An ECNM initiativeOne-to-one online mentoring for young people
You might ask how school went and hear “fine”, even when you can see something’s weighing on your child. It can be hard to know what to do next. Teen Mentoring gives young people aged 8–18 time with a trained mentor, one-to-one online, to talk at their own pace and work on something that matters to them.
Tell us a little about what you’ve noticed. We’ll listen, talk through whether mentoring might suit your child and explain the next step before you decide.
“From the very first conversation, Herman took the time to really understand who our son was and what he needed”
Is Teen Mentoring right for my child?
Mentoring can suit a young person who would benefit from a trusted adult outside their usual circle to talk with and work towards an everyday goal. That could mean speaking up in class, finding a routine they can stick to, or handling a change at home or school.
Your child doesn’t have to arrive with a plan or feel ready to share everything. A mentor can start with an interest they enjoy and build the relationship from there.
Mentoring is practical support. It is not counselling, therapy or a crisis service.
Support for your child
What can a mentor help with?
A mentor starts with what matters to your child. Together they can talk through what’s difficult and practise a small step that feels achievable.
Emotional wellbeing
This might mean talking about worry or stress, finding a way to manage big feelings, or getting through a change at home or school.
Confidence and self-belief
This might mean speaking up, making choices they feel good about or taking on more independence at their own pace.
School life and motivation
This might mean trying a study routine, breaking work into smaller steps, or finding a better way to ask for help.
Friendships and life skills
This might mean working through a friendship difficulty, exploring who they are, or practising how to take the lead and work towards a goal.
Not sure where to start?
Take the quizHow it works
From a first conversation to one-to-one support.
01 · Finding the right fit
How we match mentors
We start by getting to know your child before suggesting a mentor.
- Their interests, personality and communication style
- Their age, stage of development and support needs
- The kind of adult they may feel comfortable talking to
02 · Time with a mentor
What a session feels like
In a typical 45–60 minute video call, your child and their mentor can:
- Check in: How are you feeling today?
- Talk it through: What’s going well, and what feels difficult?
- Practise a skill: Try something useful, like speaking up or planning a task.
- Choose a step: Agree one small thing to try before the next session.
- Notice progress: Take a moment to recognise what’s changed, even if it feels small.
03 · Getting ready
The first video call
You only need a few things to get started:
- A laptop, tablet or phone
- Reliable internet and a quiet space
- Headphones if your child prefers them
We can help you get set up if needed.
Your role as a parent or carer
How parents and carers are involved
We’ll agree how to keep you involved and what we’ll share before sessions start, so you can support your child while giving them room to build trust with their mentor.
Meet the mentor
Get to know who’ll be working with your child and agree how you’ll stay in touch.
Get ready together
Help your child find a quiet spot and get set up for the first call if they need you.
Stay in touch
Share what you notice at agreed check-ins and encourage the small steps your child chooses to try.
Testimonials
What Parents Say
Parents share what they noticed and what mattered to their family. Each young person’s experience is different.
Small changes you might notice
Progress can look like speaking up more, getting started on schoolwork with less prompting, settling into a routine, or finding it easier to tell you what’s bothering them. What matters is what your child wants to work towards and what feels different in their everyday life.
“Every Child Needs a Mentor were incredible in supporting my son through the huge transition from primary to secondary school. He had been showing signs of anxiety and some boundary-pushing behaviour, but the mentor they matched him with felt tailor-made for him. Within weeks, he was calmer, more confident, and actually looking forward to starting senior school. He’s now made friends, settled into routines, and even set his own goals around balancing schoolwork, home responsibilities and gaming. The level of care, structure and emotional support his mentor provides makes me feel like my son is truly ‘held’. I recommend this service wholeheartedly — it should be available to every child.”
“We reached out to ECNM when our son was struggling with school engagement, motivation and low confidence. From the very first conversation, Herman took the time to really understand who our son was and what he needed, which meant he was paired with exactly the right mentor. Although he was hesitant at first, a strong, positive relationship formed quickly, and we could see how much he valued their sessions. With her support, he applied for a new course, found his footing at college, made friends and rediscovered his drive. Having the chance to set his own agenda, work towards meaningful goals, and build an independent relationship with a trusted adult has been life-changing for him — and for us.”
“What really impressed me was the thoughtful pre-sign-up process. Before anything was agreed, Herman took the time to explore my child’s needs, our hopes as parents, and what we wanted to achieve through mentoring. It was clear from the start that the goal wasn’t simply to enrol us, but to genuinely serve my child in the best possible way. That level of personal attention, knowledge and integrity is incredibly refreshing. It gave me complete confidence that ECNM were committed to finding the right mentor and offering support that would truly make a difference.”
Questions parents ask
What if my teen doesn’t click with their mentor?
We offer a free rematch so they feel comfortable.
Can sessions be rescheduled?
Yes, with advance notice.
Do parents need to sit in the room?
No — but an adult should be nearby for safety.
Can this help children with SEND?
Yes — mentors are trained for a range of needs, though this is not a clinical service.
How to Get Started
- Share a short outline. Tell us what’s been happening and what your child might want help with. You can leave out their name and any sensitive details.
- Talk through the fit. If mentoring looks suitable, we’ll discuss how it could work, availability and costs before you decide.
- Agree the first session. We’ll explain the introduction and what to have ready for the first online call.
Take the first step
Could Teen Mentoring help your child?
Tell us what you’ve been noticing and what you hope might change. We’ll listen to your concerns and talk through whether mentoring feels right for your child, including how we involve them in the decision.
A short outline is enough. You can leave out names and sensitive details, and there’s no commitment to book sessions.
Prefer to call? 0800 644 4881