Our services: using sport & mentoring to unlock potential. 
Our mentoring programmes
At Switch Mentoring, we know that every young person’s journey is different — which is why our services are designed to be flexible, creative, and responsive to individual needs. From sport-based mentoring to cultural engagement, from one-to-one sessions to embedded school support, we create pathways that build confidence, resilience, and lasting connections. Whether a student needs focused attention, group interaction, or support through key transitions, our programmes provide the right structure at the right time.
1-2-1 mentoring
Provides completely personalised support, allowing mentors to focus entirely on an individual’s specific needs, build deep trust, and work at a pace that suits the young person. This intensive approach is particularly effective for children who may feel overwhelmed in group settings or need dedicated attention to build confidence.
1-2-1 mentoring
Further Pathways to Support With 1‑2‑1 Mentoring
Our 1-2-1 mentoring can take many forms. These pathways give young people the chance to engage through sport, culture, or a mix of both — always centred around their personal goals.
Rugby mentoring programme
Combining the values and structure of rugby union with personalised mentoring support.
Sports mentoring programme
(Specific sport)
Focused mentoring built around a single sport that matches the young person’s interests, whether that’s football, tennis, basketball, or any other activity they’re passionate about.
Sports mentoring programme
(General sports)
A varied approach incorporating multiple sporting activities throughout the mentoring journey, exposing young people to new experiences and helping them discover hidden talents.
Cultural mentoring
programme
Incorporating cultural activities and experiences to broaden horizons and create new pathways for engagement.
Delivery options
Every young person’s circumstances are different, so the way we deliver mentoring needs to be just as flexible. Our delivery options are designed to remove barriers, maintain consistency, and make sure support is available exactly where and when it’s needed. From off-site venues and transport assistance to continuity during exclusions, we adapt our approach so that mentoring never loses momentum.
Location flexibility
We deliver both on-site and off-site mentoring.
- For one-to-one sessions, we particularly value our off-site options, recognising that some students find the school environment overwhelming or associate it with negative experiences.
- Working in neutral, sports-focused venues can help remove barriers and create a fresh start for engagement.
- Our off-site one-to-one sessions can be delivered in flexible 1-, 2-, or 3-hour formats to match the specific needs and attention spans of individual mentees.
Transport support for off‑site services
To maximise accessibility and support attendance, we offer flexible collection and drop-off arrangements.
- We can collect students from home and drop them at school afterward to encourage school attendance, or collect from school and return them home.
- For students who are on the school roll but currently not attending, we provide both collection from and return to their home address.
- This transportation support removes barriers to participation and can be particularly valuable in re-engaging students with education through our mentoring programmes.
Continuity during fixed‑term exclusions
We understand that some of the students who most benefit from mentoring may occasionally face fixed-term exclusions.
- Rather than schools losing their investment during these periods, we continue to deliver scheduled mentoring sessions by collecting students from home.
- This ensures continuous support during challenging times and helps maintain the positive relationship and progress that has been built.
- It also provides constructive engagement during what can otherwise be an unproductive period for the young person.
“One-to-one mentoring gives young people the space to be heard, supported, and to grow at their own pace.”
Matt Sheppard
Founder and Director at Switch Mentoring
Embedded school mentor service
A dedicated mentor based at your school one day per week, providing consistent presence and immediate support for multiple students. This embedded approach allows for relationship building with school staff, better understanding of the school environment and culture, and the ability to respond quickly to emerging needs while maintaining continuity of support.
Embedded school mentor service
“When a mentor is part of the school community, real change happens.“
Matt Sheppard
Founder and Director at Switch Mentoring
Transitional mentoring
programme
Supporting students through the challenging journey from primary (Year 6) to secondary school (Year 7). This critical period often brings anxiety about new environments, different teaching styles, increased academic pressure, and navigating much larger social settings. Our mentoring provides consistent support across this transition, helping young people develop coping strategies, build confidence, and establish positive relationships in their new secondary environment during those crucial early months when many students struggle to settle.
Transitional mentoring
programme
“Transitioning to secondary school is more than a change of building — it’s a step in identity & independence. We’re here to make sure every child takes that step with confidence & support.”
Matt Sheppard
Founder and Director at Switch Mentoring
Small group sessions
(up to 4 children)
Offer the benefits of peer support and social interaction, helping young people develop teamwork skills, learn from each other’s experiences, and build friendships. Group dynamics often encourage participation from more reserved individuals while providing a supportive environment for practicing social skills.
Small group sessions
(up to 4 children)
“Shared journeys build
stronger young people.”
Matt Sheppard
Founder and Director at Switch Mentoring
Switch Rugby centre (launching Jan 2026)
Our innovative alternative provision centre for students with mentoring needs who have a passionate interest in rugby. Schools can refer students for 1-2 days per week to our dedicated facility, where rugby becomes the foundation for intensive mentoring support, skill development, and personal growth in a specialized environment designed specifically for young people who thrive through rugby engagement.
Switch Rugby centre (launching Jan 2026)
“When rugby is the hook,
mentoring becomes the game changer.”
Matt Sheppard
Founder and Director at Switch Mentoring
