News stories in the last quarter
The past few months have been a period of growth and learning for AYW. Based on your work from October to March, here are some key lessons that may have emerged:
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Testimonies and News stories
My Testimony
Being able to be heard when talking and thinking clearer in uncomfortable situations has made a huge difference. A lot of tactics have been picked up in order to help with my anxiety. I now know how to manage myself when I feel overwhelmed or cold.”
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Mentee 15
MR
My Testimony
In May 2023, I was struggling a lot with my attendance at school, my relationships with family and friends, I felt hopeless. My self-esteem and mood were low, and I was dealing with everything in unhealthy ways. However, that month, I began one-to-ones with my mentor from AYW, and with their support and guidance, I found healthier ways to cope with my struggles giving me the ability to feel better within myself.
Those sessions became something I actually looked forward to. Even though I was going through one of the hardest times in my life, My mentor made me feel like I wasn’t alone in it. She never made me feel like a burden or just another person she had to help she genuinely cared. Whether we were having deep conversations or just laughing about random things, she created a space where I could just be myself.
One turning point for me was attending Sound of Croydon with AYW, where I saw young artists from my area perform. It was inspiring to see people who may have faced their own struggles still pushing forward. That day, I made new friendships and started feeling hope again.
As a young person it can be hard to open up to people, especially when you’re used to just dealing with things on your own. However with my mentor, it never felt forced or fake. My mentor created a space where young people like myself felt heard, and just be ourselves with no pressure to pretend everything was fine. It’s a real support system, and that kind of environment makes a difference.
My mentor’s patience, encouragement, and understanding made a huge difference in my journey. She never judged but instead listened and helped me see things in a new light. I’m beyond grateful for her.
Mentee 18
SA
“I was struggling so much at school. I didn’t understand why I was always in trouble. I just couldn’t focus or sit still. I thought something was wrong with me.” – Young Person, 12 years old
When I first started working with this young person, she was having a tough time transitioning into secondary school. Her undiagnosed ADHD made it challenging to adjust to the school environment, causing her to struggle with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. She often found herself in frequent detentions for interrupting lessons, being disruptive, and having difficulty following instructions, which brought her to the verge of exclusion.
“We could see she was a great student, but she was struggling to fit in and keep up. Her behaviour was misunderstood because she didn’t have the tools to manage her ADHD.” – Mentor
At AYW, we recognised that her issues went beyond typical adolescent struggles. We worked with the school and family to secure a referral for an ADHD assessment, which provided the necessary professional support. Alongside this, I supported her through one-to-one mentoring and group sessions that were specifically designed to help her build self-confidence, manage her attention, and improve her social skills.
Through consistent support, we saw a huge shift. “I feel like I’m finally being understood. I’ve started using the techniques you’ve shown me to calm down when I get upset, and I don’t feel so out of control anymore,” she shared.
As she started to develop strategies for managing her ADHD symptoms, her behaviour improved. She became more engaged in her schoolwork, and her social interactions began to flourish. The young person’s confidence grew, and she began to open up in group settings, discussing her struggles openly. This new attitude helped her avoid further detentions, reducing the risk of exclusion.
By the end of our sessions, the young person had made significant progress. She was no longer at risk of exclusion and was actively participating in school activities.
“I feel better about myself now. I’m not just the ‘troublemaker’ anymore, I can actually do well in school.” – Young Person, 12 years old
Our ongoing support, alongside the ADHD referral, made a crucial difference in her ability to manage her challenges and succeed in her educational environment.
annoymous student
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Before joining AYW, I didn’t think talking about my feelings could help. But the mentoring has helped me feel less alone and more confident in myself.”
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RK
Year 8 Student
The Power of Collaboration & Partnerships
Working with organisations lsupporting our stem project , organisations that are specific for targeted work , and local schools has allowed AYW to expand its reach and impact. These partnerships have provided young women with access to diverse support s ystems, resources, and learning opportunities. Lesson: Building strong partnerships enhances program effectiveness and sustainability. this quater we have collaborated and have been working in a number of schools in various boroughs from one to one and group sessions and continue to encourage communties to access our services wih the young women in our community.
The Importance of Tailored Support
Offering both group and one-to-one mentoring has ensured that young women receive support suited to their personal needs. Some thrive in peer discussions, while others require private mentorship. Lesson: A flexible approach is essential to address the varying needs of young women.
Engagement Strategies Need Time & Marketing
AYW aims to market its events with guest speakers for six sessions, recognising the need for structured outreach to boost participation. Lesson: Effective marketing and planning are crucial to maximising attendance and engagement.
STEM & Creative Approaches Boost Participation
The Her Hero Project engaged 16 young women in STEM-based creativity, showing that integrating hands-on and imaginative activities can be an effective way to engage young women. Lesson: Creative, interactive learning increases engagement and confidence.
