At YMM, we believe every young person deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered. Since our founding, we’ve worked to turn that belief into action—through free, school-based 1:1 mentoring that helps young people build resilience, confidence, and self-esteem.
What Young People Say
Our mentoring programme has helped students manage anxiety, overcome bullying, and rediscover their confidence.
“I used to have panic attacks three times a week. Now I know how to manage them.”
“I’ve found my own voice. I’m in a band now and have my own group of friends.”
These stories are just two of many that show how mentoring can positively transform lives.
Our Reach
Between Sept 2023 and Aug 2024:
More than 250 young people supported
Over 1,500 hours of 1:1 mentoring delivered
13 schools and colleges across Warwickshire and Coventry
Completely free of charge to schools and students.
Our Outcomes
Our mentoring has led to:
Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing
Improved school attendance and classroom focus
Increased resilience, confidence, and self-esteem
Enhanced academic performance and social skills
Improved family relationships
Why It Matters
Young people today face unprecedented pressures:
Lasting effects of the pandemic
Long NHS waiting lists
1 in 5 young people experienced a mental health problem in 2023
Those from low-income families are 4.5 times more likely to face severe mental health challenges
What Schools Say
Here’s what our partners think of us:
At Studley High School, we could not be prouder of the work that Young Minds Matter have done with our young people. Studley High School was one of the pilot schools for Young Minds Matter, and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this scheme.
Over the past 2 and half years the team have been supporting our young people with their mental health concerns, low self-esteem, anxiety, home and friendship issues. The work that the mentors do with our young people is invaluable, and the students talk very highly of their mentors, and we cannot thank them enough.
We hope to continue with our working partnership for many years to come.
Debbie Guest, Pastoral Manager
Stratford school have been working with Mentors from Young Minds Matter for over two years now and I can honestly say, I am not sure how we would cope without them.We now have over 1800 students in the school and just one Mentor (myself) employed by the school.
I can only see a maximum of 20 students a week. By having 2-3 mentors from YMM, they have been able to see an extra 10, so 50% more students and all at no cost to the school, which is incredible.
We are regularly seeing students who are on very long waiting lists for CAMHS and who’s parents are desperate for support for their child, many of whom would simply be unable to afford to pay for private mentoring or counselling.
Helen Stanford, Student Mentor
The mentors from Young Minds provide an essential part of our wellbeing offer for pupils. They have enabled our children to open up and seek support; a crucial step towards taking care of their mental health and regaining emotional balance.
Each mentor has taken time to get to know the pupil they work with, tailoring support carefully to meet their individual needs. We cannot thank them enough for the support they provide.
Bridgetown Primary School
“I’ve been working in education for 25 years and what YMM mentors bring to us is by far the best direct support I’ve seen for young people. The fact that you provide this service free of charge is a major importance to us as a school when funding for mental health services is so sparse.”
DL, Director of Student Safety
“We could not be prouder of the work that Young Minds Matter have done with our school. The work that the mentors do with our young people is invaluable, and the students talk very highly of their mentors and we cannot thank them enough.”
DG, Pastoral Manager
Our Approach
We take a holistic, child-centred approach to mental health and well-being:
Early intervention before issues escalate
1:1 mentoring from trained, DBS-checked mentors
School integration with pastoral teams and mental health professionals
Community engagement through events, concerts, and social media
Accessibility for all—no cost to schools or families
Youth empowerment through our Young Ambassadors scheme (YMax)
YMM fills a critical gap by offering early, accessible support—especially for those who might otherwise go without receiving any support, especially with schools having very little or no budget to provide any mental health or wellbeing support.
