CONNECT

Primary Therapeutic Mentoring

What is Connect Primary therapeutic mentoring?


Our specialised 1:1 mentoring program offers a nurturing, developmentally appropriate approach designed for primary school children. We empower young learners to understand and express their social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs in age-appropriate ways. Using child-friendly language and activities, we support students to recognise their feelings, build resilience, and learn to navigate challenging situations. Our mentors act as compassionate co-regulators, offering a secure space that helps children feel safe as they explore and manage their emotions.


Drawing on evidence-based, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused practices, our mentors tailor their approach to each child's unique needs and developmental stage. Through consistent, supportive interactions, children learn to trust and connect with caring adults, fostering emotional security and healthy attachment pattern.


How it works

The connect mentoring approach incorporates principles from DDP, attachment theory, and Neuroscience to create a nurturing, supportive environment for children and young people:


 • Mentors establish a safe, non-judgmental space where young people feel accepted and understood.


• Accessing PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) from DDP, mentors foster a strong, trusting relationship with their young people.


• Mentors act as a secure base, providing comfort and encouragement as young people explore new experiences and emotions.


• Co-regulation supports young people in developing skills to manage their emotions and behaviours.


·The mentor-young person relationship serves as a safe foundation for personal growth, emotional exploration, and the development of healthy relational skills.


Next steps...

  • Schools & Authorities

    If you are working with a young person who you think might benefit from this programme, please either get in touch to discuss their case or send in a referral. Every engagement is tailored to provide the most effective package of support that meets the young persons needs, so we will require as much information as you can provide us with such as their educational history, any risk assessments, official documentation such as an EHCP, and any safeguarding context. 

  • Students

    If you think this programme might be helpful for you we would love to hear from you! You can self-refer for our programmes and we will work with you to decide how we can best support you, identify any funding options, and make sure we fully understand how you need us to work with you so that you get the best out of the programme. The more you can tell us about yourself the better – understanding things like your hobbies, career goals and any fears or challenges you have helps us to make sure we can meet your needs. Get in touch if you would like to discuss how we can help or dive straight in and make a referral for yourself if you’re super keen!

  • Parents / Carers

    Our range of programmes have all been designed to support young people at various stages of life who may be experiencing a range of different challenges. If you think that one of our programmes might be able to help a young person you are caring for please do get in touch to discuss their needs and how we could put together a bespoke package of support to help. We work closely with other agencies to make sure that we can provide wrap around support, so any information you can provide us with regarding their educational history, any mental health or lifestyle challenges, and any additional needs they have it is hugely helpful to make sure we can support them as effectively as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does a session last?

    We believe that too have any meaningful connection the session needs to be two hours, and the length of the support package will vary depending on teh needs of the child, but our minimum package is 12 weeks. 

  • How much does it cost?

    Each 2-hour session is £105, and for more comprehansive packages to support young people with complex needs we may also require an activity budget to support their development. 

  • How old does a child have to be?

    We believe this is based on each childs understanding rather than just a chronological age. The youngest our mentors have worked with is five years old.

  • What about transport?

    The young person will be collected and dropped off at a point agreed in advance.

  • Why work with us?

       


    There are a huge number of benefits to having your students work with us, our success rate shows that 89% of the young people we work with go on to achieve a better outcome. Be this transitioning back into school, a managed move or onto college or employment. 


       

  • Are the Mentors trained and qualified?

    Many of our mentors are trained therapists, therapists in training, mental health professionals or have multiple years of experience working therapeutically with children and young people.

“I also feel that my mentor has helped me a lot. Ever since I’ve been talking to her, I feel I’ve been better at explaining how I feel, and I feel much closer to getting out of the house like with my friends. Even though I don’t feel 100% better, I feel like I’m getting better.”

-T Aged 14

“I used to find leaving the house difficult and really struggled to attend school. I found everything overwhelming and couldn’t control my feelings. Since working with my mentor, I feel a lot more confident in new settings and speaking to people. I still get very nervous and anxious but feel I’m making good progress and hops to go back to school soon.”

-E aged 13

Safeguarding

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment because we believe that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. All postholders (paid staff AND volunteers) are expected to work in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures and all positions are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and check against the barred lists via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Primary School Mentoring

Our specialised 1:1 mentoring program offers a nurturing, developmentally appropriate approach designed for primary school children. We empower young learners to understand and express their social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs in age-appropriate ways. Using child-friendly language and activities, we support students to recognise their feelings, build resilience, and learn to navigate challenging situations. Our mentors act as compassionate co-regulators, offering a secure space that helps children feel safe as they explore and manage their emotions.


Drawing on evidence-based, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused practices, our mentors tailor their approach to each child's unique needs and developmental stage. Through consistent, supportive interactions, children learn to trust and connect with caring adults, fostering emotional security and healthy attachment pattern
Download the Primary Connect Flyer

Why work with us?

   

There are a huge number of benefits to having your students work with us, our success rate shows that 89% of the young people we work with go on to achieve a better outcome. Be this transitioning back into school, a managed move or onto college or employment.

   

The mentors.

Many of our mentors are trained therapists, therapists in training, mental health professionals or have multiple years of experience working therapeutically with children and young people.

Safeguarding at The Platform Project

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment because we believe that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. All postholders (paid staff AND volunteers) are expected to work in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures and all positions are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and check against the barred lists via the Disclosure and Barring Service.