Youth Mentoring Conversations on Addiction

As youth mentors, we often find ourselves in situations where our mentees face challenges beyond our professional expertise. Recently, I encountered such a situation with a 21-year-old mentee struggling with an addiction, accompanied by overwhelming guilt and shame that had led to suicidal thoughts.

The Initial Response

Upon first disclosure two weeks ago, I immediately referred them to two counselling agencies—the appropriate professional response, right? Unfortunately, neither agency followed up with my mentee. They were told they were too old for a CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) referral, which left them without the specialised support they urgently needed.

At this point, they hadn't told their caregivers about their struggles. During our previous session, I reminded them of our "personal network tool" to explore who their "Go-To's" (most trusted adults) were in their life. We discussed whether they felt comfortable sharing their current challenges with these support figures.

By our second session, we had a significant breakthrough—they had begun private counselling funded by their caregivers and had already attended two sessions.

Seeking Guidance from My Network

After the initial disclosure, I sought consultation from my trusted network to have a confidential and frank conversation about how I, as a woman, could support this mentee. I recognised my blind spots in this particular lived experience—to be honest, I felt lost in how to approach this barrier to my mentee's progression.

I wanted to understand if and how the tools I already possessed on "change," "habits," or "organising thinking" could be employed in my mentoring conversation. After what was an absolute 'back to skool' lesson in navigating the unknown, I left our two-hour consultation equipped and prepared to face my next mentoring session without worry.

When Professional Help Feels Uncomfortable

During our most recent meeting, my mentee expressed discomfort with counselling. They found that discussing their life brought up additional worries they weren't prepared to face. Most concerning, they hadn't disclosed their addiction to the counsellor and were uncertain about continuing therapy.

I faced a dilemma: Should I leave it to his therapist at their next session the following week? Or knowing they were worried about struggling with dark thoughts filled with guilt and shame later that evening, do I provide some immediate support while maintaining appropriate boundaries?

Finding Relevance in the Everyday

Thinking quickly on my feet, I considered what might resonate with my mentee's daily experience. Knowing they had recently taken on more domestic responsibilities, I looked for something tangible they would encounter regularly—something they could easily visualise and understand as 'true' from their own experience.

A Breakthrough Moment with a Mop

The household chore of mopping provided the perfect analogy:

I emphasised the repeated wringing of the mop head and exchanging dirty water for clean water, illustrating how this process eventually cleans both the mop head and bucket.

Throughout this conversation, I repeatedly clarified that I wasn't a counsellor, only a youth mentor, sharing reputable resources, including the NHS webpage on addiction, and specialised sites like www.NotTheNorm.com.au and www.DefendYoungMinds.com (please note that I could not find a reputable site in England that shared 'strategies' for dealing with porn addition, if you know of any please leave the details and weblink in our enquiry form).

Creating Space for Self-Discovery

The final portion of our 45-minute session allowed my mentee to explore the Mop analogy themselves, making it their own. It is them that connected "replacing dirty water with clean water" to substituting problematic content with healthier activities and entertainment based on their own values.

This visualisation provided them with a clear picture of their recovery journey. That they would emerge on the other side with a "clean mop head and clean water." The mentee left feeling noticeably more hopeful, less self-critical, calmer, and with reduced anxiety. Most importantly, they gained clarity about the healing process and experienced diminished guilt and shame.

Best Practices for Youth Mentors

  1. Know your boundaries: Always refer to appropriate professional services and clearly communicate that you are not a counsellor.
  2. Follow up on referrals: Check whether mentees connected with recommended services and help them navigate alternatives if needed.
  3. Use relevant, everyday analogies: Draw from experiences familiar to your mentee—daily activities they can easily visualise and connect with.
  4. Consult your own support network: Recognise your blind spots and seek guidance from trusted colleagues, especially when facing unfamiliar territory.
  5. Be responsive and agile: Think on your feet to adapt your approach based on the mentee's immediate needs while maintaining professional boundaries.
  6. Utilise existing tools creatively: Consider how your established mentoring frameworks can be applied to new challenges.
  7. Create safe spaces for exploration: Allow mentees to interpret analogies themselves rather than imposing meanings.
  8. Provide reliable resources: Share credible, age-appropriate information from reputable sources.
  9. Respect their journey: Recognise that healing is a process that includes discomfort and setbacks.
  10. Focus on hope: Help mentees visualise a positive future beyond their current struggles.

Through thoughtful, boundaried conversations that connect to everyday experiences, we can support mentees through difficult times while empowering them to seek appropriate professional help for their journey toward healing.

Sharing best practices

If you are a therapist, youth mentor or practitioner and would like to share your approaches in how mentors support young people in removing addictions as a barrier to their progression, please fill out the enquiry form and we will share you approaches with our network in a follow-on blog.

Signs You Might Not Be Cut Out for Youth Mentoring (Yet!)

Let's be honest - youth mentoring isn't for everyone. While we all fancy ourselves as wise guides ready to transform young lives, some of us might need to work on ourselves first. As someone who's seen it all in youth mentoring, let me share some serious red flags that suggest you might want to hold off on mentoring young people.

The Definition First

Youth Mentoring is a multi-disciplinary practice where a young person is safely guided by a trusted person who has a set of qualities and more experience in a particular area, using mentoring tools and techniques to support them in overcoming barriers to progression, navigating life, and achieving chosen actions and goals.

