring sector and the way mentoring sessions are delivered. By providing a shared set of standards and expectations, we hope to improve young people's experience in their mentoring session, and across the sector, improve collaboration, learning, and innovation among mentoring organisations and practitioners. We also hope to make it easier for funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to identify and support high-quality mentoring programmes that are making a real difference in the lives of young people. Another important goal of the framework is to support the professionalisation and recognition of youth mentoring as a distinct and valuable field of practice. By articulating the unique skills, knowledge, and competencies required for effective youth mentoring, we aim to raise the profile and status of this important work and encourage more people to get involved as mentors, programme staff, or supporters. So how can the Youth Mentoring in Practice Standards and Framework be used in practice? Youth Mentors and organisations can access:
We invite all those involved in youth mentoring – whether as practitioners, researchers, funders, or supporters – to join us in embracing and applying these standards in their work. Together, we can build a brighter future for young people and the communities they represent. Elaine Isadora Thomas, Founder Ceo, The Mentoring Lab The Growing Demand for Youth Mentors: A Call to Action for African and Caribbean Communities1/4/2024  In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of youth mentoring in promoting positive outcomes for young people. Studies have consistently shown that having a caring, supportive adult mentor can help youth develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills, improve academic performance, and reduce risk-taking behaviors (Rhodes & DuBois, 2008; DuBois et al., 2011).
This demand for youth mentors is particularly acute in African and Caribbean communities, where young people often face unique challenges and barriers to success. According to a report by the National Mentoring Partnership (2019), African American and Hispanic youth are significantly less likely than their white peers to have access to a formal mentor. This disparity is particularly concerning given the research showing that youth from these communities can benefit greatly from mentoring relationships. A study by the University of Georgia found that African American youth who had a mentor were more likely to report positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes than those who did not have a mentor (Kupersmidt et al., 2017). Similarly, a study of Caribbean youth found that those who participated in a mentoring program showed significant improvements in their self-esteem, social skills, and academic performance (Dye et al., 2020). Despite the clear benefits of youth mentoring, many parents and caregivers struggle to find suitable mentors for their children. A survey by the National Mentoring Resource Center (2021) found that nearly 40% of parents reported difficulty finding a mentor for their child, with African American and Hispanic parents reporting even greater challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, with many mentoring programs and services being disrupted or suspended due to social distancing requirements and other restrictions. This has left many young people without access to the support and guidance they need during a particularly challenging time. As a community, we must come together to address this growing demand for youth mentors and ensure that every child has access to the support and guidance they need to thrive. This means investing in mentoring programs and services, particularly those that are culturally responsive and tailored to the unique needs of African and Caribbean youth. It also means encouraging more adults to step up and become mentors, whether through formal programs or informal relationships. Research has shown that mentors do not need to be experts or have specific qualifications – they simply need to be caring, consistent, and committed to supporting young people (Rhodes & DuBois, 2008). By working together to provide more mentoring opportunities for African and Caribbean youth, we can help build a brighter future for our communities and ensure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential. As the African proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." Let us be that village and provide the support and guidance our young people need to succeed. References:
Elaine Isadora Thomas, Founder Ceo, The Mentoring Lab  As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your child, and that includes finding a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and positive role modeling. However, it's essential to understand the differences between a general mentor and a youth mentor to ensure that your child receives the appropriate level of support and that the mentor is equipped to meet their specific needs.
A general mentor is typically someone who provides guidance and advice based on their own experiences and expertise. They may offer support in a particular area, such as career development or personal growth, but their focus is not necessarily on the unique challenges faced by young people. In contrast, a youth mentor is specifically trained to work with young people and has a deep understanding of the developmental stages, social pressures, and emotional needs of this age group. Youth mentors are accountable to the organisations they work with and must adhere to strict guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of the young people they support. They have a clear set of duties and responsibilities, which may include regular check-ins with the mentee, goal-setting and progress tracking, and communication with parents and other support systems. Youth mentors also have access to ongoing training, supervision, and support from their organisations to help them deliver the best possible mentoring experience. In contrast, general mentors may not have the same level of accountability or access to resources and support. They may not be required to undergo background checks or training, and their relationship with the mentee may be more informal and less structured. When seeking a mentor for your child, it's crucial to look for someone who is specifically trained and experienced in working with young people. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you find the right youth mentor:
By understanding the differences between general mentors and youth mentors, and by following these tips and recommendations, you can help ensure that your child receives the safe, effective, and transformative mentoring experience they deserve. Remember, investing in your child's mentoring journey is an investment in their future success and well-being. Elaine Isadora Thomas, Founder Ceo The Mentoring Lab  Youth mentoring has long been recognised as a valuable tool for supporting the personal and social development of young people.
In the Caribbean community, mentoring programs have played a crucial role in helping youth navigate the challenges of growing up and preparing for adulthood. However, as the demand for mentors continues to rise, there are growing concerns about the potential dangers that can arise when mentoring relationships are not properly managed and supervised. One of the most significant risks associated with youth mentoring in the Caribbean community is the lack of capacity among voluntary and community groups to meet the increasing demand for mentors. As a result, many parents and caregivers are turning to paid or volunteer mentors from their local communities to provide guidance and support for their children. While these mentors may have good intentions, the absence of proper screening, training, and safeguarding measures can put young people at risk of harm. Without a clean Enhanced DBS (police check), character or professional reference checks, there is no way to ensure that mentors are suitable to work with young people. This can leave children vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, or other forms of harm. Read our article on Finding the Right Mentor Moreover, mentors who are not properly trained may lack the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support and guidance to young people, potentially leading to negative outcomes. To address these concerns, it is essential that steps are taken to improve the safety and quality of youth mentoring in the Caribbean community. This can include:
By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that youth mentoring in the Caribbean community is safe, effective, and beneficial for all young people. It is essential that we work together to create a culture of safeguarding and support, so that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Elaine Isadora Thomas - Founder Ceo, The Mentoring Lab |
AuthorElaine Isadora Thomas is the Founder and CEO of The Mentoring Lab. Raised by the Windrush community of St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Elaine is a trailblazer within the youth sector, championing equity-led approaches to improve the quality of youth mentoring to address the inequalities and barriers effecting the development and progression of black and marginalised youth. Archives
April 2024
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