Early intervention for life-changing impact
In 2023, one in five children aged 8-16 had a probable mental health disorder. That’s why our intervention comes in between the ages of 8 and 11 years old, to help support the Little Londoner before they reach crisis point. We tend to work with primary schools who refer children who may be facing additional challenges in their young lives.
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The number of children we worked with in 2023
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of children reported an increase in wellbeing
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said they really enjoyed the time they spent with their mentor
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of children reported an increase in social and emotional capabilities
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of mentors reported that mentoring has had a positive effect on their wellbeing
Find out more about the activities we run and our operations in our 2023 impact report
MATCHING PROCESS, 12-MONTH COMMITMENT
We carefully match under-served children with volunteer mentors, based on what the child is looking for. The child and mentor spend a year together, meeting one-on-one every week, for up to 60 hours of sessions, exploring new places and spaces across London, and building a long-term trusting relationship.
Having a consistent, regular mentor is proven to create more positive outcomes later in life, including better mental health, enhanced attainment in the classroom and better employment opportunities.
CHILD-LED, TRAUMA-INFORMED
Our child-led, trauma-informed mentoring model provides the protective factors (and the fun!) kids need for a happier childhood and brighter future.
The programme is purposefully child-led, with a variety of mechanisms in place to amplify children’s voices, building confidence, independence and resilience. Throughout their year with their mentor, children lead on decisions, meaning every mentoring journey develops uniquely depending on each child’s wants and needs. Each child has a £35 monthly budget to spend on activities they have chosen with their mentor.
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Child from
alumni panel
Our key objective is that each child reports an increase in at least one self-value metric – acknowledging that success for each child looks different.
We also have three core impact pillars that we measure our programme against:
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The case for early intervention
We exist because although it’s estimated that around 50% of all significant mental health problems begin before the age of 14, 70% of children experiencing these challenges don’t receive appropriate interventions early enough.
In the critical age period between primary and secondary school, Little Londoners could be experiencing exam pressure, social media addiction, bullying or gang grooming. Due to the sensitivity of early brain development, early mental health issues can have long-lasting effects on academic, social, emotional and behavioural outcomes in later life if left unchecked.
PROTECTION FROM POOR MENTAL HEALTH IS WHAT EVERY CHILD DESERVES
Failing to address this need can lead to long-term consequences for the child and ripple effects throughout society. The financial cost of non-intervention is clear, with the NHS spending £670 million on mental health services for children.
Mentoring is a powerful solution that can effectively help children to overcome issues early on, providing a lasting positive impact in their lives. This is why we do what we do.
Can you help?
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