Mentoring support helps young people in Milton Keynes to transform their lives

An innovative programme in Milton Keynes is supporting young people on a journey to a brighter and more hopeful future via tailored mentoring.

The programme carefully matches young people with volunteer mentors who act as role models that provide tailored support to meet each individual’s needs.

It is being rolled out by Starting Point in partnership with NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board and Milton Keynes Council.

The innovative programme is focused on young people who are furthest away from education and employment due to mental health challenges. It provides one-to-one support with social-emotional development, as well as opportunities to gain practical skills on their journey into education, employment, and training.

Sam Lloyd, Project Director, Starting Point, said: “Starting Point’s mentoring ensures that young people have long-term support with a trusted adult role model who can provide a listening ear, consistency of connection alongside practical guidance and support. It is the simplicity of this relational journey and feeling valued that truly has a transformational impact in the life of a young person.”

Jasmine’s Story

Jasmine, 19, was referred to the programme after leaving Milton Keynes College with no qualifications. Studying in an academic environment had always been a challenge for Jasmine as she was battling with difficulties that came along with her diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

She was working 16 hours a week but said she “wanted more out of life”. Upon being referred, Jasmine expressed that she was constantly low in mood and found it difficult to go to work.

When she began her mentoring journey, Jasmine said that she was interested in doing accounting. Jasmine’s mentor – who works in finance – was able to support Jasmine to attain her GCSE in Maths by providing her with tutoring.

This acted as a foundation to help her in her journey towards becoming an accountant. She has now completed an online accountancy course and is attending college.

Jasmine worked hard and now says she feels that her low mood has improved following the mentoring and she is in a “far better place than before.” This was made possible by the time Jasmine’s mentor put into supporting Jasmine with her wellbeing and self-belief.

You can find out more at www.startingpoint.org.uk.