Martin’s Story: Finding Joy and Purpose in Early Intervention

At The Kids Network, every Programme Manager brings their own story and perspective and for Martin, that story began in the world of drama and play. His journey from the arts and education sector to working directly with children and mentors across London is one of creativity, compassion, and a belief that early intervention can change lives.

Martin’s path started at drama school, where he studied Drama and Applied Theatre. What drew him in wasn’t the performance itself, but the way play could be used as a tool for learning. He spent his early career running creative workshops in schools, making complex ideas like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, fun and accessible for even the youngest children.

“We used finger puppets for the fairies. It was playful, imaginative, and I loved seeing how quickly children absorbed learning when it was rooted in fun.”

That belief that play and creativity can be powerful catalysts for development has been a thread running through Martin’s work ever since. After graduating, he worked across early years settings, focusing on one-to-one and small group interventions. Over time, though, he started to notice something missing.

“If a child wasn’t getting that same kind of support at home, the progress we made in school could only go so far,” he explains. “I realised that to make a real difference, I needed to be in a space where I could bridge that gap between home, school, and community.”

That reflection led Martin to complete a Master’s in Infancy and Early Childhood Development, exploring how physical, emotional, and social wellbeing shape how children learn. During his research, he worked with Great Ormond Street Hospital’s cochlear implant team, studying how early intervention impacts developmental outcomes.

“What really stayed with me is that intervention at any stage helps – but the earlier it happens, the better the outcomes. That principle has stuck with me ever since.”

When Martin moved into the charity sector with Doorstep Library, he found a new way to channel his skills – supporting volunteer mentors and families through the power of literacy. He loved that the role focused on empowering volunteers and building relationships rooted in trust and care.

“It taught me the importance of consistent communication, open conversations, and creating a safe space for both mentors and families.”

But after 4 years, Martin wanted to take everything he’d learned about early intervention and apply it in a way that stretched beyond reading. “Families wanted more support, and mentors were naturally building relationships that went beyond literacy,” he says. “When I heard about The Kids Network, it felt like the perfect next step. A chance to bring everything I’d learned about play, learning, and early intervention into a space that’s completely child-led.”

Now, as a Programme Manager at TKN, Martin supports mentoring pairs across Lambeth, Westminster, Islington, and parts of Camden – helping volunteers build strong, meaningful connections with their Little Londoners. He’s already had the chance to meet children, match them with mentors, and see new pairs begin their journeys.

“It’s been lovely to be there from the very beginning. Meeting the child, finding the perfect mentor, and seeing that relationship take shape. When I get that first message from a mentor saying, ‘We had a great first session,’ it’s such a joy. You know you’ve helped set something really special in motion.”

For Martin, the best part of his work is watching confidence grow on both sides of the mentoring relationship. “Sometimes mentors start off a little nervous, but those are often the ones who, by the end of the year, are the first to offer advice to others. You see them grow just as much as the children do.”

He’s also thoughtful about what it means to support a full mentoring journey – not just the start, but the ending too. “The endings process can be emotional,” he says. “But helping mentors and mentees navigate it with reflection and care is just as important as those early sessions. If I can play even a small role in making those transitions positive, that’s a real highlight for me.”

Martin’s passion for accessibility and inclusion is rooted in his own story. Growing up as the only sighted person in a household with two blind parents gave him a deep appreciation for the power of language and connection. “It made me realise how important words and understanding can be,” he shares. “That’s why I’m so passionate about helping children find their voice and feel confident expressing themselves.”

Now, at TKN, Martin brings that same curiosity, care, and creativity to his work every day helping Little Londoners build confidence through connection, one mentoring pair at a time.

As The Kids Network continues to grow, we’re thrilled to have Martin join our incredible team of Programme Managers supporting children, mentors, and schools across London. His experience, empathy, and energy embody what TKN is all about – connection, play, and community. We can’t wait to see the difference he’ll continue to make.