Mentoring and empowerment
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Empower their Journey Today

Empower their Journey TodayEmpower their Journey TodayEmpower their Journey Today

Unlock their potential with confidence and support

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Mentoring with lAYLA IS HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS A FINALIST AT THE PRESTIGIOUS sba FOR THE BEST BUSINESS START UP

Empowering Young Minds

Meet Layla

Mentoring

I specialise in helping young people develop their confidence, learn how to regulate, better understand themselves and expand day-to-day problem solving skills. Together, we will explore techniques and strategies that empower them to face challenges 

head-on; building self-esteem and confidence in the world around them. 



What is mentoring with Layla, exactly?

Mentoring with Layla is, to put it simply, to support a young person in what they need. What I do is based on my experience and making children's voices the centre of my work.

Here are a few examples that have been highlighted needs by young people;

 

-Finding meaning in their world

-A safe space to talk

-Building regulation techniques 

-Life skills

-Day-to-day challenges


Mentoring is particularly helpful for young children with SEN and SEMH needs.

Why? Because my approach is purposefully led by the child, relieving the debilitating pressure to perform specific tasks at specific times. For any parent with ADHD, ASC[D] offspring, we all know that expectations are...let's say 'less appealing' to our little darlings, and support may need to be framed differently and move at their pace, rather than the system's.


Guiding young hearts: strengthening minds

Proud moments

'She won't talk to anyone'. Let me tell you where we are 2 months down the line...

'She won't talk to anyone'. Let me tell you where we are 2 months down the line...

'She won't talk to anyone'. Let me tell you where we are 2 months down the line...

"She won't talk to anyone. She hasn't been in school for nearly 2 years and she won't even see her friends now". "Ok",I said, "thanks for the heads up- what are her interests?". Mum lists some interest and off I go. Sure, the first two session were a bit rigid, BUT...let me tell you how proud of I am of this girl!! Only 2 months down the line, and she is engaging with a setting to get functional skills, visited placements of potential career choices and has SEVERAL work experience opportunities down TWO different career paths. What did I do? I built her confidence and helped her to understand her worth.

A journey from Anxiety to independence: one child's journey

'She won't talk to anyone'. Let me tell you where we are 2 months down the line...

'She won't talk to anyone'. Let me tell you where we are 2 months down the line...

When I first connected with Mum, it was clear that the family was feeling the weight of uncertainty. Welcoming a new person into their lives- especially someone in a professional role. It was understandably daunting.

Mum shared that her child struggled with separation anxiety, particularly when meeting new people. But as we spent time together, it became evident that this wasn’t just about separation, it was a trauma response rooted in negative experiences, causing lack of trust and a fear.

From the very beginning, we knew the key was to move at the child’s pace. Our goal was simple but powerful: build confidence and help them discover their strengths.

Over the next six months, something incredible happened. We began venturing out daily-just the two of us. Each day brought new opportunities for growth, and slowly, the child began to love who they were. They learned how to regulate their emotions in challenging social settings and started to shine.

By the end of the academic year, they were setting their own goals, embracing independence, and even discussing school placement options. It was a transformation built on trust, patience, and belief.

I am so proud of them.

A testimonial that warmed the heart

'She won't talk to anyone'. Let me tell you where we are 2 months down the line...

Sometimes, keeping it simple is perfect

This young person was leaving therapy and worried about what they would do without a safe space. They felt day-to-day regulation was challenging and their confidence was low.
After six sessions, I received this feedback.

"You have made a huge difference to and his confidence, self belief, independence and ability to speak his feelings.  You really are wonderful for him. You are AWESOME and this is SO worth while doing"

Hearing feedback like this really does make me feel quite emotional.

For individuals such as this young man, who feel that it is hard to fit in to society, each day can be hard. I put everything I can into helping individuals to understand that the very thing that makes them different is what makes them wonderful ✨️ 🌟

Sometimes, keeping it simple is perfect

Sometimes, keeping it simple is perfect

Sometimes, keeping it simple is perfect

When asked how the young person felt about the sessions, they replied " it's just like casual therapy", "I feel a lot more confident"



A tale as old as time

Sometimes, keeping it simple is perfect

A tale as old as time

They are;

 "disruptive", "rude", "Don't follow rules" etc...

This child just did not "get on" with school!


What was really happening?


A late ADHD diagnosis led to continuous overwhelm and living in survival mode. Following instructions was hard, and that was embarrassing, so...they  tried to control the situation in the only way they could- they defended themselves. This was relayed as "acted out". School repeatedly told them "no", "Don't do that", "stop it", "detention", so, the child believed they were useless. Confidence was non existent. The world really didn't make sense to them.


