One Million Mentors

Today, on #NationalMentoringDay, we’re celebrating the power of mentorship and the young people shaping their futures with the support of 1MM. Meet Aminah, a recent 1MM mentee and now an ambassador for One Million Mentors. At just 18, Aminah is studying BSc Physiotherapy at Manchester Metropolitan University, volunteering in her community, and developing her art while championing the impact of mentoring. In her new blog post, Aminah shares her personal journey as a 1MM mentee and why you should consider becoming one too. 👉 Read her story here: https://lnkd.in/gA3pTm7q #NationalMentoringDay #1MM #MentoringMatters #YoungPeople #Inspiration #Community #Mentorship

At 1 Million Mentors (1MM), the contributions our mentees make go far beyond what they bring to their mentoring relationships. They help shape who we are as an organisation and drive our continued success. Since our inception, Mentee Ambassadors have shared their insight, ideas, and perspectives with us. Their voices have continuously inspired how we've grown and evolved. We are deeply grateful to all our Mentee Ambassadors past and present. And today, we’re incredibly proud to announce our latest Mentee Ambassadors. Here’s what they have to say to other young people about 1MM mentoring:   Aminah “There’s nothing to lose from becoming a mentee. In fact, you can only gain. It’s easy to feel like you have to navigate things alone, especially in this era of ‘hustling’. You may have ambitions that feel so far to achieve and that everyone else just knows how to do things. But being brave and open to mentorship can truly surprise you with how far it can take you and the unique advice and perspective to life it teaches you.”   Cruz “Advice and information provided by my 1MM mentor gave me the ability and confidence to seek for information, connect and network throughout various industries. I have since used the skills I acquired to pursue my desired career. I am now on a path towards goals I would have had great trouble finding otherwise.”   Farzana “Mentoring through 1MM is for everyone whether you are in school, college/Uni, employment or somewhere in between. You don’t have to picture yourself as an ideal mentee, there is no ideal mentee. Take on every opportunity, accept every bit of support and watch yourself transform.”   Oreoluwa Oniye “No one thinks they need mentoring until they experience it themselves. Mentoring through 1MM assisted with my hyper independence and grew my connections, which in turn opened various doors for me. When the opportunity to be mentor or to become a mentee presents itself, do not take it for granted. You never know the impact it could have.”   Sami Gichki “Mentoring is how you borrow time through another’s experience; not to get answers, but to sharpen your ability to find your own.” To all our mentees and mentee ambassadors, thank you for shaping the future of 1MM and proving the power of mentorship.  To learn more about our mentee ambassadors, visit this page: https://lnkd.in/e3VZ-bze #1MillionMentors #Mentorship #YouthEmpowerment #Leadership #MenteeAmbassadors #CommunityImpact #NationalMentoringDay

1MM mentoring is a partnership. Success is achieved when both give to, and get something from, the relationship. As we approach National Mentoring Day tomorrow, we want to say how proud we are of every one of our mentees who has “found their voice”, like Imani. “I’m Imani Clough-Brown, a former 1MM mentee. I was mentored eight years ago by Andy Street. Before being mentored, I often second-guessed my abilities and let imposter syndrome take over. I lacked the confidence to use my voice and wasn’t someone who would speak up or put myself forward for new opportunities. Mentoring was a transformational experience. It gave me the confidence to step into entrepreneurship, grow as a leader and embrace new opportunities and connections that continue to shape my journey today. Since then, I’ve spent several years working at the intersection of education, social care, civic and organisational leadership, impact and justice, and I’m now proud to be a Coach and Facilitator, supporting others to live and lead with purpose. A huge thank you to my mentor for his guidance and belief, and to anyone thinking about finding a mentor with 1MM, go for it! “ One hour, once a month, one life changed. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e53XDjXD #NationalMentoringDay #MentoringMatters #1MillionMentors #ThankYourMentor #Mentorship #OnePersonOneHour #Leadership #Coaching #Inspiration

