The Creative Arts Mentorship programme involves collaboration between social care professionals, colleges, and schools to provide guidance to Creative Mentors. The Mentors take time to understand each individual and then introduce them to various creative activities such as film, drama, music, poetry, photography, and storytelling. This helps them to safely explore the world around them and also acquire valuable skills that can be utilized in future employment opportunities. The programme aims to foster creativity, skill development, and professional growth for young people aged 11 to 18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
Many young people who are referred for Creative Mentoring have had experiences of loss or trauma, which has resulted in them being placed in the care of a Local Authority.
These experiences may have been caused by their home circumstances, such as neglect or abuse, or by secondary factors, such as separation, loss, or bereavement.
These experiences have a significant impact on children and young people's participation in education and wider society. Their level of resilience and personal resources determine how much they are affected by these experiences.
These experiences can lead to various vulnerabilities in young people. They may struggle with low self-esteem and difficulty managing their emotions. They may become disengaged in education, seek attention frequently through risky or illegal activities, and have low levels of resilience.
11.6% of young people aged 16-24 in the UK are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) - an estimated 794,000 young people, up from 770,000 January to March 2023 (ONS. 2023).
We support and provide a pathway of engagement for young people by offering professional advice and coaching, as well as providing career skills training, in partnership with volunteer mentors.
Our mentorship programme has particular aims, timetables, and expectations including, one-on-one sessions, portfolio reviews, skill-building exercises, or collaborative projects.
Our Creative arts mentorship programme can help boost the confidence of young individuals. As they receive guidance and encouragement from experienced mentors, they are more likely to believe in their abilities, overcome obstacles and pursue ambitious goals.
YEP mentorship in creative arts provides young people with the opportunity to engage, explore, and develop their artistic potential.
Acquiring these skills can open doors to various career paths, including those within the creative industries.
This increased skill set makes them more competitive in the job market, leading to improved social and economic mobility.
A YEP mentor in the creative arts can introduce a mentee to a broader network of professionals, industry contacts, and peers. Networking is crucial for career advancement, and YEP mentorship provides access to opportunities that may not be readily available to those without such connections. Networking can lead to internships, collaborations, and employment opportunities, facilitating upward mobility.
Have you thought about becoming a volunteer mentor? Find out more about YEP mentoring Programme. including skills lounges and webinars.
Boost confidence, resilience, and determination in young individuals. Register below to learn more about the Mentoring Programme and how to get involved.
Please reach us at info@abbacaresfoundation.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Our Mentorship programme is offered in the Autumn (October-February) and Spring (March-July). The programme lasts 12 weeks and is delivered in a school, a further education setting, or other venues depending on the programme.
The programme is held once a week for 60 to 90 minutes. Mentors can come from a range of professional backgrounds, depending on the skills Hub the young person is absorbed into.
Furthermore, we encourage broader collaboration with work experience collaborators who can provide young people with insight into the world of work and specific job sectors and organisations.
The Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) is made available to young people aged 11 - 18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) who may have be referred to us by schools, colleges or social services. These include, but are not limited to:
• Young people from low-income households.
• Young people eligible for PP (Pupil Premium) or FSM (Free School Meals)
• Young people with a disability
• Young people with a mental health difficulty
• Young people with SEN/D
• Young people who are - or were previously - carers
• Young people who are - or were previously - looked after
• Young people with persistent absence
• Young people not predicted to achieve 5 GCSEs
Our Mentoring Programme is free to secondary schools, Further Education colleges, alternative education providers, and local authorities in London thanks to the generosity of our corporate supporters.
We are constantly seeking funding to guarantee that we can continue to provide high-quality mentoring interventions and chances for job development to our young people. Please contact us if you would want to contribute to the Mentoring Programme.
By signing up you agree that your data can be stored and used to receive stories and news updates from our projects. Read our privacy policy.
Non-profit organisation
ABBA CARES FOUNDATION is a community interest company
50c Forburg Road, Stoke Newington London, N16 6HS, UK,
Copyright © 2025 ABBA CARES FOUNDATION