Now, the Warning Signs:

  1. You're More Judgy Than a Reality TV Show Panel If you find yourself tutting at young people's music choices or rolling your eyes at their career aspirations to become a YouTuber, you might need to check yourself. Nothing kills a mentoring relationship faster than judgement disguised as "wisdom."
  2. Your Cultural Understanding Stops at Chicken Tikka Masala If you think diversity means having watched "Black Panther" twice, you might need to expand your cultural horizons. Young people come from various backgrounds, and "but this is how we did it in my day" doesn't cut it anymore.
  3. Your Own Life is More Chaotic Than a Teenager's Bedroom Still figuring out how to adult? That's okay! But if you're consistently missing appointments, procrastinating worse than a student before exams, and your own goals are gathering dust like that gym membership card, maybe sort that out first.
  4. Your Network is Smaller Than Your Netflix Watch List If your professional network consists of your mum's friend who once worked at a bank, you might need to expand your connections before offering to help others with their career journey.
  5. You're Still Wrestling With Your Own Demons If you find yourself getting triggered by young people's stories or projecting your unresolved issues onto their situations, it's therapy time, mate! You can't guide others through emotional landscapes you haven't mapped yourself.
  6. You Think Feedback is Something That Happens to Microphones If the last time you asked for feedback was never, and you treat training sessions like they're optional extras, you might not be ready for the continuous learning journey that is youth mentoring.
  7. You've Got a Fixed Mindset Stronger Than Superglue If you believe "that's just how things are" and "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," you might struggle to help young people see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.
  8. Your Approach is More Single-Track Than a One-Direction Album Youth mentoring requires a multi-disciplinary approach. If you think every problem can be solved with the same solution, you're in for a shock.

5 Steps to Becoming a Better Youth Mentor:

  1. Get Your House in Order Start with yourself. Work through your own challenges, set and achieve some goals, and get comfortable with personal development. You can't pour from an empty cup, as they say!
  2. Expand Your Horizons Read widely, learn about different cultures, engage with diverse communities, and build a genuine understanding of the challenges young people face today. Yes, that means actually learning what TikTok is.
  3. Build Your Network Develop meaningful professional relationships, not just LinkedIn connections. You never know when a young person might need that contact in the creative industries or that friend who works in tech.
  4. Embrace Learning Attend training sessions, seek feedback, reflect on your practice, and be willing to adapt your approach. The youth mentoring world changes faster than phone models - keep up!
  5. Deal With Your Baggage We all have trauma and issues to work through. Get professional help if needed, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and practice self-awareness. Your unresolved issues shouldn't become a young person's problem.

Remember, recognising that you're not ready to mentor isn't a failure - it's actually the first step to becoming a great mentor in the future. Youth mentoring is a serious responsibility, and young people deserve mentors who are committed to their own growth and development.

And hey, if you've read this far and are feeling a bit called out - good! That self-awareness is exactly what you need to start your journey toward becoming an effective youth mentor. Just remember: the goal isn't to be perfect, it's to be genuine, prepared, and committed to continuous improvement.

Training Opportunities

Complete one of our many training opportunities to reflect on your youth mentoring practice and explore the dynamic world of youth mentoring.

Click here to explore our training or book yourself in on a Training Info Session here.

A Guide to Writing Strong Funding Applications

My dear friend,

I set up The Mentoring Lab for you and hope this guide to writing strong Youth Mentoring funding applications helps you to secure the funding you need.

This guide aims to help you articulate the value and quality of your youth mentoring work in funding applications. The questions below will help you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to quality youth mentoring, enabling funders to better understand the vital role you play in supporting young people and strengthening communities. We want to help you secure the resources you need to continue and expand your essential work.

We understand that you are operating in increasingly challenging times. As statutory services face cuts and young people's needs become more complex, your organisations often fill critical gaps in support - sometimes being the only lifeline for vulnerable young people in your communities. You are the hidden heroes, working tirelessly with limited resources to keep young people safe, supported, and hopeful for their futures.

We see how you go above and beyond, often working unpaid hours, using your own resources, and carrying the emotional weight of supporting young people through increasingly difficult circumstances. Your deep understanding of your communities and your commitment to young people makes you invaluable, yet we know how challenging it can be to secure the funding needed to sustain your vital work.

The youth mentoring you provide is often holding statutory services together at the seams - preventing crises, supporting young people who fall through gaps in the system, and providing the consistent, integral relationships that can transform young lives. While your work might not always fit neat funding categories or traditional service models, its impact is profound and far-reaching.

The questions below will help you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to quality youth mentoring.

Key Areas to Address in Your Funding Application

Your Understanding of Youth Mentoring

Delivery Model

Mentor Support and Development

Youth-Led Approach

Safety and Quality Assurance

Impact and Learning

Tips for Strengthening Your Funding Application:

  1. Use Specific Examples Instead of just describing your approach, include brief examples that demonstrate how it works in practice. This helps funders understand the real-world application of your model.
  2. Highlight Your Community Knowledge Emphasise your understanding of local needs and how your mentoring model has developed in response to these needs. Share insights from your experience working with young people in your community.
  3. Show Your Learning Journey Don't be afraid to discuss how your approach has evolved through trial and error. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to feedback.
  4. Focus on Quality Even if your approach is unconventional, clearly explain how you maintain quality and safety standards. Detail your support systems, training, and monitoring processes.
  5. Centre Youth Voice Throughout your application, demonstrate how young people shape and influence your mentoring programme. Use quotes or examples from young people where appropriate.
  6. Address Potential Concerns Anticipate and address common concerns or risks funders might have about youth mentoring. Explain how you maintain boundaries, ensure safety, and distinguish mentoring from other services.

