Mentoring for Young Adults Leaving Custody
Our Aspiring Champion – Mentoring Programme provides consistent, trauma-informed 1:1 support to young adults leaving custody or facing major barriers. For two years, it has helped young people build confidence, stability, and safer futures.
Funding is now ending but the need is not.
We are launching a public appeal to raise £12,000 to keep this vital support in place.
No one left behind
please note this project is currently closed
Leaving custody is a highly vulnerable moment for young adults, many of whom return to the community without stable housing, income, or support. For 18–25-year-olds, this transition can determine whether they move forward or fall back into crisis.
Who We Support
The programme works with young adults aged 18–25 who have:
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recently left custody
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unstable or unsafe housing
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limited family support
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challenges with mental health or wellbeing
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high risk of exploitation or re-offending
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difficulty navigating services and systems
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low confidence, motivation, or routine
These are young people who often fall through gaps in services — and who benefit most from consistent, trusted mentoring.
Support That Makes Change Possible
Our mentors provide practical, emotional, and consistent 1:1 support tailored to each young person’s needs. This includes:
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Weekly 1:1 mentoring – a stable, trusted adult focused on strengths, goals and wellbeing.
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Practical support – housing and benefits, GP/mental health registration, ID and paperwork, appointments, crisis navigation and safety planning.
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Education, training and employment pathways – confidence building, CVs, interview prep, and links to courses, volunteering or work.
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Emotional support – a safe space to talk, manage stress and rebuild resilience.
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Positive routines and community connection – reducing isolation and strengthening stability.
This holistic approach reduces risk, builds confidence, and helps young people make meaningful, lasting change.
The Programme
Why This Work Matters
Without support, young adults leaving custody face increased risk of:
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homelessness
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poor mental health
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crisis and isolation
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unsafe environments
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re-offending
With mentoring, they gain:
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structure and stability
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someone who believes in them
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confidence to make change
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safer choices and healthier routines
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pathways into education, work or volunteering
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improved wellbeing and resilience
The impact is real, relational, and long-lasting.
Programme Outcomes
Over two years, the programme has helped young adults to:
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secure stable accommodation
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access benefits and essential services
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reduce risky behaviours
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re-engage with learning or employment
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build confidence and self-belief
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strengthen emotional wellbeing
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avoid re-offending
These outcomes matter not just for the young people themselves, but for families, communities, and wider society.
Who We Support
The programme works with young adults aged 18–25 who have:
-
recently left custody
-
unstable or unsafe housing
-
limited family support
-
challenges with mental health or wellbeing
-
high risk of exploitation or re-offending
-
difficulty navigating services and systems
-
low confidence, motivation, or routine
These are young people who often fall through gaps in services — and who benefit most from consistent, trusted mentoring.
Explore our Strategy
Read our Strategy 2025-30 to discover how we’re placing young people at the heart of everything we do, driving innovative opportunities, and shaping the future of youth work in Wales. Explore our vision and join us in making a difference.