Connecting people across difference is powerful. Different perspectives, different backgrounds, different outlooks… help us grow as individuals and as communities. As we are continue to look forward to National Mentoring Day (27th October), we’re shining a light on the incredible journeys made possible through mentoring, like Hifsaa’s. “I’m Hifsa Wajid, a former 1MM mentee. I was mentored seven years ago. At the time, I felt like I didn’t quite belong. I was brought up in an Asian community where we mainly interacted with people from similar backgrounds. Most of my teachers were white and there wasn’t really much cultural understanding. Mentoring was truly transformational - it gave me confidence in myself, a real sense of belonging, and belief in my abilities. I’m now a Business Studies teacher, and I often reflect on how much mentorship helped shape my journey and the way I support young people today. When I started teaching in a predominantly white school, it was a challenge but I've was able to consciously work on building relationships with people whose sense of humour and ways of thinking felt very different from what I was used to! I’d like to thank my 1MM mentor, Ben, for his guidance and encouragement, and I’d also like to encourage any young person thinking about getting a mentor to go for it — it can genuinely change your life. For young people who might feel the same way as I did, I’d say - don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every interaction is a learning experience, and the more open you are, the easier it becomes to find common ground. Mentoring really helped me gain the confidence to navigate those spaces and connect with people from all backgrounds. Happy National Mentoring Day to everyone at 1MM and beyond!” To every mentor and mentee in the 1MM community, thank you for making stories like this possible. One hour, once a month, one life changed. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e53XDjXD #NationalMentoringDay #MentoringMatters #1MillionMentors #ThankYourMentor #Mentorship #OnePersonOneHour #Inspiration #Education

Mentoring can transform a life in ways you never imagine. We continue to celebrate the stories of just a few of the amazing mentees in our community in the runup to National Mentoring Day… Matthew Savin’s story is a prime example of how mentoring helps young people feel supported to take a leap of faith and believe in the future ahead of them. “Mentoring has been a core feature of my life for the past 9 years - which is when One Million Mentors was just established. When I started college, I began my studies retaking GCSE English and Maths - which I gained Grade C - and other qualifications in Media and Business Studies. I studied at Halesowen College for 4 Years where I met my mentor Claire in my 2nd year. Mentoring has changed my life forever, without the support and guidance of my former mentor Claire Williams MBA FCMI CMgr, I wouldn’t have achieved the results of today. Claire helped me understand the structure of a CV and gave me a masterclass on how an interview works and what to expect. Now I’m that confident in interviews, I get excited about them! Claire helped me with my first interview at the West Midlands Combined Authority. I was successful and gained 4 Years of experience there in the public sector. I then applied for Currys Wednesbury Junction 9 Store with fresh experience and a new personal challenge of mine. With the guidance and preparation of previous mentoring sessions, I absolutely smashed the interview at Currys, and it is my present full-time job. My recent achievement is becoming Apple Champion, and I made £1.5 million in sales last financial year - plus I’m on track to make £2 million this financial year. I am extremely proud of my achievements and my confidence to this present day! The impact of my mentoring sessions 9 years ago is still felt to this present day. In my personal time, I utilise my previous experience and adapt providing support to the next generation of mentees who is struggling with their own experiences in interviews and CV. If you haven’t taken or heard of mentoring, please give it a try as this changed my life and it could do for you. Happy National Mentoring Day to you all!” One hour, once a month, one life changed. 👉 Learn more about what we do: https://lnkd.in/e53XDjXD #NationalMentoringDay #MentoringMatters #1MillionMentors #ThankYourMentor #Mentorship #OnePersonOneHour #CareerSuccess #Inspiration #Leadership

Yesterday we had the joy of speaking at Macc Connect: Fostering Partnerships Between Businesses and the VCSE Sector in Manchester, a wonderful event all about bringing people together to make a difference. We talked about how local businesses can join us in supporting young people’s ambitions and wellbeing through the amazing youth organisations we’re working with this year. So many of our youth partners are eager to start mentoring programmes for their young people, and we’d love your help to make that possible. By becoming a mentor, you or your team can share your experience, grow new skills, and be inspired by the energy and insight of our brilliant mentees. It was truly uplifting to meet so many businesses excited to collaborate with their communities and give back in meaningful ways. A huge thank you to Richard Phillips for organising such a fantastic event and for being one of our dedicated mentors too. Learn more about what we do: https://lnkd.in/e53XDjXD #MakingADifference #SocialGood #StrongerTogether #GiveBack #YouthEmpowerment #ManchesterCommunity #BusinessForGood #PositiveChange #PartnershipsThatMatter