Remember:

Your expertise in working with young people in your community is valuable. Use these questions and tips to help funders understand the quality and impact of your mentoring work.

By answering these questions thoroughly in your application, you'll demonstrate your organisation's capability to deliver high-quality youth mentoring that makes a real difference in young people's lives.

Good luck with your funding application.

A Guide for Funders and Grant Assessors

Youth mentoring is a vital service that can transform young people's lives, yet many grassroots organisations struggle to secure funding due to varying interpretations of what constitutes "effective mentoring." This disconnect often stems from funders' personal experiences with professional or corporate mentoring, which differs significantly from youth mentoring practices.

The Challenge

The landscape of youth mentoring in the UK has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly since the closure of the Mentoring and Befriending Association and the end of government-funded programmes like Excellence in the City. Without these centralised resources and frameworks, the sector has developed organically, with grassroots organisations leading the way in creating innovative, community-responsive approaches to youth mentoring.

However, this evolution has created challenges in securing funding, as traditional funding criteria often fail to capture the nuanced and diverse ways in which effective youth mentoring can be delivered. Many funders, drawing from their experiences of corporate or professional mentoring, may not fully appreciate the distinct nature and requirements of youth mentoring.

Understanding Youth Mentoring

At its core, youth mentoring is a multi-disciplinary practice where a young person is safely guided by a trusted person who has relevant experience, using specific tools and techniques to support them in overcoming barriers to progression, navigating life, and achieving chosen goals. This definition allows for various delivery models, from structured long-term relationships to flexible, community-based approaches.

The key distinction between youth mentoring and other forms of mentoring lies in its focus on supporting young people through their unique developmental challenges and transitions. Unlike professional mentoring, which typically focuses on career advancement or skill development, youth mentoring takes a holistic approach to supporting young people's growth and well-being.

Trusting Community Expertise

While research in youth mentoring continues to evolve, we must acknowledge that community organisations, particularly those in the voluntary sector, have developed effective, culturally responsive mentoring approaches through years of hands-on experience and continuous improvement. These organisations understand their communities' unique needs and have often created innovative mentoring models that may not fit traditional frameworks but deliver meaningful impact.

Small, grassroots organisations often deliver the most impactful mentoring services because they're deeply embedded in their communities. Their approaches, while perhaps unconventional, are often the most effective for their specific context. These organisations have developed their models through careful experimentation, learning, and adaptation to local needs.

Assessing Youth Mentoring Applications

When evaluating funding applications for youth mentoring programmes, it's crucial to look beyond rigid preconceptions and consider several key aspects:

Understanding of Community Needs

Organisations should demonstrate a deep understanding of their target community and how their mentoring approach addresses specific local challenges and needs. This might be evidenced through consultation with young people, partnerships with other local organisations, or track record of community engagement.

Safeguarding and Professional Boundaries

While delivery models may vary, all youth mentoring programmes must maintain robust safeguarding procedures and clear professional boundaries. This includes appropriate screening and training of mentors, regular supervision, and clear protocols for managing risk.

Support Systems

Effective youth mentoring requires comprehensive support systems for both mentors and mentees. This includes training, supervision, and ongoing professional development opportunities for mentors, as well as clear pathways for additional support when needed.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Strong applications will show how their mentoring model can adapt to individual needs while maintaining quality and consistency. This might include offering different types of mentoring (one-to-one, group, or peer mentoring) or varying the intensity and duration of support based on young people's needs.

Youth Voice and Involvement

Look for evidence of how young people are involved in shaping the mentoring programme, from design through to evaluation. This demonstrates a commitment to genuine youth engagement and ensures the service remains relevant and effective.

Continuous Improvement

Organisations should show a commitment to learning and improving their practice, even if their evaluation methods are informal or qualitative. This might include regular feedback from young people, mentor reflection sessions, or partnership working to share learning.

Recommendations for Funders

To better support youth mentoring organisations, we recommend that funders:

  1. Develop a broader understanding of what constitutes effective youth mentoring, moving beyond traditional corporate or professional mentoring models.
  2. Value the expertise and experience of grassroots organisations in developing community-responsive mentoring approaches.
  3. Consider the unique context and challenges of youth mentoring when setting application criteria and evaluation requirements.
  4. Support organisations to document and share their learning, helping to build the evidence base for diverse mentoring approaches.
  5. Provide flexible funding that allows organisations to adapt and improve their mentoring models based on learning and changing needs.

Conclusion

Funders can help ensure that vital mentoring services remain available to young people who need them by understanding and appreciating the diverse ways in which effective youth mentoring can be delivered. This guide aims to bridge the gap between funders' expectations and community organisations' realities, helping more critical projects secure the funding they need to continue their valuable work.

Let's move beyond rigid frameworks and embrace the diversity of effective youth mentoring approaches.

