Young Lives Foundation - YLF

02/09/2026

Today, new figures have revealed that 75,491 children aged 6–17 attended A&E in England with a recorded mental health concern in 2025, a 36% increase since 2019.

And while a mentor isn't a replacement for professional mental health support, having a trusted adult who listens, shows up and believes in you can make a huge difference.

A mentor can be someone to talk to.
Someone who listens without judgement.
Someone who helps you see what you're capable of.
Someone who keeps showing up.

Could you be that person for a young person?

Become a volunteer mentor with YLF.

Find out more and volunteer today: ylf.org.uk/volunteer/

01/09/2026

28/08/2026

Name a more perfect duo… We’ll wait.

27/08/2026

You heard it here first🥤👀 (pls like this so I don't get in trouble)

👉Volunteer here: ylf.org.uk/volunteer/

26/08/2026

Yesterday’s BBC article about the early deaths of care-experienced young people made for incredibly difficult reading.

But amongst the devastating statistics was a message we cannot ignore: every young person deserves someone in their corner.

Someone to call when life goes wrong. Someone to celebrate with when life goes right. Someone who is simply there.

There are care-experienced young people across Kent and Medway currently waiting for a Leaving Care Mentor.

Could you be the one trusted adult they need?

Read our full thoughts here: ylf.org.uk/news/you-really-are-on-your-own/

21/08/2026

We recently spent an incredible day at Bearsted & Thurnham Tennis Club with Fatima Whitbread, bringing together care-experienced young people for a brilliant day of tennis, fun and connection.

It was also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Fatima’s UK Campaign and the work being done to ensure care-experienced young people are seen, heard and valued.

We’re incredibly proud to now be an Action Hub for Fatima’s UK Campaign, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together💙

👉 Read more about our new Action Hub role and our Futures programmes on our website: ylf.org.uk/news/fatimas-uk-campaign-action-hub/

20/08/2026

Still can’t believe I caught this on camera⚠️

Apply NOW!
ylf.org.uk/volunteer/

17/08/2026

70km. 11 hours 9 minutes. £1,566 raised.

A huge WELL DONE to Bacon Butty Brigade runners, Vikki Reynolds, Cliff Golding, Simon Cope, Chantelle Le Guilcher & Adrian Follain, for taking on this incredible swimming challenge for YLF!

After two years of planning, the team swam an incredible 70km in just 11 hours and 9 minutes, taking it in turns for an hour at a time. No wetsuits, just their cozzies, swim caps… and hopefully not too many jellyfish!🪼

We’re incredibly grateful that The Bacon Butty Brigade chose to take on such a huge challenge to raise funds for YLF. Your ongoing support will help us continue making a difference to young people across Kent through our youth programmes.

Thank you, and congratulations... what an achievement!🏊‍♀️

There's still time to donate to this incredible team! Click the link to view their fundraising page: ylf.enthuse.com/pf/baconbuttyswimteamjerseyrelay

13/08/2026

A fantastic day at Frasers for our Thanet HAF group!🌱

Our young people got hands-on harvesting fresh vegetables, before turning them into a delicious homemade pasta sauce and flatbreads🍅🫓

The fun didn't stop there! The afternoon was spent feeding the chickens, exploring the nature trail, and enjoying the great outdoors.

A day full of learning, laughter and new experiences!