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

<strong>Mentoring support helps young people in Milton Keynes to transform their lives</strong> image

Home >> news >> 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.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

12 September 2025

Groundbreaking local cancer project shortlisted for major national award

Pioneering work to tackle health inequalities in cancer treatment in Luton has been shortlisted for one of the health sector’s most prestigious awards. A spotlight…

News

12 September 2025

“Know your numbers” call to patients amid hidden blood pressure risk

As many as 100,000 people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, potentially putting them at risk of…

Case Study

11 September 2025

RoboPets have made a real difference to older, cared-for people in Bedfordshire

In September 2024, Sembia Johnson joined M&C Home Support Ltd in Bedfordshire as Care Manager, and in February 2025 became the Registered Manager. The company, founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife…

News

10 September 2025

Eligible residents urged to get protected against flu this winter

People who qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination this winter have been reminded to make a plan to receive it, as the annual campaign kicks off in Bedfordshire, Luton…

News

1 September 2025

Chairs for the East of England’s reorganised future integrated care boards confirmed

The geographies of the three clusters of ICBs in the East of England. NHS England in the East of England has today confirmed the appointments of the three Chairs who…

Case Study

27 August 2025

RoboPets raise a smile with local care home residents

Elstow Lodge Residential Home in Bedford currently has eight residents, most of whom have a learning disability, while others live with a physical disability or dementia. As part of a…