This programme aims to match secondary school pupils and university students from similar cultural backgrounds for a one-to-one mentoring relationship, giving them the space to share experiences about school life and discuss any challenges and future aspirations. It also aims to build links between secondary and higher education, encourage review and improvement of inclusion practices within schools, and boost the confidence of all taking part.

Student volunteers are trained by the University of Brighton Active Student team. They learn about mentoring and key issues such as child protection and safeguarding guidelines and attend weekly briefing and debriefing sessions. Mentors and mentees meet one to one over six weeks, either in person or online, and are provided with worksheets and other resources to encourage and enable discussion.

Partners: The University of Brighton plus Blatchington Mill School; Brighton Aldridge Community Academy; Cardinal Newman Catholic School; Crawley FE College; Dorothy Stringer School; Hove Park School; Ifield Community College; King’s School Hove; Patcham High School; Peacehaven Community School; Portslade Aldridge Community Academy; Ratton School; Seaford Head School; Seahaven Academy; St Catherine’s College; The Eastbourne Academy; The Hastings Academy; The Littlehampton Academy; Thomas Bennett Community College; Varndean High School; Willingdon Community School

Funding source: Uni Connect

SLN contact: Debra Vice-Holt

Project status: Started in 2018 and ongoing

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