 

We are here to help

Contact The Mentoring Lab for consultations and insights into the nuances of youth mentoring in practice. the expertise of community organisations and supporting their work, we can help ensure that more young people have access to high-quality mentoring that meets their needs and helps them achieve their potential.

Youth Mentoring Wisdom in Supporting New Teachers

Transforming Classroom Relationships

The Power of Youth Mentoring Wisdom in Supporting New Teachers

Introduction

As our education system grapples with increasing behavioural challenges and student disengagement, perhaps it's time to look beyond traditional teacher training methods. Youth mentors, with their expertise in building authentic relationships with young people, offer valuable insights that could revolutionise how new teachers approach classroom dynamics and student engagement.

Understanding Youth Mentoring Wisdom

Youth mentors possess a unique skill set developed through years of creating safe, trusting relationships with young people outside formal educational settings. They excel at understanding young people's full context - their relationships, environments, and experiences that shape their behaviour and attitudes toward learning. This holistic understanding is often missing in traditional classroom management approaches.

Unlike the hierarchical teacher-student relationship, youth mentors establish what the Youth Mentoring Toolkit calls "integral relationships" - connections built on mutual respect, understanding, and genuine interest in young people's wellbeing and growth. These relationships create spaces where young people feel safe to express themselves, take risks in their learning, and develop their identity.

The Case for Co-Mentoring

Co-mentoring between youth mentors and new teachers offers an innovative approach to professional development. Rather than simply teaching classroom management techniques, this partnership allows for deep learning about relationship-building, emotional intelligence, and asset-based approaches to student engagement.

The youth mentor brings expertise in:

The teacher brings:

Together, they can create powerful new approaches to classroom relationship-building that benefit both teachers and students.

How Co-Mentoring Could Work

A structured co-mentoring programme might begin with the youth mentor and teacher exploring their own perspectives and experiences using tools from youth mentoring practice. This could include mapping their understanding of young people's networks and spaces, examining their assumptions about behaviour and learning, and sharing their approaches to building trust.

Regular reflection sessions would allow the pair to:

The youth mentor might observe classroom interactions and offer insights about student behaviour and engagement from a relationship-building perspective. Meanwhile, the teacher could share their challenges and successes in implementing more youth-centred approaches to classroom management.

Transforming Classroom Relationships

Through this co-mentoring relationship, teachers can develop new ways of understanding and responding to student behaviour. Instead of seeing disruption as defiance, they might recognise it as an expression of unmet needs or untapped potential. Rather than focusing on control and compliance, they can learn to create environments where students feel valued and understood.

Youth mentoring wisdom teaches us that young people are more likely to engage when they feel:

Practical Applications

Consider a common classroom scenario: a student repeatedly disrupts lessons by calling out and challenging the teacher's authority. Traditional classroom management might focus on sanctions and behaviour modification. However, a youth mentoring approach would seek to understand the student's perspective and underlying needs.

The youth mentor might help the teacher:

Cultural Sensitivity and Context

Youth mentors often excel at understanding and navigating cultural differences, an increasingly important skill in diverse classrooms. They can help teachers recognise how cultural background influences learning styles, communication patterns, and behaviour, leading to more culturally responsive teaching practices.

Challenges and Considerations

Implementing co-mentoring between youth mentors and teachers requires careful consideration of:

However, the potential benefits - improved student engagement, reduced behaviour issues, and more satisfied teachers - make it worth exploring.

Conclusion

As we seek to create more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environments, the wisdom of youth mentors offers valuable insights for new teachers. Through structured co-mentoring relationships, we can combine the best of both worlds - educational expertise and youth mentoring wisdom - to transform classroom relationships and improve outcomes for all students.

The key lies in recognising that youth mentors' expertise in building integral relationships with young people is not just "nice to have" but essential knowledge for effective teaching in today's complex educational landscape. By bridging the gap between youth work and teaching, we can create more human-centred, relationship-based approaches to education that better serve both teachers and students.

 

Research Opportunity

If you are interested in partnering with The Mentoring Lab to conduct a research project exploring co-mentoring in schools, please complete the enquiry form or call 020281588500 or 07412640174.

 

Mentoring For Youth FAQ

What is a Youth Mentor at Mentoring For Youth?

A Youth Mentor is a trained professional or experienced individual who provides guidance, support, and mentoring to young people aged 14-24 through our digital platform. 

We particularly focus on supporting marginalised youth to overcome systemic barriers and access career opportunities. Youth Mentors commit to making a meaningful impact in young people's lives through regular mentoring sessions and ongoing support.

 

What qualifications do I need to become a Youth Mentor?

While specific qualifications vary, we require Youth Mentors to have relevant experience working with young people, strong digital literacy skills, and a commitment to youth development. All Youth Mentors must complete our mandatory 30-hour training program and obtain an enhanced DBS check. Professional experience in fields such as education, youth work, or career guidance is valuable but not always required if you have other relevant experience.

 

How much time do I need to commit?

Youth Mentors must be available to conduct at least two mentoring sessions per week. Additionally, you'll need to commit to:

Application Process

How long does the application process take?

The initial application process typically takes 3-4 weeks, followed by a 4-week intensive training period. After that, there's a three-month probationary period before full integration as a Youth Mentor.

 

What costs are involved in becoming a Youth Mentor?

