Youth programme
Youth Mentoring
One-to-one mentoring that matches young people with a trusted adult who listens, encourages and supports them to build confidence, wellbeing and life skills.
Is this programme right for your young person?
- Age range
- Typically ages 11–19 (with some flexibility up to 25 for young people with SEND or specific needs).
- Who it's for
- Young people who would benefit from regular time with a consistent, trusted adult outside their family or school. This includes young people dealing with low confidence, anxiety, changes at home or school, difficulties with friendships, behaviour, or decisions about education, training and work. Mentoring is suitable for those who will engage with a weekly one-to-one session and are willing to talk, reflect and try new strategies.
- Based at
- Central Hill Community Hub and The Old Library
- Status
- Active
Session times
When the programme runs
Monday
By arrangement
Sessions usually take place after school or early evening at Rathbone spaces or agreed community venues. Exact time and day agreed with each young person.
Tuesday
By arrangement
Sessions usually take place after school or early evening at Rathbone spaces or agreed community venues. Exact time and day agreed with each young person.
Wednesday
By arrangement
Sessions usually take place after school or early evening at Rathbone spaces or agreed community venues. Exact time and day agreed with each young person.
Thursday
By arrangement
Sessions usually take place after school or early evening at Rathbone spaces or agreed community venues. Exact time and day agreed with each young person.
Friday
By arrangement
Sessions usually take place after school or early evening at Rathbone spaces or agreed community venues. Exact time and day agreed with each young person.
For parents and carers
What you need to know
Mentoring provides regular, structured support from a trained, DBS-checked adult outside of school and home. It can help young people manage emotions, build confidence, improve decision-making and stay engaged with education or positive activities. Parents and carers are informed about the start and end of mentoring, the general focus of sessions and any safeguarding concerns that arise. Conversations are private to the young person and mentor within safeguarding boundaries, but the Youth Team keeps oversight, supervises mentors and reviews progress.
How to sign up
Referrals can be made by schools, social workers, youth workers, parents, carers or young people themselves. After a referral, a member of the Youth Team meets the young person to explain mentoring, answer questions and assess whether it is the right support. If it is, they are matched with a mentor based on needs, interests and availability. Consent is agreed with the young person and, where appropriate, with parents or carers and professionals.
For young people
What you can expect
Mentoring is your time to talk about what matters to you with someone who is on your side. Your mentor will not replace your parents, carers or teachers. They are there to listen, help you think through choices and support you to make changes you want in your life. You can talk about feelings, friendships, school, family or goals for the future. You decide what to share. If something serious comes up that affects your safety, your mentor will explain what they need to do and who they need to tell, so you are not left in the dark.
About this programme
Mentoring gives you a trusted adult to talk to regularly.
You meet one-to-one, usually once a week.
Your mentor listens, supports you and helps you work through challenges.
You can talk about school, home, friends or anything else on your mind.
Together you set small goals and think about your next steps.
Mentoring is your time and is private, within safeguarding rules.
- One-to-one support with a trusted adult
- Regular sessions, usually weekly
- Time to talk about whatever is important to you
- Helps with confidence, feelings and choices
- You set goals together at your own pace
- Free and voluntary – you can say if it is not right for you
How to get involved
Referrals can be made by schools, social workers, youth workers, parents, carers or young people themselves. After a referral, a member of the Youth Team meets the young person to explain mentoring, answer questions and assess whether it is the right support. If it is, they are matched with a mentor based on needs, interests and availability. Consent is agreed…
- Phone 020 8766 9280
- WhatsApp 07812 260905
- Email c.king@rathbonesociety.org.uk
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Help our youth work thrive
Our youth programmes run on the support of donors, volunteers and partners. Help young people in Lambeth have a place to belong.