Mentoring is about people, sharing time, wisdom, and encouragement that can change the course of someone’s journey. With National Mentoring Day around the corner, at 1MM we’re celebrating the stories of former mentees whose experiences show just how powerful mentoring can be. Our second story comes from Firzah Ilsa Ali… “I'm Firzah, a former 1MM mentee who was mentored around 7 years ago at a time when I was transitioning into university and navigating the uncertainty of student life and life beyond graduation. That experience was truly transformational — it gave me confidence in myself, a sense of direction, and the reassurance that I wasn’t alone in figuring things out. Now, I’m a business owner in the wedding and events industry, doing work I love and growing every day. I’d like to thank my 1MM mentor, Claudia Coory, for her guidance and encouragement during such a pivotal time in my life. To any young person considering having a mentor, go for it. It can shape your path in ways you don’t expect.” One hour. Once a month. One Life Changed. 👉 If you want to learn more about what we do, follow the link: https://lnkd.in/e53XDjXD #NationalMentoringDay #MentoringMatters #1MillionMentors #ThankYourMentor #Mentorship #OnePersonOneHour #InspiringChange

What an inspiring day connecting with so many brilliant organisations at Macc Connect! We were delighted to be part of it and to see how collaboration between businesses and the VCSE sector continues to grow across Greater Manchester. #Networking #BuildingRelationships #ConnectingBusinesses

Mentoring isn’t just about one conversation or one career move; it’s about the ripple effect it creates. The confidence built, the doors opened, and the impact that it has long after the mentoring sessions end. As we approach National Mentoring Day (27th October), we’re celebrating the longer-term impact and life-changing power of mentoring through the story of former 1MM mentees. First up, Lisa Branco… in her own words: “Ola! I'm Lisa, a former 1MM mentee who had the absolute privilege of having my first ever mentor, Phil Hunter, about three years ago. “It was a really challenging time - I'd just left my career to try something new and had been let go from two companies in the space of two months. My confidence was at an all-time low. “Phil became the anchor I didn't know I needed - helping me rebuild my confidence, stay focused and land a new role in my new career. “Having a mentor was a true gift - receiving advice and words of wisdom from someone credible and more experienced made all the difference. I've seen firsthand how powerful mentoring can be and I’m so grateful to have had many amazing mentors since. Honestly, it's a total game changer! “A huge thank you to Phil and to 1MM for the support. To anyone considering getting a mentor - GO. FOR. IT!” As National Mentoring Day approaches, we want to say a huge thank you to every mentor and mentee who’s part of this incredible community. Like #Lisa and #Phil you’re making a difference every single day. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor (or finding one), there’s no better time than now! One hour. Once a month. One Life Changed. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e53XDjXD #NationalMentoringDay #MentoringMatters #1MillionMentors #ThankYourMentor #Mentorship #OnePersonOneHour

🎉 Celebrating 6 Years of Mentoring at Willows High School! 🎉   We’re so proud to be marking six amazing years of mentoring Year 10 students at Willows High School through our dedicated mentoring programme.   This year, 15 fantastic mentors from a variety of local businesses are generously sharing their time, energy, and experience to help guide and inspire the next generation. Some of them have been involved for five years in a row, this is a true reflection of their passion and commitment to supporting young people.   Mentoring makes a real difference. It builds confidence, broadens horizons, and helps students see what’s possible for their future.   A huge thank you to all our mentors (Rhys Edwards, Jess Thomason, Zara Westlake, Joanne Lamberti, Richard Dando,Tim Bennett, Joe Clayton, Lydia Morris) past and present, and to Willows High School for being such an incredible partner along the way. Here’s to many more years of inspiring conversations and positive impact!   👉 Want to get involved? If you’d like to partner with us, visit onemillionmentors.org.uk If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, sign up here: 1mm.chronus.com/p/p1   #MentoringMatters #WillowsHighSchool #CommunityImpact #FutureLeaders #EducationPartnership #CelebratingSuccess