The eXcel Project

XLP Mentoring Programme

XLP's Mentoring Programme has been established for over 15 years. We mentor over 120 young people per year across London. The long term relationships built between a mentee and their trusted mentor, journeying together over a significant period of time, leads to positive change. All the young people we work with face complex barriers, such as social isolation and educational and financial challenges. Our Mentoring Programme helps young people develop their skills in a safe space, where they feel heard and supported.

Who we are

XLP engages in long-term relationships that empower young people (aged 11-25) from disadvantaged backgrounds, to complete their education, stay away from anti-social behaviour and ultimately become independent and confident contributors within their communities. We work across nine inner-city London boroughs and in the City of London.

Many of the young people we work with face tough realities like family breakdown, barriers to meaningful employment, and a risk of exclusion from education, as well as growing up in places where violence and fear can feel normal. These pressures can limit confidence and have a negative impact on how young people build trusting and meaningful relationships.

What we do

For 30 years, we have been creating positive opportunities for young people living with the consequences of poverty and, the inequalities that exist within their communities. We help young people break negative cycles and bring about community transformation. A key element of our ethos is working long term, often supporting a young person over years or decades. This way of working builds trusted relationships with young people that produce positive, lasting change and brighter futures.

Our impact

Today, XLP reaches over 4,000 young people through education, mentoring, employability, sports and the arts. We focus on a long-term, relational, and holistic support to help them build confidence, skills, and improve their mental well-being. Through our various programmes:

• 97% of young people who attend our community projects, showed improved educational engagement.
• 74% of young people on the Ready to Work employability programme, moved into employment, education, or training.
• 70% of young people on our Mentoring programme demonstrated better literacy and numeracy skills.

For more information about XLP please click here to see their website.