Early Intervention and the Long-Term Impact of Mentoring
Across the UK, increasing numbers of children are experiencing low confidence, social
isolation, and poor mental wellbeing, yet many do not meet the threshold for formal
support. Without early intervention, these challenges can deepen over time, shaping long-
term outcomes and increasing the risk of loneliness later in life.
The Kids Network works at this critical moment. By connecting children aged 8–11 with a
trained volunteer mentor from their local community, we provide consistent, trusted
relationships that help children build confidence, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense
of agency before difficulties become entrenched.
In this webinar, we will explore how early, relational mentoring can act as a preventative
response to loneliness. Drawing on our long-term impact evaluation, we will share evidence
that children don’t just benefit in the moment, they develop lasting, transferable skills. From
improved emotional literacy and stronger relationships to sustained confidence and
independent decision-making, these are capabilities that continue well beyond the
mentoring year.
Through perspectives from programme delivery, volunteer recruitment, and lived
experience from a mentor, we will bring to life how consistent, trusted relationships enable
children to feel safe, connected, and able to navigate the world around them.
Delivered in partnership with Campaign to End Loneliness and Neighbourly Lab, this session
will reflect on what it takes to design early intervention that is not only effective, but
equitable, preventative, and rooted in community. At its heart is a simple idea: every child
who wants a mentor should have one.
Who is this for?
This webinar is for anyone interested in early intervention, and the long term impact of
mentoring. Those could be individuals from the community, practitioners, commissioners,
policymakers, funders, and organisations working with children and young people –
particularly those focused on early intervention, mental health, and tackling loneliness.
What will attendees leave with?
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how early, relationship-based interventions
can build long-term protective factors against loneliness, alongside practical insights into
designing and delivering mentoring programmes that create lasting impact.
What to Expect
– Insights from The Kids Network’s long-term impact evaluation
– How early mentoring builds agency, confidence, and connection over time
– Perspectives from programme delivery and volunteer recruitment on the
programme design
– Lived experience from a mentor
– Reflections on preventing loneliness through early intervention
– Practical takeaways for relational, community-based programme design
– Live Q&A and discussion
Sign up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/i4nhZLncQuyF2wdTKtlffA
Organiser: The Kids Network