The main potential cost is the Enhanced DBS check (£35) if you don't already have one that's less than 18 months old. All training and resources are provided free of charge by Mentoring For Youth.

 

What does the screening process involve?

Our screening process includes:

Training and Development

What does the mandatory training cover?

Our 4-week intensive training program includes:

Each session takes place on Wednesdays from 7-8pm UK time (2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST / 6-7am AEST next day).

 

What ongoing support do Youth Mentors receive?

We provide comprehensive support including:

Safeguarding and Professional Standards

What safeguarding measures are in place?

We maintain strict safeguarding protocols including:

 

How are mentoring sessions monitored?

All mentoring sessions take place through our secure digital platform. We maintain oversight through:

Technical Requirements

What technical setup do I need?

You'll need:

 

Career Development

What professional development opportunities are available?

We offer numerous development opportunities including:

 

Can I progress within the organisation?

Yes, we offer progression pathways including:

 

Support and Resources

What resources are provided to Youth Mentors?

We provide comprehensive resources including:

 

How do I get help if I need it?

Support is available through multiple channels:

 

For Young People (Mentees)

What is Mentoring For Youth and how can it help me?

Mentoring For Youth connects you with experienced Youth Mentors who can support your personal and career development. Think of it as having a knowledgeable friend who can help guide you through important decisions about your education, career, and personal growth. Our platform is particularly focused on supporting Black and Global Majority youth aged 14-24 to overcome barriers and access great opportunities.

How do mentoring sessions work?

Sessions happen online through our secure platform. You'll meet with your Youth Mentor regularly (usually weekly or fortnightly) for one-hour sessions. During these sessions, you can discuss anything from career goals and academic challenges to personal development and life skills. All sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive environment where you can speak freely and get guidance.

What can I talk about with my Youth Mentor?

You can discuss many topics including:

How do I know I'll be safe online?

Your safety is our top priority. We have strict safeguarding measures in place:

What if I don't get along with my mentor?

It's important that you feel comfortable with your Youth Mentor. If you're not connecting well, you can request a change. We'll help match you with someone who better fits your needs and personality.

For Parents and Caregivers

How does Mentoring For Youth ensure my child's safety?

We maintain comprehensive safeguarding measures:

How much does the service cost?

We also offer an affordable paid service through www.mentoringforyouth.com for families seeking private mentoring arrangements.

However, through CareerXplore, our corporate-sponsored platform, mentoring is provided FREE to young people through community organisations, schools, and local authorities. 

 

How can I monitor my child's progress?

We provide regular updates through:

What qualifications do Youth Mentors have?

Our Youth Mentors undergo rigorous screening and training:

 

For Teachers and Youth Workers

How can I refer young people to the service?

You can refer young people through:

What support can referred young people expect?

Young people receive:

How do you match mentors with mentees?

We use a careful matching process considering:

How can our organisation partner with Mentoring For Youth?

We offer several partnership opportunities:

 

Technical and Practical Matters

What equipment does a young person need?

Basic requirements include:

How flexible are the mentoring arrangements?

We offer:

What happens if technology fails?

We have backup plans including:

Measuring Impact and Success

How do you measure the effectiveness of mentoring?

We track success through:

What outcomes can we expect?

Common positive outcomes include:

 

Additional Support

What additional resources are available?

We provide:

 

Additional Questions for Young People (Mentees)

What if I'm nervous about meeting my Youth Mentor for the first time? It's completely normal to feel nervous! Your first session is designed to be relaxed and comfortable. You'll start with a friendly conversation to get to know each other, and your Youth Mentor will explain how the sessions will work. You can also have a parent/caregiver or youth worker join your first session if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Can I choose what to talk about in my sessions? Yes! While your Youth Mentor will help guide discussions and suggest topics, you have control over what you want to focus on. Sessions are your time to explore what matters to you, whether that's career planning, academic support, or personal development.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session? Life happens, and we understand that! You can reschedule sessions through our platform with at least 24 hours' notice. If you have an emergency, just let us know as soon as possible, and we'll help arrange an alternative time.

Can I keep in touch with my Youth Mentor between sessions? All communication happens through our secure platform. You can send messages to your Youth Mentor between sessions, but they'll only respond during designated times to maintain professional boundaries. In emergencies, we have a support team available 24/7.

What if I'm struggling with something serious? Your Youth Mentor is trained to support you and can help connect you with additional resources if needed. If you share something that raises safeguarding concerns, they're required to report it to keep you safe, but they'll always discuss this with you first.

Additional Questions for Parents and Caregivers

How do you ensure mentoring aligns with our cultural values? Our Youth Mentors undergo cultural competency training and many come from marginalised and Global Majority backgrounds themselves. We match mentees with mentors who understand their cultural context and can provide relevant guidance while respecting family values.

What's the difference between CareerXplore and www.mentoringforyouth.com? CareerXplore is our free 12 week group career mentoring project providing free mentoring through community organisations and schools, focusing on supporting marginalised youth. Mentoringforyouth.com is our paid service where parents can directly select and book Youth Mentors, similar to a tutoring platform.

Can siblings have the same Youth Mentor? While possible, we typically recommend different mentors for siblings to ensure each young person has their own unique mentoring relationship. However, we can discuss this based on individual circumstances.

