The Transformative Power of Mentoring: How the Mayor of London and London Anchors Support Young Londoners

Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has achieved his ambition to support over 100,000 young Londoners with high quality mentoring through London’s New Deal for Young People.  

This programme was part of the Mayor's ongoing commitment to provide positive opportunities for young people and tackle the underlying causes of crime. The scheme has coincided with teen and under-25 murders declining significantly, reaching their lowest levels since 2012 and 2003 respectively. 

A partnership approach involving over 150 youth organisations, including London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), enabled the programme to reach thousands of young Londoners between the ages of 10 and 24, assisting many in turning their lives around from crime to positivity.  

(LAIN) (the London Anchor Institutions’ Network) has also contributed to the programme’s success in the city through our Mentoring Young People working group.  

In this video, Dr Darren Sharpe, Deputy Director of \Connected Communities at LAIN member organisation, University of East London, explains the research he has undertaken to understand what young people want from mentoring: The Importance of Mentoring (youtube.com) 

Sir Sadiq said: “I know first-hand the difference a trusted mentor can make to a young person's life which is why I’m delighted to announce that I have delivered on my manifesto commitment to provide access to a mentor for 100,000 young people in need of support in London. 

“We could not have achieved this incredible milestone alone. I would like to thank the dedicated mentors and organisations we’ve worked with to achieve this target – it is their contributions that have and will continue to make such a difference to young Londoners. 

“While I’m proud of our work so far, there is still a huge amount I want to do working with partners to ensure all young Londoners are supported and can grow up to fulfil their potential. Continuing to provide young Londoners with mentors will remain a vital part of ensuring we can build a safer and fairer London for everyone.” 

Let's continue to make a difference to the lives of young Londoners together.