Meet Our Corporate Volunteers: Diego

In 2022, Diego approached us wanting to do something more fulfilling with his free time.

He first supported our Saturday Game Time sessions, and once settled into The Mentoring Lab 'way' he then supported a 17 year old called Tade. For 3 months, once a week for a couple of hours on a Saturday, Diego supported Tade through career and progression mentoring.

Click the image or this link to learn more.

 

Sponsor Diego Today - London Marathon 2023

In April 2023, Diego will be running in the London Marathon to help us raise money to help us continue offering free mentoring to our community of young people.

Show some Love and click here to sponsor Diego today.

What to volunteer as a mentor? 

Call: 02071588500 or whatsapp 07412640174

Email: [email protected]

or complete this register of interest form to kickstart your onboarding process today.

Mentoring Black Youth: A Guide for Those Who Want to Help

With the current state of racial injustice in our country, it’s more important now than ever to support and mentor black youth. But how can those outside the black community best provide guidance and mentorship? Here is a guide for adults who want to help young people of colour grow, learn, and succeed.

 

Step 1: Listen
The most important step to mentoring black youth is listening. Listening allows us to understand the barriers they face and what they need from us as mentors. Listening also helps us become better allies by educating ourselves on their experiences. When talking with a young person of colour, be sure to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in learning about their perspective on things like racism or inequality. It’s also important that you allow them enough space to speak without interruption - this will show them that their voice matters and encourages an open dialogue.

 

Step 2: Provide Resources
Mentors can provide resources such as books, websites, or organizations that can help young people of colour get ahead. This could include resources such as scholarships specifically designed for black students or other initiatives created by non-profits focused on improving access to education in the black community. Additionally, mentors should be aware of any local events or programs specifically designed for black youth so they can attend together.

 

Step 3: Be Patient
Mentoring black youth requires patience because there may be times when they don’t want to talk about difficult topics such as racism or oppression; they may just need time and space away from it all. That being said, it’s still important not to let these topics go unaddressed - instead allow the conversation to come up organically when possible and remind them that you are there if they ever need someone to talk with about these issues or any other ideas or struggles they may have.
Conclusion: Mentoring black youth isn't always easy but it is incredibly rewarding! With some patience and understanding, adults can provide a much needed source of guidance and support for young people of colour in our society today. Through listening, providing resources, and being patient we can help create a brighter future for everyone - regardless of race! By taking these steps we can make sure every young person has a chance at success no matter where they come from or what challenges life throws their way!

 

Step 4: Don't try to be a hero

Be yourself, and ensure your way of helping others does not operate from a God or Hero complex. Allow the young person to feel comfortable leading the mentoring discussions, pace and goals set. Yes, you are a mentor, there to help, guide and encourage, but you are not there to supervise, dictate or manage. Leave that for work. If a young person see's that you are consistently creating a space 'for them' not for you to always talk and share your experiences over their own, they will see you as a trusted adult, feel safe being vulnerable and respect the time you give to help them.

If you're looking for ways to further support consider donating directly through our Local Giving fundraising platform.

 

 

 

 

What to volunteer as a mentor? 

Call: 02071588500

WhatsApp: 07412640174

Email: [email protected]

or complete this register of interest form to kickstart your volunteer onboarding process today.

 

Mentoring: A Pathway Through Structural Barriers

As a leader, you understand the importance of creating a culture that encourages diversity and inclusion. But how do you ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities for growth and development? One way is the mentorship of young people furthest away from advantage and from Global Majority backgrounds.

Simply put, mentoring is a powerful tool for ensuring everyone has equitable access to professional growth. Here’s why mentoring is critical for supporting young people in navigating structural barriers.

Mentoring Can Help Identify Structural Barriers
One of the most difficult aspects of navigating structural barriers is identifying them. This is where mentorship can be especially helpful, as it allows young people to gain insight into their own experiences and those of others. Through conversation, mentors can help mentees identify patterns in their careers shaped by unconscious bias or systemic discrimination and advise on safe and progressive strategies for overcoming those barriers. For example, if a young person is being passed over for promotions due to their gender or race, a mentor may be able to guide how they can advocate more effectively or address any issues around the familiar lack of confidence, imposter syndrome or the more complicated issue of systemic racism.

