Early Years Mentoring | Growing2gether

Growing2gether Early Years Mentoring

Mentorship in reverse – two lives transformed

What if the key to saving a generation was giving young people someone to care for?

Using Transpersonal and Positive Psychology, we help rewire young minds, shifting them from survival mode into safety, connection and curiosity.

We are Scotland’s only science-based, trauma-sensitive programme where vulnerable teens give care, as well as receive it. They become mentors to nursery children who need extra emotional and social support.

As a trusted mentor, these teens start to believe they matter. They begin to heal, develop self-awareness, and form new neural pathways of trust, empathy and leadership. They also earn a nationally recognised Personal Development Award SCQF Level 4 with Units Self Awareness and Self in Community.

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‘I am so thankful I chose to do Growing2gether. We were treated with respect. Wish I could do it again.’

Jenny, 14

The impact

It’s measurable and proven: outcomes are nationally recognised for improving mental health, educational attainment and life skills.

This pioneering, dual-impact model restores a sense of belonging in both mentor and child, helping them re-engage in school and their community.

In brief

Measurable reductions in anxiety and depression

Increased engagement in school and learning, recognised by teachers

Improved wellbeing and mindset change

Explore Our Impact

‘We can see that the children benefit from this 1-on-1 time. The young people stay focused and support them well. They show initiative – and most importantly – they understand that children need to do things for themselves.’

Nursery Teacher, Cauldeen Primary

How it works in schools - a six step plan

We work closely with teachers, who use our targeted tool to identify vulnerable young people, aged 13-16, who would benefit the most.

Each weekly session starts with a group activity, followed by 1-1 mentoring with the nursery child.

Armed with information, they make an informed choice on whether to join the programme.

The teens then rejoin their peer group and our facilitator, to integrate the session. They are guided to recognise their own positive impact – they see the child’s potential and are coached to reflect on their own.

With guidance from our facilitators, who are trauma-informed and trained in Transpersonal and Positive Psychology, the teens are paired with early years children aged 3-5.

Throughout the 16-week programme, they create a portfolio for the SCQF Level 4 qualification – this is often the first qualification they have ever achieved.

Would you like Growing2gether to support your school?

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16–week placement
Facilitated peer group sessions
Self-reflection, self-management, self-worth
Recognised qualification offering future directions

‘I love coming... It's my best day in the whole week because I know what I am doing is positive. The child I am working with runs up to me smiling when I arrive. I feel I am making a difference.’

The Growing2gether Early Years Mentoring Programme aims to:

Empower young people to believe in themselves, make healthy life choices and improve their mental health
Provide meaningful volunteer experience and foster community trust
Develop key life skills: self-awareness, empathy, and responsible leadership
Re-engage young people with education and future pathways
Support them to gain a recognised qualification and envision a hopeful future.