We’re beyond excited to announce the release of "The Centre," a powerful short film produced in partnership with Spotify.

This documentary, directed by the brilliant Adeyemi Michael, of Artisan Films features insights from artists Young T & Bugsey, Ms Banks, Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective and multifaceted entrepreneur, Buck. The film delves deep into the legacy and impact of youth clubs and youth spaces on UK culture.

"The Centre" is more than just a film; it’s a tribute to the vital role that youth clubs play in shaping our communities. It highlights how these crucial environments influence the lives of young people, providing them with safe, engaging spaces to grow, learn, and thrive. The perspectives shared in this documentary underscore the importance of maintaining and nurturing these environments for the betterment of our youth.

Your engagement and support are key to ensuring these spaces continue to serve and inspire generations to come. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that champions the well-being and development of our young people.

Watch, like, comment & share, so we can keep this vital dialogue going!

We are proud to unveil our 2024 manifesto campaign, "Reclaim The Block," a powerful commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent young people from accessing the support they need to thrive.

Since 2010, 750 youth spaces have closed down across the UK. This manifesto represents our dedication to creating lasting, positive change within our community, and is built on four key pillars:

1. Ensure Access and Spaces for All Young People: We advocate for safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces where young people can learn, grow, and connect.

2. Empower Local Councils: By working closely with local councils, we aim to foster stronger community ties and ensure that youth services are a priority in every neighbourhood.

3. Address Funding Challenges: We are committed to tackling the financial hurdles that hinder the provision of quality youth services, ensuring sustainable funding for the future.

4. Strengthen the Youth Services Workforce: Investing in the training and development of youth workers is essential to providing the best support and guidance for our young people.

Research has shown that for every £1 the government invests in youth work, the return to the taxpayer is between £3.20 and £6.40. Furthermore, youth work saves £500 million annually by preventing knife crime, anti-social behaviour, and other associated criminal justice costs (UK Youth and Frontier Economics, 2022).

Together, we can create a community where every young person has the opportunity to flourish.

Join us in our mission to "Reclaim The Block."

Our recent community consultation paints a vivid picture of our community's needs, hopes, and aspirations.

This consultation is a crucial step in ensuring that our local resources and activities align with what truly matters to you. A significant takeaway is the community's strong desire for more activities for children, reflecting a collective concern that there aren't enough opportunities for our younger residents.

We’ve launched a major fundraising campaign: We’re asking 1 million people to donate £1 each to Mentivity.

With this million, we’ll expand our youth services and youth spaces, guided by the voices and needs of young people.

After many months of delays outside our control, Mentivity House is now officially open!

Located on the Aylesbury estate, Mentivity House is a place and space for all, a hub of activity and support, delivering a wide range of services designed to enrich our community.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Youth Clubs

• Respite Provision

• Sport and Physical Activity

• Arts, Culture & Social Activities

• Activism and Debates

• Information, Advice, and Guidance

• Training and Apprenticeships

• Enrichment: Activities for holistic community development

Stay tuned and visit Mentivity.com for updates and detailed information on how you can get involved and benefit from these services.

Looking for an action-packed, fun-filled summer holiday experience? Live in Croydon? Received your free 16-digit holiday code from HAF? Look no further!

Our Mentivity summer HAF Camp is the place and space to be. Whether it’s gaming, cooking, sports, or arts, we’ve got something for everyone.

Engaging Activities: Experience a diverse range of activities designed to inspire and entertain. Our camp features PS5 and Xbox gaming stations for the tech enthusiasts, cooking and baking sessions for culinary aficionados, and creative workshops including spray-painting and Paint and Party. Enjoy a variety of games that will keep everyone engaged for hours.

Sports and Dance: For those who love sports, our camp offers basketball and football to keep you active and energised. If dancing is your passion, join our dance sessions and groove to the beat with fellow participants.

Exciting Excursions and More: Our camp goes beyond indoor activities with thrilling trips that promise new experiences and adventures. With a wide array of offerings, attendees will create memories that last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to have an unforgettable summer with Mentivity. Secure your spot today and get ready for a summer full of fun, learning, and adventure!

Dates: 29th July - 22nd August

Location: Harris Invictus Academy Croydon

Our recent football tournament, part of the Mentivity x Goldman Sachs Summer Series, was a resounding success, despite the torrential rain!