What happens if my child reveals a safeguarding concern? We have clear protocols for handling disclosures. The Youth Mentor will report concerns to our safeguarding lead, who will contact you and relevant authorities if necessary. We handle all situations sensitively while prioritising your child's safety.

How can I support my child's mentoring journey? We provide parent/caregiver guides and regular updates. You can help by ensuring your child attends sessions regularly, encouraging them to set goals, and maintaining open communication with their Youth Mentor through our platform.

Additional Questions for Teachers and Youth Workers

How does Mentoring For Youth complement existing school/youth service provision? Our service is designed to enhance, not replace, existing support. Youth Mentors can reinforce school-based career guidance, provide additional academic support, and offer culturally relevant perspectives that might not be available within current provision.

Can we integrate Mentoring For Youth into our existing programs? Yes! We offer flexible partnership models to integrate with your current services. This can include group mentoring sessions, workshop delivery, or embedding our platform within your existing youth support framework.

What data and impact reports can we expect? We provide detailed impact reports including engagement metrics, progress indicators, and outcome measurements. These can be customised to align with your organisation's key performance indicators and funding requirements.

How do you support young people with special educational needs or disabilities? Our Youth Mentors receive specific training in supporting diverse learning needs. We can provide adapted resources and modified session formats, and we work closely with referring organisations to ensure appropriate support is in place.

What crisis support is available? We maintain partnerships with specialist support services and have clear escalation procedures for various situations. Youth Mentors are trained in crisis response and have access to immediate support from our safeguarding team.

Additional Questions About Technical Support

Is the platform accessible for young people with disabilities? Yes, our platform meets accessibility standards and includes features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and adjustable text sizes. We can also provide alternative formats for resources when needed.

What happens if a young person doesn't have reliable internet access? We can provide guidance on accessing free wifi spots and work with partner organisations to arrange internet access. In some cases, we may be able to support data packages or equipment loans.

Are sessions recorded? No, individual mentoring sessions are not recorded to maintain privacy and encourage open discussion. However, we do record group workshops and training sessions, which are available in our resource library.

Additional Questions About Program Content

How do you incorporate current issues like AI and future careers? Our program regularly updates to include emerging trends and future work skills. Youth Mentors receive ongoing training about technological changes and their impact on careers, ensuring mentees get current, relevant guidance.

Do you offer specialist mentoring for specific career paths? Yes, we can match young people with Youth Mentors who have experience in particular industries or career paths. We also organise industry-specific group sessions and workshops with corporate partners.

How do you support young people interested in entrepreneurship? We have dedicated Youth Mentors with business experience and provide specific resources for young entrepreneurs. We can also connect mentees with business networks and startup support through our corporate partners.

Additional Questions About Community Engagement

How do you engage with different community groups? We work closely with various community organisations, religious institutions, and cultural groups to ensure our service is accessible and relevant. We regularly host community information sessions and welcome feedback to improve our service.

Can community organisations become delivery partners? Yes, we offer partnership opportunities for community organisations to become delivery partners. This includes training for your staff, access to our platform, and support in developing local mentoring programs.

How do you support international or refugee youth? We have Youth Mentors from diverse international backgrounds and can provide mentoring in multiple languages. We also offer specific mentoring for young people who have escaped war, including guidance on Wellbeing, educational progression and career pathways.

 

Community Outreach Youth Mentoring FAQ's

Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions for organisations seeking outreach Youth Mentoring for young people.

General Mentoring

Q: What age groups do you work with?

We support young people aged 10-25 years old

 

Q: What types of mentoring do you offer?

We provide academic mentoring, behaviour mentoring, progression mentoring, transition mentoring, at-risk mentoring, preventative and career mentoring.

Q. Who do you offer Outreach Youth Mentoring Services to?

We offer services to local authorities, NGOs, residential homes, youth clubs, community organisations, schools, colleges, universities and alternative provisions.

 

Q: What mentoring services do you provide?

We deliver evidence-based mentoring for young people aged 10-25, including:

Q: How do you work with organisations?

We work to the needs of the organisation and the young people by:

Q: What makes your service effective? 

We are a leading Youth Mentoring organisation that supports both mentoring staff and young people. Our approach features:

Q: How are Youth Mentors selected and trained?

Our mentors undergo rigorous vetting and safeguarding checks and receive comprehensive Youth Mentoring training using our Youth Mentoring Tool Kit, Safeguarding and Mental Health First Aider training. They participate in ongoing supervision and professional development.

Program Implementation

Q: How does the mentoring program integrate with our service?

Programmes can be delivered during or outside of school hours through scheduled 1:1 sessions and group workshops. We work with your timetable to minimise disruption.

Q: What outcomes can we expect?

Our Youth Mentoring aims to improve attendance, reduce exclusions, enhance mental well-being and fitness, improve thought patterns, better attainment, improve relationships with others (including peers, teachers, caregivers and statutory services), and strengthen engagement in education.

Specialised Support

Q: Can you support students with EHC plans?

Yes, we provide specialised mentoring for young people with EHC plans, tailoring our approach to individual needs.

Q: Do you work with excluded students?

Yes, we have extensive experience supporting excluded youth and those at risk of exclusion through targeted interventions.

Practical Arrangements

Q: How long do Outreach Youth Mentoring relationships last?

