Friendship Works

Established in 1977, Friendship Works is the UK’s first children’s mentoring charity and is a pioneer in the field. We improve the emotional well-being and life chances of children and young people who face multiple disadvantages. We provide the vital support these children need to brighten their experience of childhood and build resilience for the future, by matching them with friendship mentors who give one-to-one support for at least two years. We accept referrals for children and young people aged 5-16 in London. Friendship Works believes that adult concern and attention, together with new experiences, helps children grow socially and emotionally and become better able to make safe and trusting relationships throughout their lives. The children and young people we help have a range of problems to deal with, such as living with the after-effects of domestic violence or alcohol and drug misuse, or supporting parents with mental health problems. Some of the young people have mental health issues themselves; some have learning difficulties or are struggling at school; others are caring for disabled or ill relatives at home. Many of the young people referred to us live in families who don’t have positive support networks around them that would help alleviate the impact of the difficulties they face, leaving them without the everyday childhood experiences that many young people take for granted. As a result, the children we support haven’t had the opportunity to develop important life-skills, don’t know how to cope with some of life’s challenges, and don’t get the chance to go out and have fun. An extra adult acting as a mentor gives an alternative source of positive adult interaction; helps a child to experience new things; supports them through hard times; and role models positive approaches to life. The long-term presence of a mentor in a child’s life can help build resilience, improving the life chances of a child facing adversity.