Every young person deserves someone who sees their potential – even on the days they can’t see it themselves. In Somerset, relatable mentors are making that difference every single day, using creativity, sport, and music to help young people reconnect with learning and rediscover what they love.
The Heart of Somerset Mentoring
For many young people, school can feel like a world that doesn’t always make sense. Some days, it’s hard to focus. Other days, it’s hard to see the point. But when a young person meets someone who gets them – who listens, understands, and shares their interests – something changes. That’s the heart of what mentoring in Somerset is all about.
At Lexia, we’ve seen how powerful it can be when mentors bring creativity – through sport, music, art, and other passions – into their work with young people. It’s not just about keeping them engaged. It’s about helping them believe in themselves and discover what they’re capable of.
Why Relatability Matters
A great mentor doesn’t just show up – they show up with heart. And often, that means sharing something real: a love of football, a passion for painting, a knack for music production, or even a skill for storytelling.
When mentors can relate to what a young person enjoys, trust begins to grow. That connection becomes the bridge to deeper conversations – about school, confidence, and future goals. Suddenly, learning doesn’t feel like a chore. It feels like an extension of who they are.
We’ve seen young people who struggled to stay focused in lessons become inspired to write lyrics, paint murals, or lead sports activities. Those creative sparks often translate into improved attendance, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Creativity as a Pathway to Engagement
Sport, art, and music aren’t just hobbies – they’re languages. They offer young people a way to express themselves when words feel too heavy.
- Sport builds teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
- Art offers a safe outlet for emotions and imagination.
- Music helps with focus, self-expression, and confidence.
Mentors who understand these creative spaces can use them to re-engage students in their schoolwork. A session on writing lyrics can turn into a conversation about literacy. Painting together can lead to talking about emotions or goals. Kicking a ball around can become a chance to discuss teamwork, respect, and self-belief.
This is exactly why we do what we do – because creativity isn’t a distraction from learning; it’s often the key that unlocks it.
Positive Role Models, Real Outcomes
In Somerset, we’re lucky to have mentors who bring a mix of creativity and compassion to every session. They’re not teachers or counsellors – they’re trusted adults who believe in young people, even on the days those young people might not believe in themselves.
And the outcomes are real.
We’ve seen students who were at risk of disengaging from school turn things around after discovering a love of music production or sport. We’ve seen creativity led to better mental health, improved attendance, and stronger self-esteem.
When young people have someone who gets them – who shows that success can look many different ways – they start to imagine a brighter future for themselves.
Keeping Young People Inspired and Safe
A big part of mentoring is helping young people find purpose outside of negative influences. New hobbies and interests give them somewhere positive to put their energy. Whether it’s joining a local football club, recording music, or creating artwork, these opportunities help keep them connected, safe, and moving forward.
Mentoring is never just about keeping someone out of trouble – it’s about helping them see that they’re capable of more than they realised.
The Heart of What We Do
At Lexia, we believe every young person deserves a mentor who feels real – someone who can meet them where they are and show them what’s possible. Creativity is often the tool, but the real power comes from connection.
If you’re passionate about sport, art, or music and want to make a difference in a young person’s life, you could be exactly the kind of mentor Somerset needs.
Interested in mentoring with heart?
Learn more about how Lexia mentors are changing lives across Somerset – and how you can be part of it.
