Wingman Schools Navigator April 24 - March 25

---

 Wingman Mentors worked across six schools in Central Bedfordshire, Bedford, and Luton, delivering trauma-informed 1:1 mentoring to young people facing complex challenges. 

Over 700 sessions were delivered, with 64 young people completing full 8+ session mentoring cycles and 115 students supported overall.

This wasn't just about ticking boxes—it was about building trust, helping students reflect, and giving them tools to navigate life differently.

What We Did:

• Embedded Wingman mentors into 6 schools across 3 local authority areas
• Delivered consistent 1:1 mentoring sessions with students aged 11–16
• Engaged with families and professionals for a holistic approach
• Created safe spaces where students felt heard, seen, and understood
• Adapted delivery to meet students where they were—emotionally, academically, and behaviourally

Impact Highlights:

• 104 young people engaged in mentoring
• 64 completed 8 or more sessions (61.5%)
• 0 disengagements in the final quarter
• Over 700 1:1 mentoring sessions delivered
• Students in multiple schools now check in voluntarily, even after sessions ended

Student Voices:

"If this had been before I met you guys, I would have hit her."

"Thank you. I appreciate you. I will never forget you."

What Changed:

• Students are more reflective and resilient
• Behaviour improved both in school and in the community
• Attendance increased for many
• Students no longer felt "othered" but part of something meaningful

Staff & Parent Reflections:

"We never hear about him anymore. Head down and getting on. He's doing great."

"The impact you’re having is noticeable amongst our students."

"Things are much better, and without doors slamming. We’re able to talk to each other."

Mentor Perspective: Wingman mentors embraced flexibility—some students needed quick resets, others needed long-term support. Mentoring went beyond sessions; it became a lifeline, a consistent thread, and in many cases, a turning point.

Final Word: This was more than mentoring. It was about identity, choice, and growth. And for many young people, Wingman wasn’t just something they did—it became something they were proud to be part of.

"I get to choose how I show up in the world."