A year later, after understanding, acceptance and learning to love themselves, they were able to access lessons with systems in place to help the young person remove themselves before dysregulation. Being able to understand their own needs helped them to understand the larger situation

Testimonials and statements

Reading these things are such an emotional rollercoaster

Reading these things are such an emotional rollercoaster

Reading these things are such an emotional rollercoaster

"You have made a huge difference to C and his confidence, self belief, independence and ability to speak his feelings.  You really are wonderful for him. You are AWESOME and this is SO worth while doing"

To say that I am proud is an understatement

Reading these things are such an emotional rollercoaster

Reading these things are such an emotional rollercoaster

"Layla did an amazing job with my daughter, who really struggled to engage with different adults. Layla supplied information that helped my daughter get to know her even before they met, helping to find shared interests. She matched my daughter's energy and interests and this gave my daughter confidence to move forward. Whilst learning st

"Layla did an amazing job with my daughter, who really struggled to engage with different adults. Layla supplied information that helped my daughter get to know her even before they met, helping to find shared interests. She matched my daughter's energy and interests and this gave my daughter confidence to move forward. Whilst learning still had to be interest-led, Layla was able to get the best from daughter, and really helped with her independence and readiness to start learning in a school again."

We both cried

Reading these things are such an emotional rollercoaster

2 months in and we are smashing it!

"We feel so lucky to have found our daughter’s mentor, Layla. She works with our 15-year old daughter, X, for fours hours a week and it’s made a really meaningful difference in X'S life. 

Our daughter has autism, adhd and anxiety, and finding the right support hasn’t been easy. X hasn’t been to school, and had barely left the house, for 3 

"We feel so lucky to have found our daughter’s mentor, Layla. She works with our 15-year old daughter, X, for fours hours a week and it’s made a really meaningful difference in X'S life. 

Our daughter has autism, adhd and anxiety, and finding the right support hasn’t been easy. X hasn’t been to school, and had barely left the house, for 3 years. From the very start, Layla took the time to understand X as an individual - her strengths, her challenges, and the way she experiences the world. Layla is patient, calm and incredibly kind, and she creates a space where our daughter feels safe and genuinely understood. 

We’ve seen real progress in X's confidence, focus and willingness to try, even when things feel hard. More than anything we’re grateful that our daughter feels understood and supported, and as a mum that means everything. 

Layla’s dedication goes far beyond mentoring and she’s making a lasting difference to young people and families like ours."

2 months in and we are smashing it!

2 months in and we are smashing it!

"Since you have been working with my daughter she has found a whole new confidence and has a very positive mindset for her future that was not there before, we are so grateful for having you come and mentor tamzin, she would not be heading in the direction she now is without you we thank you deeply"

Professional reference

Professional reference

"Layla has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication in her mentoring and tutoring work. She is kind, thoughtful, and highly responsive to the individual needs of the young people she supports. Layla builds strong, trusting relationships with learners, creating a safe and supportive environment in which they fee

"Layla has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication in her mentoring and tutoring work. She is kind, thoughtful, and highly responsive to the individual needs of the young people she supports. Layla builds strong, trusting relationships with learners, creating a safe and supportive environment in which they feel understood and valued.

She brings extensive experience working with young people who present with a wide range of needs, barriers to learning, and complex presentations. Her approach is both flexible and knowledgeable; she adapts quickly to changing circumstances and tailors her methods to suit each learner’s emotional and academic profile. Layla is particularly skilled at designing innovative, bespoke programmes that engage learners who may have struggled in more traditional educational settings.

Layla is reliable, trustworthy, and highly organised. She is an excellent timekeeper and maintains clear communication with families and professionals. Her passion for supporting young people is evident in the care and thought she puts into every session, as well as in her commitment to achieving meaningful progress for each learner.

Overall, Layla is a compassionate, creative, and highly capable mentor who makes a significant positive impact on the young people she works with."

Daily messages that warm the heart (even if they are discreet 🤣)

    NEW- Now "school ready"

    "My child won't talk to anyone" Don't worry. We have you covered.

    Crafts

    Arts and crafts are a relaxing way to send time. The conversations flow freely and the joy and pride (and often the giggles) that comes after, can't be beat

    Animals can bring a lot of peace amongst their own chaos. 

    Support in volunteering is subject to age and availability 

    Casual sports or exercise can be fun when it isn't competitive and overwhelming. Enjoy a brisk walk, a spot of badminton, a swim...it won't be measured or compared

    Enjoying the gifts of nature.

    Natural art, planting/gardening...whatever nature serves, we can make the most of it

    Home cooking

    Life skills

    Building confidence in home cooking, self-care, calling the doctors, filling out paperwork, considering college,money management... it can be so overwhelming- so why not do it at your own pace and add in some fun?

    Creative writing can be an amazing outlet for young people and can serve as a fantastic bridge to building confidence across academics 

    Some just love a hot chocolate and a chat...

    Each person is unique.

    Unlock the confidence and passion. Celebrate individuality and learn to feel comfortable with who you are

    Questions?

    There's so much to mentoring, so if you feel your questions have not been answered, please do contact me for more details

    Find out more

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    Better yet, book in a free 15 minute call

    We are bssed in Reading (and surrounding areas) and would love nothing more to get to know potential customers. 


    (Prices vary based on individual circumstances.

    The highest rate for 1:1 support is £60 per session)

    Mentoring and empowerment with Layla

    Portman Road, Reading, UK

    +447879770342

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    I understand the need to dance to our own beat and enjoy it

    But why have you chosen mentoring? Well...

    I am in a unique position of knowing what it is like to have a deep disconnect with school, family, peers, the world. I felt failed by the system.

    I ended up working for the system I felt failed by, being a parent to children who feel the system failed them. My understanding of all perspectives has created pure passion.



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