YMM is a mostly volunteer-led organisation, powered by a small, passionate, dedicated and entrepreneurial team, and supported by donations, grants, generous sponsors and our own fundraising initiatives. We operate primarily in schools in Warwickshire and Coventry.
We believe that’s where we can make the biggest difference—reaching young people, face to face, in a familiar, trusted and confidential environment where they spend much of their time.
At our core, we are about empowering young voices—creating safe spaces where students feel heard, respected, and supported.
Our History
Young Minds Matter (now YMM) was created to celebrate the talents of young people whilst raising awareness of mental health. A fundraising concert in 2017 became a turning point. The event brought together musicians, speakers and moving stories from young people themselves and raised an incredible £37,100 for mental health charities. It was clear—this was just the beginning. Another successful concert followed in 2019.
2017: A Concert That Sparked a Movement
Young Minds Matter (now YMM) was created to celebrate the talents of young people whilst raising awareness of mental health. A fundraising concert in 2017 became a turning point. The event brought together musicians, speakers and moving stories from young people themselves and raised an incredible £37,100 for mental health charities. It was clear—this was just the beginning. Another successful concert followed in 2019.
Building on the momentum of that first concert, Young Minds Matter (now YMM) officially launched in 2020 with a mission to support, with early intervention, young people’s mental health in a meaningful, lasting way.
2020: Young Minds Matter (now YMM) Is Born
Building on the momentum of that first concert, Young Minds Matter (now YMM) officially launched in 2020 with a mission to support, with early intervention, young people’s mental health in a meaningful, lasting way.
In June 2021, we introduced our first mentoring pilot in two secondary schools. The goal was simple: to provide consistent, compassionate support to young people navigating life’s challenges.
2021: Pilot Mentoring Scheme
In June 2021, we introduced our first mentoring pilot in two secondary schools. The goal was simple: to provide consistent, compassionate support to young people navigating life’s challenges.
By 2024, we were providing free 1:1 mentoring in 13 primary and secondary schools, as well as one apprenticeship provider. Our mentors continue to work closely with students to build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence—empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
2024: Growing Our Reach
By 2024, we were providing free 1:1 mentoring in 13 primary and secondary schools, as well as one apprenticeship provider. Our mentors continue to work closely with students to build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence—empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
In 2025, we rebranded as YMM, which stands for You Mean More —a name that reflects our growth, our community’s familiarity with us, and our continued commitment to putting young people first and building their self-awareness, resilience and confidence. While our name has evolved, our mission remains the same: to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing through trusted, school-based mentoring and youth led initiatives.
2025: A New Chapter as YMM
In 2025, we rebranded as YMM, which stands for You Mean More —a name that reflects our growth, our community’s familiarity with us, and our continued commitment to putting young people first and building their self-awareness, resilience and confidence. While our name has evolved, our mission remains the same: to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing through trusted, school-based mentoring and youth led initiatives.
What We Offer
We provide a free, school-based mentoring service tailored to the needs of each young person. Our mentors are trained, compassionate, and committed to helping young people express themselves, build confidence, and navigate challenges.
By embedding our service within schools, we remove barriers to accessing support and help normalise conversations around mental health as part of everyday learning and development.
Every mentoring relationship is an opportunity to amplify a young person’s voice and help them realise their unique potential.
Why It Matters
We know that early support can change lives. By being present in schools, we’re able to offer timely, consistent help that builds trust and makes a real positive impact.
Our work is about more than just mental health—it’s about helping young people believe in themselves, develop emotional resilience, self esteem and confidence and feel empowered to shape their own futures.
Because when young voices are empowered, they don’t just speak—they lead, inspire, motivate and thrive.
Our Mission, Values & Vision
Our mission is to provide talented, committed and highly-trained mentors in schools in order to support young people.
We want to encourage young people to view accessing support as a beneficial part of their education and development and to remove the stigma associated with mental health.
We all have a genuine passion and empathy for supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people and one of the ways we do this is by empowering them with the skills to build resilience, focus and self-esteem.
We always listen with a compassionate, non-judgemental and supportive ear. We believe in equality and inclusivity and this is a driver in providing our mentoring service free of charge.
Our vision is a world where every young person receives the support they deserve, to build resilience, self-esteem and focus to enable them to live a purposeful and happy life.
We also want to showcase and champion young people’s development and talent, offering them the opportunity to take part in concerts, events and initiatives.
Our supporters
The work of YMM would not be possible without the generous support from the following companies, charities and public bodies:
