What we do
We connect young people with inspiring mentors to help them make confident and informed decisions about their future.
We are pioneers in online mentoring with more than twenty years’ experience of using technology to have a positive impact on young people.
Why we do it
People in professional jobs, privileged vs working class
62% of people in professional jobs in England are from privileged backgrounds, compared to 39% from working class backgrounds.
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The most advantaged pupils were more than twice as likely to go to HE than the most disadvantaged pupils in the UK. (source)
How it works
We design and run programmes, recruit and train volunteers, and facilitate meaningful conversations between mentors and mentees.
We collaborate with partners (including schools and employers) to deliver mentoring programmes through our safeguarded app and platform.
Mentee stories
Rano’s story
I knew I wanted to be a lawyer but I was concerned about the workload. My mentor was a working lawyer, so not only gave me advice about my UCAS application and interview questions, but also reassured me that you don’t need to overwork yourself to be successful. He told me about his personal experience of finding balance and saying no, and reminded me how important enjoying your free time is.
Daniel’s story
I only had a vague idea of what I wanted to do after GCSE and I had no idea where to start. I was interested in aviation, zoology and conservation but after that I was lost. I didn’t know if you needed a degree or an apprenticeship and I wasn’t sure which path to choose. Mentoring was a very useful tool to help with this; it gave me a push to start looking at new things.
As I embark on my next steps, my voluntary work across a range of sectors has given me unmatched insight into the world of work. It has also helped me to better identify my strengths and (my weaknesses!). Volunteering has also very much become the pillar of my CV and given me experiences that I can draw upon in applications and interviews.
Emma, Brightside mentor
