Staying Connected
The Staying Connected project provides vital one-to-one support for young people aged 11 - 19 years and families, facing multiple challenges such as loneliness, isolation and food poverty.
This project targets young people who are experiencing poverty, are from low income backgrounds, are at risk of exploitation, not in education employment or training (NEET), are part of communities experiencing racial inequity, or those who are educationally or economically disadvantaged.
This project aims to:
Provide vital one-to-one/group support on a weekly basis
Engage face-to-face/phone/online maintaining weekly contact
Provide advice, mentoring, signposting to additional support services
Provide essential food, toiletries, clothes, cleaning products
Combat loneliness and isolation
Improve positive outlooks, confidence, self-esteem and communication skills
Increase happiness, recognition, understanding, coping mechanisms for mental health and wellbeing
Provide trips and positive activities
Provide a safe space for young people to express themselves and gain new skills
Promote peer-to-peer and group mentoring
Gallery
2025/26 Impact
132
young people engaged
639
sessions delivered
98%
attendance rate
“My teenage son has been fortunate to have access to the services that YAA provides to the community. Growing up in our community without the right guidance and direction could be detrimental to our youth.
The Staying Connected mentoring sessions my son has received has helped him navigate his way safely around the community and make the right choices. Having the Hut to go to and having these adults that the youths trust and respect keeps them off the streets and keeps them safe.
My son has attended numerous trips with YAA during the school holiday periods which he has really enjoyed and it would be great if this could continue. I would like to thank Louis and the team at YAA for all the work they do with our youths, I’m not sure where they would be without them.”
“Thank you for all the support you have provided to TB, you are one of a few that he trusts. When ending his order with YOT a he expressed he only wanted to work with one person and that was you because of all the support he had received when he was younger. He really valued your support and he felt out of all the professionals he has known he’s able to open up and talk.”
82% improved their emotional wellbeing & mental health
77% improved confidence, self-esteem
and self-awareness
89% have learnt coping mechanisms to better manage challenges in their life
72% increased happiness and willingness to engage in community life with 40% involved in volunteering
81% improved positive outlook by providing something to look forward to and reducing boredom and isolation
69% improved education attainment
33% of young people’s attendance at school has shown a steady increase from 60% to 90%
77% improved behaviour in school, college or AP
80% engaged in mentoring sessions
62% improved family relationships
69% reduced offending and 53% reduced risk of harm to self and others
80% reduced or no further involvement in street activity/gang involvement with at least 55% of young people diverting away from criminal activity and/or anti-social behaviour and a total of 67% reporting have improved awareness of street, gang risk and safety.
83% improved career and work experience outlooks and opportunities
70% feel they have the information to seek additional services
68% signpost young people to support /additional services
92% of young people have developed at least one life skill
““I have done so many things with YAA, from trips during school holiday’s, attending regular sessions, playing football for the YAA tournaments, and getting regular 1 to 1 mentoring. I’ve also been part of Peer Mentoring where I’ve been mentored by older peers and I also had the opportunity to mentor to younger peers.
If it wasn’t for YAA, I would have missed out on so much and I know that I probably would have got involved in negative things.””
Case studies
Finding focus and a future through football: GB’s journey
GB, 14, joined the Staying Connected project through self‑referral after feeling unheard at school and struggling with attendance and anger. Things at home were difficult, with family instability and a lack of positive role models, and GB was starting to drift towards risky behaviour and losing motivation for school and his future.
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From the start, GB knew something needed to change. Through boys’ group sessions and 1:1 support, he was given a safe space to talk openly, manage his anger, and think about what he wanted next. Together, we created a clear plan focused on his passion for football, exploring pathways not just as a player, but also roles like coach or referee.
Feeling trusted and supported, GB grew in confidence and became a vocal, respected member of the group. He began using strategies learnt in sessions to manage his emotions, leading to fewer outbursts and a noticeable improvement in behaviour and school attendance.
As his focus shifted, GB committed fully to football. With support, he completed an FA refereeing course, received essential football equipment, and began taking training seriously. He was selected to travel to Milan to play football, a major confidence boost that showed him what was possible.
Through consistency, routine and determination, even sticking to his training plan during a residential, GB caught the attention of professional scouts. He has since been signed by Queens Park Rangers Academy, the club he supports, and now trains and plays weekly as part of a clear progression pathway.
GB reflects on his journey by saying:
“I’ve done a lot of maturing since starting boys’ group and changing some of my bad habits. If I didn’t come here, it would have been a totally different ending to this part of my story.”
GB’s story shows how trusted support, structure and belief can help a young person turn away from risk and move towards a positive, focused future.
Rebuilding confidence after trauma: FD’s mentoring journey
FD, 16, was referred for YAA mentoring by RBKC Social Services after being robbed at knifepoint by peers at his school. The incident had a serious impact on his mental health and self‑esteem. He became anxious, withdrawn and no longer felt safe leaving the house, often refusing to attend school.
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At the same time, FD was dealing with instability at home. His mum was struggling with severe mental health challenges, and professionals believed it would be best for his dad to take over legal guardianship. FD strongly disagreed and found it hard to trust support offered through formal services.
Mentoring gave FD something different — a safe, independent space where he could speak openly and feel listened to without judgement. At first, sessions took place at home due to his fear of going outside. Progress was slow, but steady. Over time, FD became more comfortable sharing what was happening at home and at school, and his confidence began to return.
His school attendance gradually improved, rising from 25% to 60%, and his communication changed too. He began speaking more clearly, with more confidence. Supported by his mentor, FD also started spending time in the wider community again.
A major turning point came when FD agreed (to everyone’s surprise) to attend a three‑day residential sailing trip with YAA. The trip involved crewing a tall ship alongside other young people and staff, sailing from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, and sharing responsibility for daily tasks. Although FD nearly pulled out due to anxiety, he was supported to go, and the experience proved transformational.
“Whenever there’s something new I have no confidence, but by the second day I realised it wasn’t that bad. I felt comfortable and started making friends.”
Since then, FD has continued to challenge himself, signing up for further trips even when he doesn’t know others attending. He has started Year 11 at a new school in RBKC and increased his attendance to 70%.
Reflecting on mentoring, FD said: “I’ve found that over time it’s become really beneficial. I didn’t realise how much mentoring could help at the beginning.”
FD’s journey shows how consistent, trusted mentoring can help young people recover from trauma, rebuild confidence and begin engaging with the world again at their own pace.
Contact
TJ Dairo
Staying Connected Lead
TJ@youthactionalliance.org / 07915722414