The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced he is investing a further £10 million to support mentoring organisations in London to deliver on his manifesto commitment to provide a

mentor for 100,000 young Londoners most in need of support.

Today’s announcement of major new investment builds on the £24m already invested by the Mayor which has provided crucial mentoring support for more than 50,000 young Londoners so far. It will provide more mentoring activities benefitting thousands more young people throughout 2023 and provide crucial support to those young Londoners vulnerable to exploitation or being drawn into violence. It will mean City Hall is on track to provide mentors for 100,000 young people by the end of next year. £34m is the most ever invested by any UK city in providing mentors.

The importance of a trusted adult relationship in a young person’s life is crucial and Sadiq is committed to providing access to a dedicated mentor to young Londoners who face the biggest challenges to reaching their potential. This includes children and young people who are not in mainstream education, those who have been excluded from school or college, as well as young people impacted by exploitation, domestic violence, living in poverty, and those involved in the care system.

The funding will not only help prevent vulnerable young Londoners from being exploited into gangs and violence, but provide a helping hand for Londoners to reach their potential.

Today’s funding boost, which is open to organisations to bid for, through the Propel Funding Collaboration Portal, from today [1], will enable organisations to provide a range of high-quality, long-term mentoring that includes:

One-to-one support to disadvantaged young Londoners aged 10-24;

Greater support for the transition between primary and secondary school; 

Ensure advice, training and employment opportunities are available for young people over 16.

Thousands of mentoring opportunities are already being delivered in London as part of the Mayor’s commitment of a New Deal for Young People, which involves support from City Hall, London boroughs, schools, community groups and others across the city who are working in partnership to give young Londoners a helping hand to reach their full potential.

The Mayor’s aim is to increase the quality of mentoring and youth work in London and is supporting that through City Hall’s new Mentoring Quality Framework, a self-assessment toolkit for organisations to improve and develop mentoring being delivered across the capital.

This action is part of the Mayor’s determination to support young Londoners as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact our city and will ensure that those in greatest need receive the support they deserve.

As part of the Mayor’s commitment to mentoring and support for young people in school, his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) – which he set up and funds to deliver prevention and early intervention – is beginning to see the impact of its work in funding mentors and coaches in Pupil Referral Units and Alternative Provision schools, which are supporting those children who are not able to attend a mainstream school.

The Mayor joined Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Lib Peck, who is co-chair of the New Deal for Young People mission, today at City Heights Academy in Lambeth to see City Hall funded mentoring and group coaching being delivered and the impact that it is having on young people. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I made a commitment to provide a mentor for 100,000 young people in need of support in London and I’m proud that, working with others across the capital, we are on track to deliver on that ambitious promise.

“I know first-hand the difference a trusted mentor can make. Our record investment will mean that more children, young Londoners and families across the capital will benefit from the life-changing impact of mentoring and coaching.  

“Mentors are also absolutely crucial in supporting those most vulnerable to exploitation being drawn into violence. This investment will play an important part in our efforts to tackle violence in the capital as we work to build a fairer, more equal city for all Londoners.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “The key principles of a child first approach is listening to children and young people and their solutions to tackling some of the challenges they face in society. What young people have made clear is the impact that good quality mentoring can have not only at points of crisis, but during key transition points such as school, career development and relationships.

“A trusted adult relationship and the guidance they provide can sometimes be the difference between a path that can lead to exploitation and violence, and one that provides opportunity through education, employment and a chance to thrive.

“We’re beginning to see some of that impact through the work the VRU is investing in through Pupil Referral Units and is why the Mayor’s commitment to mentoring is so key. We’re determined to play our part in supporting mentors and celebrating the impact they have in our communities.”    

Errol Comrie, Headteacher at City Heights Academy, said: “As the headteacher, I am thrilled to witness the remarkable progress made in delivering numerous mentoring opportunities. This achievement aligns perfectly with the Mayor's ambitious commitment to empowering young people through a transformative initiative.

“Witnessing the profound impact of mentoring on our students within our own school has been truly remarkable. It is inspiring to see how mentoring positively influences their academic achievements, social interactions, and overall well-being.”

Anna Coffey, co-CEO of High Trees, said: “High Trees see first-hand the real difference mentoring can make in the life of children and young people. The Mayor’s commitment to funding organisations that are embedded in the communities in which they work ensures that mentoring support can be consistent, meaningful and can reach many more of the children who need it most. 

“The value of a relationship with a trusted adult, truly invested in your future, can be the factor that allows young people to see and understand their potential. High Trees is so proud of all the young people we work with and are delighted to not only be expanding our own mentoring service, but to capacity build other organisations to grow and develop their own mentoring offer too.”

 Zara Chaudhury, Year 9 pupil at City Heights Academy, said: “Having a mentor has been incredibly beneficial to me as they provide invaluable support and guidance. Whenever I face problems or challenges, I can always turn to my mentor for help and advice. Knowing that I have someone available to assist me has had a significant positive impact on my mental health. Previously, I felt alone and struggled to fit in, but having a mentor has provided me with a safe and nurturing environment where I can freely express myself.

“Through my mentorship experience, I have gained a newfound self-confidence. I have learned how to navigate social media issues and have gained clarity about my goals and aspirations in life. The relationship I share with my mentor is a mutual and reciprocal one. It feels like a secure bubble where I can openly discuss my thoughts and concerns, knowing that my mentor will actively listen and provide guidance.” Photo by U.S. Embassy London, Wikimedia commons.