Meet Amy Our New Programme Manager: Putting Children at the Heart of Mentoring

At The Kids Network, our Programme Managers are at the heart of delivering our mission by supporting our mentors, working closely with schools, and ensuring every child feels happy and confident. This autumn, we’re thrilled to welcome Amy, who has joined the team to oversee our programme in North and East London.

Amy’s journey into youth work began while she was still a student at university. Volunteering as a mentor at a refugee charity opened her eyes to the powerful role a trusted adult can play in a child’s life. That experience led her to dedicate the first years of her career to an educational mentoring charity, strengthening her belief that mentoring could transform confidence and wellbeing for children and adults alike.

What stood out most to Amy was how TKN treats children as the leaders of their own journey. Rather than being told what their mentoring should look like, our Little Londoners are encouraged to shape the experience themselves. That sense of choice and ownership is built into everything we do – from how sessions are planned, to how feedback is gathered to help the programme grow stronger.

“In particular, the fun and child-led approach of the mentoring at TKN stood out to me,” Amy says. “I love that the children set out what they want in a mentor, what they do in the sessions, and how much importance is placed on their feedback.”

With her background in working with secondary-age pupils, Amy also saw the unique value of stepping in earlier at a moment when children are preparing for the transition to secondary school. For her, mentoring at this stage can be a protective factor, offering consistency and encouragement before bigger challenges arise.

Now, as a Programme Manager, Amy’s role is wonderfully varied. She supports mentors in delivering their sessions, matches children with the right volunteer, runs inductions and workshops, and works closely with schools to make sure every child has the best possible experience. Safeguarding is also a key part of her work, helping to ensure that children feel safe and supported throughout their mentoring journey.

“I have been really enjoying how diverse the role is,” Amy says. “A highlight so far has definitely been my school visits to meet some of the children on the programme and attending the recent mentor meet up to connect with mentors in person.”

Seeing the bonds forming between mentors and their mentees has reaffirmed why she joined.

“I have loved seeing the meaningful connections that the mentors have built with the children they work with. The impact this has on mentors feeling connected in their community and on the confidence of the children on the programme has been incredible.”

Looking ahead, Amy is excited to see the full cycle of mentoring unfold – from training, to watching the first sessions take place.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the programme from start to finish – delivering mentor training, delivering inductions for the children, and seeing new pairs start their mentoring journey. I’m excited to be part of our mission to help the children we work with feel happy and confident.”

And she has a clear message for anyone considering becoming a mentor:

“Signing up to be a mentor at TKN gives you a unique chance to deliver 1:1 mentoring sessions towards supporting a Little Londoner to be happy and confident. The child-led approach means sessions are jam-packed with fun and it is an amazing way to connect with your local community in an impactful way!”

We’re delighted to have Amy on board and can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll continue to bring to our mentors, schools, and Little Londoners across London.