Outreach Youth Mentoring can be tailored to your needs but typically run for a minimum of one term / 13 weeks for sustainable impact.

Q: What are the costs?

We offer flexible packages based on your requirements starting from £5 per young person. Explore our prices here

Safeguarding and Quality

Q: How do you ensure safeguarding?

All mentors are DBS checked and follow strict safeguarding protocols, working closely with DSLs.

Q: How do you measure impact?

We use a robust monitoring framework tracking participation, school attendance, behaviour, emotional regulation, academic progress, and wellbeing.

Program Specifics

Q: What is your mentoring approach?

Our framework focuses on helping young people reflect, explore, reframe, and develop.

Q: Do you offer group mentoring?

Yes, we deliver both 1:1 and group mentoring sessions, tailored to your needs.

Youth Support

Q: Can you support youth with emotional and behavioural difficulties?

Yes, use evidence-based approaches to improve self-regulation and engagement.

Q: Do you work with refugee/migrant youth?

Yes, we support refugee/migrant youth transition and integration.

Q: How do you support post-16 transitions?

We provide dedicated progression mentoring, career guidance and mentoring opportunities led by our network of corporate volunteer career mentors.

Operational Details

Q: What documentation do you provide?

We provide youth mentoring, coaching and leadership-themed resources, session planning, progress notes, regular updates, and end-of-program impact reports.

Q: Can mentoring be delivered remotely?

Yes, we offer digital mentoring through our Mentoring For Youth platform.

Q. What do you need from us to start.

We need the following:

Impact and Assessment

Q: How do you track progress?

We use a robust monitoring framework tracking participation, school attendance, behaviour, emotional regulation, relationship with others, academic progress, and wellbeing.

Q: What involvement is required from staff?

We work collaboratively with designated staff for referrals, progress updates, and safeguarding coordination.

Additional Services

Q: Do you offer staff training?

Yes, we provide continued professional development for school staff on School-Based mentoring approaches, Mentoring Refresher Training, Complete Youth Mentors Kit and Level 3 Certificate in Community and Voluntary Youth Mentoring

Q: Can you support with parent engagement?

Yes, our Youth Mentoring model is systemic, as such includes parent/carergiver engagement in our mentoring programs.

Logistics

Q: What geographical areas do you cover?

We work across London and surrounding areas, with additional travel costs outside M25.

Q: How quickly can you start?

Once agreements are in place, we can typically begin within 2-3 weeks.

Need more information?

Contact us at:

School Outreach Youth Mentoring FAQ's

Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions for school staff seeking outreach Youth Mentoring for students.

General Mentoring

Q: What age groups do you work with?

We support young people aged 10-25 years old across educational settings.

Q: What types of mentoring do you offer?

We provide academic mentoring, behaviour mentoring, progression mentoring, transition mentoring, at-risk mentoring, and group mentoring programs.

Q: How are mentors selected and trained?

Our mentors undergo rigorous vetting and safeguarding checks and receive comprehensive Youth Mentoring training using our Mentoring Tool Kit, Safeguarding and Mental Health First Aider training. They participate in ongoing supervision and professional development.

Program Implementation

Q: How does the mentoring program integrate with our school day?

Programmes can be delivered during school hours through scheduled 1:1 sessions and group workshops. We work with your timetable to minimise disruption.

Q: What outcomes can we expect?

Our programs target improved attendance, reduced exclusions, enhanced mental well-being and fitness, improved thought patterns, better attainment, improved relationships with others (including peers and teachers), and stronger engagement in education.

Specialised Support

Q: Can you support students with EHC plans?

Yes, we provide specialised mentoring for students with EHC plans, tailoring our approach to individual needs.

Q: Do you work with excluded students?

Yes, we have extensive experience supporting excluded students and those at risk of exclusion through targeted interventions.

Practical Arrangements

Q: How long do School Outreach Youth Mentoring relationships last?

School Outreach Youth Mentoring can be tailored to your needs but typically run for a minimum of one term / 13 weeks for sustainable impact.

Q: What are the costs?

We offer flexible packages based on your requirements starting from £5 per child. Explore our prices here

Safeguarding and Quality

Q: How do you ensure safeguarding?

All mentors are DBS checked and follow strict safeguarding protocols, working closely with school DSLs.

Q: How do you measure impact?

We use a robust monitoring framework tracking attendance, behaviour, academic progress, and wellbeing.

Program Specifics

Q: What is your mentoring approach?

Our framework focuses on helping young people reflect, explore, reframe, and develop through culturally competent mentoring.

Q: Do you offer group mentoring?

Yes, we deliver both 1:1 and group mentoring sessions, tailored to your needs.

Student Support

Q: Can you support students with emotional and behavioural difficulties?

Yes, use evidence-based approaches to improve self-regulation and engagement.

Q: Do you work with refugee/migrant students?

Yes, we support refugee/migrant youth transition and integration.

Q: How do you support post-16 transitions?

We provide dedicated progression mentoring, career guidance and mentoring opportunities led by our network of corporate volunteer career mentors.

Operational Details

Q: What documentation do you provide?

We provide youth mentoring, coaching and leadership-themed resources, session planning, progress notes, regular updates, and end-of-program impact reports.

Q: Can mentoring be delivered remotely?

Yes, we offer digital mentoring through our Mentoring For Youth platform.

