YourStory, established in 2003 by Adrian Jones, is a mentoring charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people and families in London. The organization addresses significant challenges such as crime prevention, health issues, social exclusion, and educational barriers through a holistic mentoring approach. Mentoring over 150 young people weekly, YourStory focuses on increasing school attendance and family engagement, equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to realize their full potential. We provide one-on-one mentoring, school workshops, and dedicated family support to foster confidence, self-esteem, and positive attitudes towards education, ultimately empowering young people to shape their own futures.
To find out more about our work, see our current programme – “My Life My Future” – or our past and future programmes in the ‘What We Do‘ section.
This free funded programme extending to March 2026 is designed for students aged 10-18 living with, or affected by, a long-term health condition who may benefit from support with confidence building, self-management, emotional well-being, and planning for the future.
We’re looking for secondary schools to sign up from September 2025 onward.
For more details visit the My Life My Future page or contact us using the form below:
This is a joint Lambeth Council funded programme between YourStory and No Going Back.
Using their existing contacts, NoGoingBack receive referrals of repeat and prolific offenders from prisons and supports them in the transition to sustainable employment.
YourStory will support the families of offenders where required, providing advice and help on how to deal with their relatives post-release, including financial guidance and how best to deal with agencies, probation, etc. In addition, where required, younger siblings of the ex-offenders will be given one-to-one mentoring.
The GIRLs Programme is a series of risk intervention workshops run for girls to support their emotional and psychological wellbeing. The acronym stands for grit, integrity, reality and learning.
Some of the topics covered in the workshops include: bullying and peer pressure, relationships, career pathways, drug and substance abuse, self and identity, and budget management.
News
YourStory Rebrand…
We are pleased to unveil our new branding
Back To School
The new academic year has started ...
Our mentees are mainly between the ages of 11 and 18, and are struggling to achieve in their current environment. Our programmes are generally delivered in Inner London Boroughs and our young people are often from households living below the national poverty line.
Around two thirds of the young people we work with are male.
Around four fifths of the young people we work have BAME backgrounds.
Around two fifths of the young people we work with are SEND.
Confidence Building
Our programmes help young people appreciate the value and skills they have.
Powerful Conversations
Our mentors talk through the unique stories young people have to unpick their behaviours.
Holistic Support
We engage with families and supporting agencies to provide support from all angles.
1000+
Young People Supported Since 2019.
15+
Schools Supported Since 2019.
22
Years In Service.
60+
Families Supported Since 2019.
listen and understand
YourStory is here to listen to and understand our young people without judgement.
support
We have mentors who have been in similar positions and situations to the young people we work with
offer opportunities
We offer opportunities to our young people which can help them to achieve their ambitions.
safe environment
We provide a safe and trustworthy environment where our young people feel comfortable and secure.
YourStory mentors have been a consistent intervention to some of our most vulnerable and in need students.
The mentors have been able to build a positive relationship in a short period of time which has led to students being honest about their home lives and challenges they face inside and outside of school.
Since the programme has started we have seen a shift in attitude of most of the students.
Assistant Principal
Lambeth Academy
The boys mentored by YourStory were disengaging in mainstream and they flourished at YourStory.
This was very much to do with the mentoring of pupils where the staff listen to the pupils and teach them skills of how to adapt to different situations.
The attendance and punctuality was very good and they were then able to sit all exams. If the boys were stressed the mentors sat with them and offered breakfast as a way of alleviating the stress.
Teacher
Platanos College
The work the mentors did with the young people is phenomenal! As we work with troubled young people, somehow the mentors are extremely patient, professional and able to get through to the young person. Two brothers were able to turn away from crime. They are both earning money legitimately. (The mentors) Involvement during the LAC review meetings with the local authority made such an impact that unprecedented decisions were made to support the brothers. They support young people at all levels including resolving issues with their benefits especially UC.
Working with these two professionals brings so much confidence that you can look at a young person who one has lost hope on, in a positive light.
Deputy Manager
Centrepoint charity
Commission us
Volunteer with us
We are always looking out for volunteers and mentors to engage young people. We would love to hear from you if you would like to help!
