Our approach
Since our humble beginnings in 1994 we’ve been empowering young people to take charge of their lives and futures, guiding them to develop emotional wellbeing, form healthy relationships, become socially engaged, and feel empowered to make a positive difference in the world.
Working in partnership with schools and parents. We recruit, train and support volunteers to work as mentors for children and young people aged 8 to 12. We offer personalised, intensive and holistic character mentoring. We believe that everyone has control over their own character and can grow in strengths of the heart, mind and will.
To do this, our curriculum helps young people develop in seven key areas. At first we focus on the foundations: self-knowledge, a growth mindset and goal-setting. As young people set off to build character, they begin with reflecting on who they are and who they would like to be, identifying their strengths and growth areas. They then learn what having a growth mindset looks like and how to set and fulfil goals effectively. This includes setting SMART goals, and an effective strategy called WOOP!
After the foundations are set, our curriculum centres on building four key character traits discussed in relation to human flourishing and success since the times of Classical Greek Philosophy: resilience, self-control, good judgement and fairness. We discuss all of these using a variety of examples, and young people set personal goals around them.
Why is character so important?
We believe that developing young people’s character is so important because it allows them to succeed at whatever they turn their hand to. Our unique approach encourages young people to unlock their potential and flourish not just in school, but in all areas of life such as within their families and in other relationships.
1. Good character is important for educational success
For young people to succeed at school and in their future careers, it is important that they learn to commit and persevere in the pursuit of long-term goals and to see tasks through to the end, such as taking exams or doing homework. It is important that young people learn how to stay on task and rise above distractions. Good character enables young people to learn well and grow in their educational abilities.
2. Good character is important for life ‘success’
Beyond educational success, character mentoring encourages young people to consider what kind of a person they want to become, how they can positively contribute to society, grow in integrity, and think of the consequences of their decisions on others around them.
Why is mentoring so important?
Research has found that establishing a supportive ‘one to one’ relationship between a young person and a non-parental adult is one of the most effective ways of supporting character development. A committed mentor will encourage a young person to become the best they can be, take a hold of their futures, find their own voice, and build their own support network in their local community.
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Vision & values
Why we’re here Our vision is to transform young lives through the power of character mentoring. We work with schools and families to help young people unlock their potential, flourish in all areas of their lives, and contribute positively to their communities. What’s important to us To achieve our vision we hold six core values. These […]