Q. What do you need from us to start.

We need the following:

Impact and Assessment

Q: How do you track student progress?

We use structured assessment tools tracking attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, academic progress, and personal development.

Q: What involvement is required from school staff?

We work collaboratively with designated staff for referrals, progress updates, and safeguarding coordination.

Additional Services

Q: Do you offer staff training?

Yes, we provide continued professional development for school staff on School-Based mentoring approaches, Mentoring Refresher Training, Complete Youth Mentors Kit for Schools and Level 3 Certificate in Youth Mentoring Qualification.

Q: Can you support with parent engagement?

Yes, our Youth Mentoring model is systemic, as such includes parent/carergiver engagement in our mentoring programs.

Logistics

Q: What geographical areas do you cover?

We work across London and surrounding areas, with additional travel costs outside M25.

Q: How quickly can you start?

Once agreements are in place, we can typically begin within 2-3 weeks.

Need more information?

Contact us at:

Frequently Asked Questions - Youth Mentoring Training

Booking and Confirmation

Q: How quickly will I receive my booking confirmation? A: Confirmation and booking details will be sent within 3 working days of payment being made.

Q: What contact methods can I use to book training? A: You can book training by:

Training Content

Q: What types of youth mentoring training do you offer? A: We offer various training levels:

Q: What is included in the training? A: Training typically includes:

Pricing

Q: Are there additional travel costs? A: Travel costs within the M25 are included. For locations outside the M25, travel will be charged at 55p per mile or the relevant public transport costs.

Q: Are half-day trainings available? A: Yes, half day training is available and typically run from 10am-2pm.

Q: How long does it take to receive my certificate? A: CPD Certificates are usually issued within 30 working days after all participating trainees have submitted their evidence. Level 3 Qualification may take up to 9 months to receive your certificate or longer, depending on your engagement with the qualification assessors.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Q: What is your refund policy? A: Our refund policy is as follows:

Q: Are prices subject to change? A: Yes, prices are subject to change

About The Mentoring Lab Training and Development

Q: Who runs The Mentoring Lab? A: The Mentoring Lab was founded in 2017 by Elaine Isadora Thomas, a youth mentoring specialist. They are recognised for:

Q: How can I contact The Mentoring Lab?

Training Delivery and Format

Q: Do you offer online or in-person training? A: We can deliver the training both in-person and via Zoom, especially for locations outside the M25.

Q: Who is this training suitable for? A: Our training is designed for:

Q: How experienced are your trainers? A: Our founder, Elaine Thomas, has over 20 years of experience in youth mentoring, as such our training is delivered by practicing youth mentors who have:

Specific Training Details

Q: What makes your training unique? A: Our training is distinctive because it:

Q: Do you offer specialised mentoring training? A: Yes, we offer specialised training such as:

Future Plans

Q: Are there any upcoming developments? A. Demonstrating our commitment to ongoing professional development in youth mentoring, we plan to launch The Association of Youth Mentors in 2025, which

Learning Outcomes

Q: What will I learn from the training? A: Participants can expect to:

Q: Do you provide ongoing support after training? A: Yes, we offer ongoing support, peer learning, supervision and resources to trainees. Please enquiry for more information.

Payment & Invoicing

Q: How should invoices be made out? A: Make invoices payable to: The Mentoring Lab Training and Development Ltd, International House 126 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 3AP

Frequently Asked Questions - Private Youth Mentoring

What is Youth Mentoring?

Youth mentoring is the practice of being safely guided by a trusted person with experience in a particular area. Our mentors use specialized tools and techniques to support young people in achieving their chosen goals and targets.

Who is eligible for your mentoring services?

Our mentoring services are available to young people aged 10-25. We offer various mentoring styles including At Risk, Preventative, Progression, and Career Mentoring.

What's included in your mentoring packages?

Our comprehensive packages include:

Where do mentoring sessions take place?

Sessions typically take place at agreed public locations. We can also arrange online sessions when needed. We do not conduct sessions in private residences.

What qualifications do your mentors have?

All our mentors are:

How long is a typical mentoring relationship?

Mentoring relationships are structured as fixed-term packages, with the option to extend if beneficial. The length can be tailored to your needs, typically ranging from 3-12 months.

How much does private mentoring cost?

We offer flexible payment options including:

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes, we offer a 14-day money-back cooling-off period after payment.

How often are the mentoring sessions?

Session frequency can be weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your package. Additional support is provided through mid-week calls and email contact.

What if I need to cancel a session?

Sessions can be cancelled with 24 hours' notice without charge. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) will be charged at the full session rate.

How do you ensure confidentiality?

We maintain strict confidentiality for all information shared during mentoring sessions. However, we have a duty to share information if there are safeguarding concerns.

Can parents be involved in the mentoring process?

Parents/guardians receive regular updates on progress while respecting the mentee's confidentiality. We provide monthly summaries and quarterly detailed reports.

How do you measure progress?

We use regular progress tracking, achievement monitoring, and formal evaluations. Each mentee has an action plan with clear goals and targets.

What happens at the end of the mentoring relationship?

We implement a structured transition process including:

Can the service be funded by a third party?

Yes, we work with referral agents who can fund the service. Special arrangements and reporting requirements apply in these cases.

Contact us today to learn more about our mentoring services or to book an initial consultation.