We run three programmes - mentoring, group activities and leadership opportunities. 

1: Mentoring gives a young person dedicated time with a trained adult who will listen without judgement and in confidence. It's led by the young person, with a focus on building rapport rather than following specific programmes. Our mentors regularly review progress with young people to make sure that sessions are making a posiitive difference. 

Who can ask for mentoring? Schools and other agencies that work with young people, parents/carers and young people aged 16+. Each young person is "matched" with a mentor and their first mentoring session is usually within a couple of weeks. Sessions last between 30 minutes and an hour and take place in school, online or in the community. Session one focuses on getting to know each other but if a young person wants to dive straight in with what's on their mind, that's great too. Mentors can see a young person weekly for six weeks, six months or more than a year, based on what they need.

What do young people say?

"It gave me the space to talk about what I was feeling without being judged, telling someone who wanted to listen and help me."

"I just want to say how massively beneficial the whole experience was to me, I was reluctant to reach out because I didn't think that anything would work or help but I'm so glad that I did."

Is mentoring different to counselling? Yes. We focus on what a young person wants to change about their life or what's getting in the way. It's closer to coaching, creating time and space to talk about what's going on before exploring skills and strategies that can help a young person feel more positive about themselves and their lives, now and in the future. We use creative activities and games to build trust and have fun.

Are there issues that Lifespace won’t support? Yes. We’re not a clinical or specialist service and will signpost if we feel that another agency can do a better job. We often "hold" young people while they're on a waiting list because they tell us that that can make a difference.

2: Group activities help a young person to know and feel that they aren't alone. Supported by trained staff, we run activities for small groups in schools, online and in the community that give young people the chance to explore some of the biggest challenges they face together with their peers.

What do young people say?

"It was so fun and helped me to develop my confidence."

"I learnt how to use my strengths to help me bounce back."

"It boosted my confidence and I would 100% recommend to a friend. I would love to see you working with our school again."

3: Leadership opportunities give young people the chance to develop the skills and confidence to talk about the issues that affect their wellbeing.

What do young people say?

"I will carry the values and empathy they hold with me for the rest of my life, the group has shaped who I am."

"Being a Lifespace Young Leader inspires me to change in so many ways, but also teaches me how to accept and love who I already am. I feel empowered and like I make a difference."

Why Lifespace? 
Combining a youth-led approach with more than 18 years of experience and knowledge from regional partners including Child-Friendly Warwickshire and the Mental Health in Schools Teams; national partners like UK Youth and National Youth Agency; and training and resources from guidance from organisations including Young Minds and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, means that we know our programmes are based on the best, most up-to-date evidence of what works well for young people. Why not read more about Our Impact?