Held at the Burgess Park Sports Centre on May 22nd, 2024, this event brought together the vibrant energies of Southwark's Year 6 students from 11 schools for a day filled with healthy competition, excitement, and community building.

Our host, Joel Beya (Five), alongside special guests Reiss Nelson (Arsenal), Percelle Ascott (Wall of Comedy), and Cecil Jee (AFTV), made the event even more memorable for our young participants with their presence. A massive thank you to all for attending and providing our young people with added motivation and inspiration on the day.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bird in Bush School for their outstanding performance and winning the tournament! Your teamwork, dedication, and skill truly shone through, and we couldn't be prouder of your achievement.

This tournament was not just about the competition; it was about bringing our community together, promoting physical activity, and inspiring the next generation. We look forward to many more events like this and continuing to support our young people in every way we can.

Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue to celebrate and empower our community.

Our partnership with Avanade is making waves in our community.

Recently, Avanade hosted an Insight Day, giving our young people the chance to visit their offices, meet their dynamic team, and dive into the exciting world of technology. This collaboration continues to open doors and create invaluable opportunities for our youth.

We’re also excited to announce that Avanade has committed £30,000 to support our initiatives. Starting in September, we’ll be launching a series of "Introduction to Tech" sessions. These sessions will cover essential topics like Data & AI, Cloud Engineering, Security, and Business Applications. Our goal is to equip our youth with valuable skills and knowledge, opening doors to future opportunities in the tech sector.

A massive thank you to Avanade for their dedication and support. Together, we’re empowering the next generation and building a community where young people can thrive and succeed.

Stay tuned for more updates on our collaborative efforts and upcoming tech sessions!

Over the past 14 weeks, participants aged 11-14 from underserved communities have engaged in this fully funded sports, wellbeing, and personal development programme.

Designed to help young people positively engage with their education and unlock their true potential, the EmpowerMENT Programme has been a transformative journey for everyone involved.

The programme consisted of two enriching phases:

• Mindfulness: Fostering mental well-being and self-awareness.

• Mastering: Equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their life prospects.

We are immensely proud of our graduates for their dedication, resilience, and growth throughout this programme. Their hard work and commitment has not only improved their educational engagement but also unlocked new potentials and opportunities.

We look forward to seeing our mentees continue to thrive and make a positive impact in our communities. Congratulations to all involved, and keep reaching for the stars!

To truly appreciate the impact of this programme, take a look at the incredible results.

Introducing the Creators Programme, a dynamic six-week workshop series for 16 - 24-year-olds, in collaboration with Young Minds.

This initiative combines storytelling and creative arts to tackle vital topics around mental health and social justice. Providing a safe, creative spaces for young people to foster meaningful community collaborations and build a robust network for resource sharing, each session is designed to empower young voices, leading to impactful social action activities.

With a host of exciting perks. Participants will engage in creative workshops which contribute to a movement focused on improving mental health experiences for young black people, whilst also providing a fast-track into Young Minds activist programmes. To top it all off, everyone will receive goody bags, including a £150 voucher, as a token of appreciation for their involvement and commitment.

Don’t miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up or refer a young person today!

At Mentivity, we believe in the power of collective impact.

Your support fuels our transformative programmes, driving positive change in communities and empowering young people.

By partnering with Mentivity, you contribute to:

1. Empowering Youth: Your funding directly translates into life-changing opportunities for young individuals, equipping them with essential skills, mentorship, and guidance to thrive.

2. Community Growth: Investing in Mentivity means investing in the growth and resilience of our communities. Your contributions pave the way for stronger, more cohesive societies.

3. Innovative Solutions: We're committed to pioneering new approaches to education, personal development, and community engagement. Your funding fuels the innovation necessary to create a lasting impact.

Interested in working with us or funding our impactful initiatives?

We couldn’t be prouder of our school-leavers.

We couldn’t be prouder of our school-leavers. At Mentivity, we have high hopes for each of your futures, both individually and collectively.

As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that the world is brimming with opportunities just waiting for you. With the strong foundation provided by your school—and for many of you, by us—we’re confident you’ll achieve great things.

We will miss you dearly! But our doors at Mentivity House will always be open. Keep in touch, and who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be the mentors inspiring the next generation. Congratulations and best of luck on your journey ahead!

Since joining Mentivity in November 2022, Teean’s dedication and passion are the driving forces behind many of our initiatives. Her perspective on youth engagement and her innovative approach to programme development have been instrumental in shaping our efforts to empower and uplift our community.

