Posted04.01.17
Helping prevent homelessness: Paul’s story
Our Horizons mentoring programme, running since 2013, supports young people aged 11-15 widen their horizons and improve their educational attainment.
Funded by BBC Children in Need and John Lyons Charity, the programme is founded on our value of believing in people by helping them find the right solutions to pressures they face in their everyday lives.
Young people, across the London boroughs of Lambeth, Lewisham and Kensington & Chelsea are matched with mentors who help by building their self-esteem and self-confidence; supporting them to navigate difficulties and stress and resist peer pressure. Mentors also help to improve mentees’ engagement with their education, which improves their chances for the future.
When Paul, 16, became a mentee he was struggling to balance his homework, time-management and behaviour in class:
‘I didn’t think that I would gain as much from mentoring as I have. I’ve built a strong relationship with my mentor Christine who has helped me to feel confident and achieve the GCSE’s that I needed for further education. My behaviour in class has improved and so has my time-management. Having a mentor has changed my life.’
Christine, Paul’s mentor, can also see a change in Paul:
‘I’ve definitely seen a positive change in Paul’s education and personal development. I’ve got to know him and seen his self-esteem grow over the last few months. Young adults like Paul are our future generation so I believe its valuable for mentors to look out for them.’
After successfully completing his GCSEs, Paul is now studying a BTEC in sport as a sixth-former at Bishop Thomas Grant School.
We believe that having a mentor gives young people the best chances of living successful lives and prevents social exclusion including possible future homelessness.
If you would like to read more about how we help to prevent homelessness, please see our mentoring page.
If you would like to support our work with homeless people in London, please see our donations page.
If would like to volunteer as a mentor, you can find out more here.
