A Big Little Update: Mentoring, Milestones, and Magic Moments

From Trafalgar Square adventures to half-marathon heroics, it’s been a joyful and jam-packed time at The Kids Network. We’ve seen mentors and mentees making memories, supporters showing up in a big way, and schools helping children shine. Wondering what we’ve been up to? Let’s dive in…

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The Big Give

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Between 3–17 June, we joined The Big Give’s Champions for Children campaign, and thanks to your generosity (and match funding from The Childhood Trust), every donation went twice as far.

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That means more children like Mahnoor* can access our 1:1 mentoring. Mahnoor had just moved to London, unsure of herself and her surroundings. On a visit to Trafalgar Square with her mentor, she paused, looked up, and said, “Whoa. This is real London.”

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Five simple words, but a big, powerful moment of excitement and belonging.

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Running with Purpose 

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May was full of milestones for our runners who took on everything from half marathons to ultra distances, all in support of The Kids Network.

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Shoutout to:

• Olivia (Isle of Wight Ultra – 106km!)
• Ha (Battersea Half)
• Lily (Hackney Half)
• Hannah (Great West Half)

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“Running a half marathon feels like a small task for something that can truly change a life,” said Hannah.

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Feeling inspired? Sign up now to run for us in 2026 and choose an event that suits you here.

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Mentoring, School Style

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We’ve been working hand-in-hand with schools to make mentoring part of everyday learning, and the results are in. 

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At our long-term partner LEAP Federation, we’ve supported 67 children since 2019 across Kingsmead, Mandeville and Gayhurst Primary Schools.

Children like Lana*, who started her mentoring journey struggling with confidence and low attendance. Over time, she began planning sessions, leading walks, and even returning library books on her own. “She was interacting with adults and making decisions for herself. It was amazing to see,” said her mentor.

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We want every child who wants a mentor to have one. Can you help us by volunteering, donating or partnering with us as a school?  

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Have a look out our new video here for a little bit of inspo!

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City Farms, Museums… and Confidence!

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This summer, mentors and mentees have been out exploring London, from Vauxhall City Farm to the Natural History Museum. 

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One mentor told us: “By the end of the year, my mentee was confidently stroking dogs in the park. I’ve seen her grow into herself.”

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And it’s not just children feeling more connected. At our recent Mentor Meet-Up at Two Temple Place, volunteers came together to share stories, swap tips and build community (and WhatsApp groups!) of their own.

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Community That Lifts Us All 

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We’ve been lucky to work with partners who believe in the power of mentoring as much as we do:

• The Guinness Partnership renewed a 3-year grant to support 130 children in Lambeth
• Junior parkrun invited our schools to join their new “healthier & happier” programme
• A group of brilliant US interns joined our team, bringing fresh energy and insights
• Former mentor and trustee Naa wrapped up her term, and we’re so thankful for her wisdom and leadership

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Let’s Talk Impact 

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In the past year, we’ve delivered 5,332 hours of mentoring. 83% of the children we support joined us with emotional and social barriers, and 91% leave feeling calm, and 90% feel relaxed. That’s the power of 1:1, child-led connection.

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Our 2025–2030 strategy is already underway. We’re aiming to double the number of children we support, ensuring every child who wants a mentor, gets one.

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Get Involved

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Whether you’re keen to mentor, fundraise, or cheer us on from the sidelines, there’s a place for you here.

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Explore ways to get involved → https://www.thekidsnetwork.org.uk/i-want-to-give 

Want more updates like this? Subscribe to our newsletter → https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7320771516919394305 

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And as always, thank you — for helping us create little moments that lead to big change.