Dive into this segment to learn more about how Teean and her team are making a real difference, ensuring that every young person we work with has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

How do Mentivity's mentoring and sports programmes specifically address the needs of mentees who have faced potential exclusion?

At Mentivity, our mentoring and sports programmes are inclusive and tailored to support mentees who have faced potential exclusion by providing them with a structured and supportive environment where they can rebuild their confidence and sense of belonging.

Our team understands that these mentees may respond better in a 1:1 setting, so while group work is encouraged, they recognise and employ various approaches to best support our young people, ensuring their individual needs are met. Our mentors, offer relatable guidance and a safe space for mentees to express themselves.

The sports programmes, in particular, introduce young people to new sports and activities they might not engage with independently, channel their energy positively, reduce inactivity, teach discipline, and foster teamwork. These activities not only keep the mentees engaged but also develop their social skills and resilience, which are crucial for them to remain in mainstream education.

Can you elaborate on how Mentivity's initiatives enhance the holistic well-being of your mentees?

Our programmes and initiatives are designed to address the holistic well-being of our mentees by focusing on their emotional, social, and physical development. Our mentoring sessions provide support that addresses individual challenges and goals, fostering a sense of self-worth and aspiration.

In addition, our sports programmes promote physical health and well-being, which is integral to overall mental health, as seen in the Superstar Challenge and our latest programme, EmpowerMENT, which introduces practices like sound healing and yoga. We also place significant emphasis on building a supportive community around our mentees, involving parents, schools, and local organisations. This commitment is particularly evident in our flagship Raising Aspirations Project, ensuring they benefit from a strong support network. This holistic approach ensures we nurture their overall growth and development, addressing multiple facets of their lives.

This approach has significantly enhanced students' engagement with the curriculum by making learning more interactive and relevant to their lives. Adopted across all programmes, it encourages students to actively participate in discussions, express their viewpoints, and relate their learning to real-world scenarios through public speaking and decision-making activities. As a result, students become more invested in their education, develop critical thinking skills, and feel more empowered to take charge of their learning journey and life choices. This positive engagement also translates into improved academic performance, better relationships with peers and teachers, and greater enthusiasm for learning.

How does the Workforce Upskilling Programme assist professionals in implementing trauma-informed practices to better support young people?

Our Workforce Upskilling Programme equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement mentoring best practices and theories, including trauma-informed approaches, which are essential for effectively supporting young people who have experienced adverse circumstances.

Through collaboration with sector professionals who deliver comprehensive training sessions, insights are provided into the impact of trauma on behaviour and learning, alongside practical strategies for creating safe and supportive environments.

By fostering an understanding of trauma and its effects, we enable professionals to approach young people with greater empathy, patience, and tailored interventions that can significantly enhance their well-being, educational outcomes, and life trajectory. We also safeguard themselves and offer guidance on managing any situations that could negatively impact them as practitioners.

What new programmes or expansions are in the pipeline for Mentivity, and how do you envision them further improving the lives of young people?

Everyone knows that programme design is one of my true passions, and we are constantly striving to expand and innovate to better serve young people and the wider community. Currently, we are particularly focused on engaging those aged 16-24, and we have some exciting collaborations and partnerships on the horizon. The Creators Programme is a dynamic six-week workshop series around mental health, in collaboration with Young Minds, designed to empower young voices and drive impactful social action activities.

These expansions will provide our mentees with a wider range of opportunities and resources, helping them discover their passions, amplify their voices, and support them in achieving successful, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Our vision is to continue delivering impactful, inclusive programmes that meet the evolving needs of young people, empowering them to realise their full potential.

Significant changes are happening within our Mentivity family. While we are eager to share the news of well-deserved promotions, we must also announce the departure of a valued team member.

After six years of exceptional dedication and passion, Carl Burnett will be leaving Mentivity. His contributions to the Youth Justice Project and the lives of countless young people have been truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful for his hard work and unwavering support.

At the same time, join us in congratulating Stefano Atkinson-Nelson, Lawrie Wilson, and Nathalie Hughes on their well-deserved promotions. We look forward to their continued contributions and leadership at Mentivity.

We’ve launched a major fundraising campaign:

We’re asking 1 million people to donate £1 each to Mentivity.

With this million, we’ll expand our youth services and youth spaces, guided by the voices and needs of young people.

CONNECT WITH US

Feedback or suggestions? Email nathalie@mentivity.org