Work Experience

Mentoring Support
For Looked After
Children

Connecting diverse and relatable

mentors with young people in care

Connecting diverse and relatable mentors with young people in care

We want every young person to reach their full academic, career and leadership potential. We know that looked after children face unique and complex challenges, including disrupted family environments, trauma, SEMH needs and identity issues. Research consistently highlights the adverse effects of these circumstances on their academic performance, mental health, and long-term prospects. Understanding this, our LAC Mentoring Programme has been purposefully designed to provide young people with a safe space to develop the awareness, ability and access needed to thrive.

Awareness

We focus on significantly improving their awareness of self by developing their self-esteem, self-belief, self-discipline, self-control and self-acceptance.

Ability

We equip young people with the growth mindset, resilience and practical leadership skills needed to thrive academically and beyond.

Access

We provide access to diverse and relatable mentors whose shared lived experiences enable them to relate effectively with their mentees.

EMPOWER.

Empowering young people to first develop a strong sense of self-confidence so that they can build effective relationships with others and the opportunities around them.

ENCOURAGE.

Providing encouragement and support to young people through goal setting and the sharing of lived experiences. Our mentors help them to stay focused, motivated and accountable.

EVOLVE.

Equipping young people with the tools to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks. Our tools are designed to build resilience, develop a can-do attitude & foster commitment to lifelong personal development.

Find out more

Guiding
Leaders
Programme

Become a
Mentor

Make a
Referral

FAQs

Looked after children, also known as children in care, are individuals who have been placed under the care and supervision of the state or local authority due to various reasons, such as neglect, abuse or the absence of a suitable family environment.
The mentoring programme for young people is open to 11-18 year olds who reside within the jurisdiction of the local authority offering the programme.
The purpose of a mentoring programme for looked after children is to provide those who are in the care of the state or foster care system with positive role models, emotional support, and practical guidance to help them overcome challenges, develop their potential and improve their overall well-being.
A mentoring programme for looked after children can offer numerous benefits, including improved self-esteem, improved decision-making skills, enhanced educational outcomes, increased social skills, expanded networks of upport, and a greater sense of belonging and stability and overall personal growth.
Yes, mentors can provide assistance and guidance in various areas, including education, career exploration, setting goals, improving study habits and developing life skills. However, the specific focus may vary depending on the programme’s objectives and the needs of the mentee.
The DLN mentors for looked after children are individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of these children. They include youth work professionals, teachers and educators, coaches and business professionals who are committed to nurturing and developing young people to achieve their full potential.
Mentors are expected to commit their time, build trust with the young person, actively listen, provide guidance and advice, be a positive role model, encourage the young person’s aspirations, participate in planned activities, and maintain regular communication with the young person, foster carer and local authority as required.
DLN follows a careful matching process, onsidering the interests, background and needs of both the child and the mentor. Both parties complete pre-programme questionnaires which are used to assess ompatibility. The overall aim of this is to create strong and ositive mentor-mentee relationships.
Mentors are carefully selected through an application and screening process, which may include interviews, reference checks and background checks. Once selected, mentors typically receive training that equips them with the necessary skills to support and guide young people effectively.
The duration of the mentoring relationship can vary depending on the needs of the child and the availability of the mentor. It can range from several weeks, to months to a full academic year and beyond. For any duration, the goal is to establish a stable and meaningful connection.
The rates of our programmes vary depending on the number of young people referred, duration of the mentoring and type of mentoring required. For a personalised quote, please schedule a call with our Lead Mentoring Coordinator on 020 3663 2298 or email info@diverseleadersnetwork.org.uk
For further information about the LAC mentoring programme, please visit www.diverseleadersnetwork.org.uk/dln-mentoring-programme To make a referral, please schedule a call with our Lead Mentoring Coordinator on 020 3663 2298 or email info@diverseleadersnetwork.org.uk

What young people say about our mentoring programme

Tiffany

My experience with the programme has been excellent. I feel that the programme has had a good impact on me especially my mentor who helped guide me through what I have been struggling with. And she helped me find solutions, such as finding methods to manage time and anxiety, as well as supporting me to improve and better myself, especially when I had exams. She helped me to realise qualities that I didn’t know I had. It’s made me take the time to reflect and think about what my goals are and what I want for myself and how to be a better me. I would really recommend this opportunity to others, as it was a great experience and a place for real development.

Humma

It gave me an extra boost of courage to follow what I believe in, as I feel like many people have teachers, friends or family that support them but sometimes hearing from someone who barely knows you, who is giving you advice and encouragement makes you see things in a different light and might just give you that extra push that you needed, which I definitely feel like my mentor gave me, as she never failed to remind me of how much I’m capable of.

Why work with us

Grey 1

Diverse Mentors

Diverse in age, race, and socioeconomic status with shared lived experiences.
Grey 2

Bespoke Mentoring Framework

Designed by qualified teachers and youth work experts.
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Virtual Mentoring

We can work with any student, anywhere.
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DBS Checked Mentors

Our mentors are Safeguarding and disclosure trained.
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Personalised Approach

Tailored support,flexible delivery – enrol at any time.
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Extensive Experience

We have 15+ years experience of mentoring programme experience.
Grey 1

Diverse Mentors

Diverse in age, race, and socioeconomic status withshared lived experiences.
Grey 2

Bespoke Mentoring Framework

Designed by qualified teachers and youth work experts.
Grey 3

Virtual Mentoring

We can work with any student, anywhere.
Grey 4

DBS Checked Mentors

Our mentors are Safeguarding and disclosure trained.
Grey 5

Personalised Approach

Tailored support,flexible delivery – enrol at any time.
Grey 6

Extensive Experience

We have 15+ years experience of mentoring programme experience.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
MAKE A REFERRAL
BECOME A MENTOR

Contact Us

Address

Diverse Leaders Network
Pound House, 62A Highgate
High St London N6 5HX

020 3633 2298

info@diverseleadersnetwork.org.uk

@diverse_leaders

Contact Us

Address

Diverse Leaders Network
Pound House, 62A Highgate
High St London N6 5HX

020 3633 2298

info@diverseleadersnetwork.org.uk

@diverse_leaders

Contact Us

Address

Diverse Leaders Network
Pound House, 62A Highgate
High St London N6 5HX
020 3633 2298
info@diverseleadersnetwork.org.uk
@diverse_leaders