 

Mentoring Can Foster Career Growth in Unconventional Ways
Another way mentoring can help navigate structural barriers is by providing career guidance outside of traditional paths. Too often, certain roles are closed off to individuals based on ethnicity, religious beliefs or cultural practices, preventing them from accessing job opportunities that others take for granted. Mentors can offer support by providing advice on alternative pathways that will allow young people to explore new areas and develop new skill sets outside of traditional routes. They can also serve as advocates in situations where a young person may feel like they’re facing unfair treatment because of their background or identity—a strong mentor/mentee relationship can act as a buffer against this kind of discrimination.

Mentoring Helps Build Networks & Connections
Finally, having a mentor opens up access to valuable networks and connections which are often inaccessible due to structural barriers such as race or class. By leveraging these networks and connections, young people can better expand their career options and find potential mentors who specialize in particular fields that interest them—such as technology, finance, law, etc.—which gives them more opportunities for advancement than going it alone would provide them with. Additionally, having a mentor who understands young people's challenges when trying to break through structural barriers gives young mentees the confidence they need to succeed despite these obstacles.

 

Conclusion
Mentoring is a great resource for helping young people navigate structural barriers in their professional lives—but organisations must encourage this practice so everyone has equal access to opportunity regardless of background or identity. With proper guidance from experienced professionals who understand the unique concerns faced by young people attempting to overcome these types of obstacles, anyone can achieve success despite them! Creating an inclusive environment starts with fostering relationships between mentors and mentees; so don’t wait—start connecting today!

 

Contact us today

Join our amazing team of volunteer corporate mentors today, call on 02081588500 or complete this register of interest form to kickstart your onboarding process.

 

Learn more about Corporate Volunteer, Diego's journey with The Mentoring Lab

Watch now: https://youtu.be/WwQi7grY2NY

 

What's On for 2023

2023 is the year for ... progress

 

1:1 Youth Mentoring

Online: Wednesday on Zoom. Register here to receive mentoring (a waiting list may apply)

Face to Face: Saturday, 12-4pm, Unit 204 - 205, Bradbury Works, 3a-10 Bradbury Street, Gillet Square, Dalston, Hackney, N16 8JN

Click here to learn more

Register here to take part

 

Youth Mentoring Clubs 

Saturday Mentoring Club: Saturdays, 12-4pm, Unit 204 - 205, Bradbury Works, 3a-10 Bradbury Street, Gillet Square, Dalston, Hackney, N16 8JN

Too Much Leverage Game Show: Saturday 25th February, and every last Saturday of the month thereafter

Get into Music: April and summer 2023 (during school holidays)

Click here to learn more

Register here to take part

 

Game Time

Located in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest

April Game Time: tbc

Summer Game Time: tbc

Click here to learn more about what we did in 2022

Register here to take part

 

YouthinkFWD Projects (Youth Led Projects)

Too Much Leverage Game Show

On The Met - Met Police Project

Youth Work Experience Programme

Click here to learn more

Register here to take part

 

Fundraising Events

Tough Mudder: 16th April 2023

The London Marathon: 23rd April 2023

Hackney Half Marathon:21st May 2023

Mount Snowdon Hike: Sun 27th - Mon 28th August 2023

Office email: [email protected]

 

Youth Mentoring Training

Fourth coming youth mentoring training dates are

Fri 10th Feb 2023: Introduction to Youth Mentoring | 10 - 2pm | Online

Wed 15th - Fri 17th Feb 2023: Level 3 Certificate in Youth Mentoring | 9-5pm | Online

For more information, explore our full range of training dates here

Office email: [email protected]

Contact Us

For more information, contact us at the details below

Office Number: 02081588500

Office Mobile: 07412640174

Office email: [email protected] or [email protected]

 

2023 Youth Mentoring CPD Training Dates Announced

Following a successful first year in delivering youth mentoring CPD training to youth practitioners across the UK, we are happy to announce our 2023 training dates.

Focused on delivering training and qualifications to support the development of mentoring practice across the youth, education, social care and voluntary sector our scheduled trainer-led youth mentoring CPD training and qualifications in:

 

In 2023 we will also have a range of on-demand youth mentoring CPD training available, with special offers for organisations requiring access to the training multiple times throughout the year.