The Value of Peer Learning
Targetd workshops on key subject matters pertinent to the young females in our cohort have provided essential life skills. The varied age range in sessions has also fostered peer learning. Lesson: Mixing age groups can create mentoring opportunities within the cohort and help young women support each other.
Addressing Sensitive Topics Requires a Safe Space
The Empower and Elevate sessions with RASAC have tackled difficult but essential topics like consent and healthy relationships, showing that young women benefit greatly from safe, structured discussions on sensitive issues. Lesson: Creating a trusting and non-judgmental environment encourages open and impactful conversations.
Accessibility & Flexibility Are Key
By offering home visits and online support, AYW has ensured that young women who cannot attend in-person sessions still receive mentorship. Lesson: Providing multiple access points to support increases reach and impact.
Aspiring Young Women x Unlocking Futures
💡 AYW attended the Seekers & Sharers Career Event! 💡
this month in March 2025, the Aspiring Young Women (AYW) team had the privilege of attending Mentivity x Gradvisor’s Unlocking Futures: The Seekers & Sharers Event—a space dedicated to career growth, mentorship, and networking!
🔹 Key Takeaways:
✅ Inspiring talks from industry leaders like Tim Campbell & Ayomide Makanjuola
✅ Meaningful connections with professionals across various sectors
✅ Opportunities for our young women to explore career paths & mentorship
✨ Words that stuck with us:
📢 “No one cares about the failure, it’s about what you do next.” – @Tim Campbell, The Apprentice
📢 “Resilience—if you fail, work out what you can do differently. Surround yourself with good people around you.”
These messages hit home! Failure isn’t the end—it’s a lesson. True growth comes from learning, adapting, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift you.
It was empowering to see young people engage in dynamic discussions, gain valuable insights, and take steps toward their futures! 🌟
A huge thank you to @Mentivity & @Gradvisor for creating such a transformative space for young professionals and mentors alike.
👩🏽🎓💼💡 AYW is all about unlocking potential—events like these are game-changers!
🔗 Tag a young person or mentor who would love to join next time!
AYW #UnlockingFutures #CareerGrowth #MentorshipMatters #SeekersAndSharers #YoungWomenInLeadership
Creativity meets the AYW
Members of Aspiring Young Women (AYW) and some od oue young women had the pleasure of attending the Sip & Paint event hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Croydon at The Hub Broad Green. The evening was a delightful blend of creativity, camaraderie, and community spirit.
Event Highlights:
Artistic Expression: Participants, guided by skilled instructors, created unique artworks, showcasing individual creativity.
Community Engagement: The event provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and strengthen community bonds.
Supporting Noble Causes: Proceeds from the evening will support ongoing community initiatives by both AYW and the Kiwanis Club of Croydon.
A Word from AYW: “We are grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Croydon for organising such a delightful event. It was a fantastic opportunity for our young women to explore their creativity and engage with the broader community.”
Young People Thrive When They Have a Voice
Allowing young participants to help plan the Her Hero exhibition has given them a sense of ownership and leadership. Lesson: Involving young women in decision-making fosters confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility.
1. Broadcasting AYW’s Services on a Local Radio Station
One of the biggest milestones in increasing our visibility and outreach was featuring AYW’s services on a local radio station.
This opportunity:
As a direct result, we saw an increase in inquiries and interest in our mentorship programs, proving the importance of media exposure in reaching those in need.
2. Hosting a Stand at Future Day in Bromley School (LPGS)
AYW had the privilege of participating in Future inday in a Bromley , where we:
The event was a success in connecting with potential participants and reinforcing our role as a trusted support system for young women navigating their future.
3. Strong Engagement with a Group of SEN Young Women
One of the most rewarding aspects of AYW’s work has been the consistent engagement with a group of young women with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who attend weekly sessions. Through these sessions:
This success highlights the impact of personalized mentoring and the need for more targeted interventions for young women with additional needs.
4. Continued Expansion of One-to-One Mentoring in the Local Community
AYW’s one-to-one mentoring program has continued to grow, reaching more young women across the community.
This expansion has: Being able to be heard when talking and thinking clearer in uncomfortable situations has made a huge difference. A lot of tactics have been picked up in order to help with my anxiety. I now know how to manage myself when I feel overwhelmed or cold.”
Several young women who initially struggled with low self-esteem, social anxiety, or disengagement from education have since gained confidence, improved their academic performance, and developed a more positive outlook on their future.
The Bigger Impact
Through these successes, AYW has made a tangible difference in the lives of young women by:
✅ Increasing access to mentorship and guidance
✅ Empowering young women with knowledge, skills, and confidence
✅ Providing safe spaces for learning, sharing, and growing
✅ Building lasting community partnerships that enhance support services
As AYW continues to grow, these stories serve as testimonies to the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of creating opportunities for young women to succeed.