Previous Activities
Starting Point Aware
The aim of Aware was to steer young people away from a lifestyle of crime, violence, and risk-taking behaviour – helping them develop positive relationships, routines, and being positively integrated in the community.
Since April 2021, Starting Point Aware mentored a total of 8 young people through 4 volunteer mentors with lived experience.
57% of the young people were involved in risk taking behaviour, including substance misuse
100% of those recently arrested were prevented from further arrests
Starting Point Advance
Following a pilot of transition mentoring for young people at risk of becoming NEET, it was clear more support was needed for young people of secondary school age.
Mentoring needs were varied, including supporting young people who had low attendance at school, were at risk of exclusion, or who needed extra wellbeing support. Over 65% of referrals in 2021 came from children’s services, with an increasing number of queries from schools and CAMHS.
In 2021, 100% of those at risk of exclusion were either prevented from being excluded or re-integrated into education following an exclusion.
‘An Insight Into…’ – Summer 2021
A series of workshops creating an opportunity for young people to learn from industry professionals across a wide range of sectors, giving them an insight into careers they may never have considered before.
Workshops included ‘An Insight Into… Life in a Museum’, ‘An Insight Into… Life as an Artist’ and ‘An Insight Into… Life as a Poet’
75% of young people said the workshops helped them think about their future career
100% would recommend ‘An Insight Into…’ to a friend
“Wish we could do more”
“I enjoyed drawing and the friendly company”
Peer Mentoring
Working in partnership with the Virtual School within children’s services, Starting Point led on a Peer Mentoring pilot – training and equipping care leavers to mentor looked after young people transitioning to adulthood. Not only did the sessions benefit the young people, but they also had a positive impact on the care leavers – boosting their confidence and equipping them with work experience.
At the end of the 6 Peer Mentoring sessions, of the 5 young people and peer mentors who were most engaged:
80% were more confident in themselves and their abilities
100% of the young people and peer mentors would recommend the sessions to a friend
“My favourite thing was that we were all talking and discussing what has gone on”
