Hi, my name is Layla

I’m a local mentor who made the decision to step away from a system that I saw wasn’t working for so many families.

Over the 20 years I have worked with children and young people, I have noticed a lack of active listening and understanding- so, I made it my mission to truly listen to what young people who struggle actually need.

Many of my mentees have gone on to return to Education, built their own direction in life successfully, re-engage in their communities and even go to college.

Now, I want to create something different -something more human, more understanding, and truly accessible for the children and young people here in Reading.

Working from ages 10-19, I offer bespoke 1:1 support, that helps to build confidence. Build the tools to regulate and be self-aware, learn to love who they are and to find a direction that suits them.

I have created a small group programme, that helps young people in school to feel confident in understanding and articulating emotions, whilst offering a supportive bridge between families and schools.

Whether it be through arts and crafts, cooking, life-skills, chatting over a hot drink or a more structured programme, I have used the voice of each child, past and present, to build this goal.

This is just the beginning for me, but my vision is big. I’m building a service that offers 1:1, child-led support, soon to be aided by a cute, furry assistant, Billy-support that meets each child exactly where they are, listens to who they are, and grows with their needs. Every step I’ve taken has been shaped by what children themselves have told me they’re missing.

And one thing has come up again and again… they need a safe space.

A space where they feel comfortable, heard, and free to just be themselves - no pressure, no judgement.

That’s why I want to create a mobile mentoring hub. Yup- a wellbeing hub ON WHEELS!

A warm, welcoming space that can go wherever it’s needed, reaching children who might otherwise go without support or not feel confident enough to open up within school or open spaces. A place where they can feel safe, supported, and valued.

I’m also developing a preventative support programme for schools, and I’m in the process of collaborating with a well-known counselling charity later this year -all with the aim of reaching even more young people who need support early, before things escalate.

But I can’t do this part alone.

There are no grants available for this kind of work, and funding something like a mobile hub is far beyond what my family and I can manage on our own. So I’m reaching out, from the heart, to ask for your help.

If you’re able to donate - even a small amount - it would go toward the deposit needed to get this mentoring hub on the road. Every contribution brings this safe space closer to the children who truly need it (SEN, SEMH, EBSA)

Because they do deserve the very best.

Thank you so much for reading, for sharing, and for believing in this vision