On-demand youth mentoring CPD training will include:

2023 Youth Mentoring CPD Training Dates

For more information explore our training here

Contact Us

For more information contact us on the details below

Office Number: 02081588500

Office Mobile: 07412640174

Office email: [email protected]

 

Metro Newspaper Article: A Diverse Future fo The Met

Published on 15th November 2022, interviewed by the Metro Newspaper, we were invited to discuss The Mentoring Lab's project to improve the Met's recruitment of African and Caribbean youth.

To read the article in full visit the Metro Newspaper here

Contact Us

For more information contact us on the details below

Office Number: 02081588500

Office Mobile: 07412640174

Office email: [email protected]

 

 

 

Met Police #BTheChangeUWant2C

We are proud to be recipients of The Met Police Outreach Fund to support their efforts in increasing the recruitment of people from diverse backgrounds.

We are not blind to the issues within The Met Police, and the systemic issues affecting the relationship the force has with the black community.

We strongly believe that creating a safe place and community for Black, African and Caribbean youth who already want to get into policing is a model for increasing recruitment and retention.

This project is youth-led and aims to:

Metro Newspaper

To learn more about the project, please read the article in the Metro Newspaper found here. Note you will have to register with Metro newspaper first.

 

Contact us today

To learn more about this project or to apply to take part contact us on the details below

Office Number: 02081588500

Office Mobile: 07412640174

Office email: [email protected]

 

Youth Led Project by The Mentoring Lab working with The Met Police.

Meet our friends Tutor Fair

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Tutor Fair, one of London's leading tutoring marketplace with over 19,000 tutors and over 62,000 students registered.

Register Your Interest NOW

If your child is registered with The Mentoring Lab, aged 11-16 years old and would like free tutoring, please complete this form. This offer is first come first serve.

About The Tutoring 
Tutoring is available for free to committed and dedicated TML members aged 11-16 year olds who can commit to long-term tutoring in;
- Maths
- English
Start Date
Tutoring will start online from 14th November 2022, via the Tutor Fair platform. One-hour lessons take place after school on weekdays, typically between expecting 4-6 pm.
Criteria to take part
If you are interested your child must
1) Be aged 11-16 years old
2) Be a member of The Mentoring Lab
3) Show commitment and turn up to every session
4) Be focused and ready to learn
5) Have a quiet area in the house to do the lesson
6) Go over work studied with the tutor during the week to enhance learning and progression in knowledge.
Note: You must already be registered with The Mentoring Lab to receive this amazing opportunity.

To take part complete this form as soon as possible. This offer is first come first serve.

We're hiking Mount Snowdon!

In August 2023, over 20 young people and supporting staff will climb Mount Snowdon, experiencing nature, conquering fears and challenging fixed mindsets and unbeneficial beliefs.

This sponsored hike will help raise the necessary funds to contribute toward running our mentoring and holiday clubs and 1:1 mentoring sessions.

So far we have supported over 2000 young people who had previously struggled with navigating school, race and culture here in the UK. With our support, young people have learnt essential tools to improve the quality of their life and make a healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood. They are empowered, resilient and now have a positive attitude toward life.

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

Without your kind help, we will have to reduce the number of days and hours our service is open to help those overcome challenges that cause significant reduction in their mental health, well-being and quality of life.

Kindly make a gift aid donation via Local Giving https://localgiving.org/appeal/Snowdoniachallenge.

 

Thank you

Youth Mentoring Training - Black History Month Special

This Black History Month we have a selection of training focused on supporting school teachers and youth practitioners in developing their mentoring practice.

We aim to enhance the power of mentoring to support black boys and girls. This training is perfect for teachers, trustees and all youth practitioners.

Delivered by The Mentoring Lab founder and Ceo, Elaine Thomas, we create an inclusive safe space to reflect, explore and develop your mentoring practice.
Youth Mentoring Training Topic and Dates: 
Topic: Culturally Competent Youth Mentoring 
Date: 4th or 5th of October 2022
Location: Online 
For course information and to book your place, please click here
 
Topic: Introduction to Mentoring Black Boys and Girls
Date: 11th October 2022
Location: Online
For course information and to book your place, please click here
 
Topic: Mentoring Black Boys and Girls (CPD)
Date: 28th October 2022
Location: Online
For course information and to book your place, please click here
 
Topic: Racial Equity in Youth Mentoring
Date: 27th October 2022
Location: Online
For course information and to book your place, please click here
Contact us today
To speak with a member of our training team, contact Lian at [email protected] or call 02081588500