Understanding The Issues
Why Do Young People Carry Knives
Negative Lifestyles: Some young people become involved in criminal activities or gangs, which often leads to carrying knives for intimidation or protection.
Fear: Many carry knives out of fear, believing it will help them defend themselves against perceived threats.
Personal Safety: There is a misguided sense of security associated with carrying a knife. Young people might think it makes them safer, though it often puts them at greater risk.
Exposure to Violence on Social Media: Constant exposure to violent content on social media can desensitise youth, making knife-carrying and violence seem normal and acceptable
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE): Organised crime groups often exploit vulnerable young people, who may not initially recognise the danger due to the perpetrators often appearing as peers
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Experiences such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence can significantly impact a young person's development and behavior, making early intervention critical to prevent the path towards violence and crime
- Only 1% of young people carry a knife, but many know someone who does.
- Exposure to violence on social media desensitises youth, making it seem normal and can cause PTSD.
Guiding Principles
Our Approach
At Wingman Mentors, we are committed to supporting young people through a trauma-informed, holistic approach that addresses the many factors contributing to negative behaviors and vulnerabilities.
Child-Centric Focus:
We prioritise the needs and voices of young people, ensuring they are at the heart of our interventions.
By focusing on the individual child, we can tailor our support to meet their unique needs and circumstances.
This approach is supported by research, which shows that personalised interventions are more effective in promoting positive outcomes
- 1-2-1 Mentoring: Personalised guidance to help young people make positive choices.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding and addressing the impact of trauma.
- Holistic Engagement: Collaborating with families, carers, and professionals for comprehensive support.
- Lived Experience of Mentors: lived experience provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the youth we serve
- Porch Light Ethos: built on the principle that every child deserves a safe, open, and non-judgmental space to return to, no matter their circumstances.
1-2-1 Mentoring
Personalised Support
1-2-1 mentoring provides tailored interventions that address the specific needs and circumstances of each young person. This personalised approach ensures that the support given is effective and impactful, as it is directly relevant to the individual’s unique challenges and situation
Building Trusting Relationships
The one-on-one nature of mentoring fosters strong, trusting relationships between mentors and mentees. This trust is crucial for young people to feel safe and supported, enabling them to open up about their experiences and challenges. A trusting relationship significantly enhances the effectiveness of the intervention
Role Modeling and Inspiration
Mentors serve as positive role models, providing young people with examples of resilience, perseverance, and success. This can inspire mentees to adopt positive behaviors and attitudes, guiding them towards more constructive pathways in life
Early Intervention and Prevention
1-2-1 mentoring offers the opportunity for early intervention, which is critical in preventing the escalation of negative behaviors. By addressing issues early on, mentors help young people develop coping strategies and life skills that reduce the risk of involvement in crime or other harmful activities
Consistent and Reliable Support
Regular, consistent contact with a mentor provides young people with a reliable source of support and stability. This consistency helps build a sense of security and continuity, which is especially important for those who may have experienced instability or trauma in their lives
Empowerment and Self-Efficacy
Through personalised guidance and support, 1-2-1 mentoring empowers young people to take control of their lives and make positive choices. Mentors help mentees set and achieve goals, creating a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their ability to navigate challenges and succeed.
Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is crucial in our work. ACEs, such as abuse, neglect, parental imprisonment, and exposure to violence, can significantly affect a young person's development and behavior.
By adopting a trauma-informed approach, we ensure that our interventions are sensitive to these experiences and are designed to help young people heal and build resilience
Holistic Support
We work closely with families, carers, and professionals to provide comprehensive support. This includes addressing socio-economic challenges, mental health issues, and other factors that can impact a young person's well-being.
Our holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a young person's life are considered, creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and positive change
Lived Experience of Mentors:
Some of our mentors have personal experience with ACEs, which enhances their ability to connect with and support young people.
This lived experience provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the youth we serve, fostering empathy and trust.
Research indicates that mentors with lived experience can be particularly effective in engaging and supporting vulnerable youth
All of our 1-2-1 mentors are Enhanced DBS checked
Porchlight Ethos:
Our Porch Light Ethos is built on the principle that every child deserves a safe, open, and non-judgmental space to return to, no matter their circumstances.
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