project outline
At Streetz Ahead, we believe mental health is just as vital as physical health. That’s why our BASE (Body and Soul Education) programme is transforming the way schools support their communities. BASE is a school-based initiative delivering essential mental health and wellbeing education to students, teachers, and staff. We address the real-life challenges young people face and equip them with practical tools to navigate an increasingly complex world.
The goal of BASE: to empower school communities to become mentally and physically fit for life.
Alongside BASE, we provide one-to-one, long-term mentoring for children experiencing emotional difficulties, trauma, or challenging home circumstances. This support is consistent, relationship-based, and built on trust. Our mentors help children develop emotional literacy, self-regulation, resilience, and confidence—enabling them to re-engage with learning and navigate life more positively.
And we know it works. Children we support show:
- Reduced distress in school
- Improved attendance
- Greater confidence
- Stronger relationships
Teachers and parents consistently report noticeable changes in behaviour, mindset, and engagement. Through experience, we’ve also learned that meaningful, lasting change happens when children are supported within their wider system of family, school, and community.
Through our mentoring, young people are encouraged to explore their emotions, share their stories, and build emotional intelligence. At Streetz Ahead, we believe mental health support should focus not just on treating problems, but on prevention, resilience, and community strength.
In BASE, students explore their emotional, physical, and social needs while developing a personalised toolbox of coping strategies for everyday life. It’s about fostering resilience and ensuring young people have the confidence, skills, and resources they need to thrive — mentally, physically, and emotionally.
project structure
One-to-One Mentoring: Provides vital support for young people facing emotional and social challenges, improving attendance, behaviour, and academic engagement through personalised mentoring.
Mental Health Staff Training: Equips school staff with the skills and understanding to support students’ emotional well-being, fostering a whole-school approach to resilience and mental health.
Parent Skills Hubs: Empowers parents with practical strategies to support their children emotionally and socially, strengthening home-school relationships in a compassionate and inclusive environment.
After-School Clubs: Offers creative dance-based sessions for up to 30 students, promoting teamwork, confidence, and mental well-being, and culminating in performance events that celebrate student growth.
statistical overview
Mental health challenges among children and young people are rising across London. Schools are under immense pressure, with services overwhelmed and support often delayed or inaccessible. Streetz Ahead’s BASE programme offers vital early intervention through mentoring, training, and creative expression — directly responding to this growing need.
the bigger picture
1.2 million children were referred to CAMHS in 2022–23 – a 53% increase since 2019.
Around 270,000 are still waiting; 372,000 had their referrals closed without treatment.
In London, average waiting time for mental health services is 65 days – far exceeding the 4-week target.
School exclusions are up by more than a third, disproportionately affecting children with SEN, mental health needs, or from low-income households.
Emergency referrals and youth crisis cases are at record levels.
theory of change
A Theory of Change is a visual explanation of how a project creates positive impact. This diagram outlines how the Connect Mentoring Project supports SEN children aged 10–13 in Haringey who are at risk of exclusion or underachievement. It shows how tailored mentoring, staff training, and parental support lead to emotional development, improved behaviour, and stronger engagement in school—ultimately improving mental health, social-emotional skills, attendance, and academic performance.
project aims
Attainment: To improve the educational and social attainment of young people.
Engagement: To enhance young people’s ability to cooperate with both authority figures and their peers.
Social Skills: To positively influence young people’s social skills in both home and school environments.
Wellbeing: To support and improve young people’s wellbeing within their home and school settings.
why teacher referrals matter
Teachers are often the first to spot signs of emotional distress, withdrawal, or behavioural changes.
Referrals provide vital context about a child’s challenges both in and out of the classroom.
Help mentors understand key issues such as:
- Bereavement or loss
- Anxiety, low confidence, or school avoidance
- Young carer responsibilities
- Peer difficulties or social isolation
- Controlling or defiant behaviour rooted in insecurity
Ensure mentoring is empathetic, informed, and tailored to each child.
Make early intervention more effective and long-lasting.
Teachers response to BASE plus image
the impact on children’s wellbeing
Our BASE programme has shown powerful outcomes in supporting children’s emotional health, confidence, and learning. Across our partner schools:
90% of children are more motivated, engaged, and able to express themselves constructively.
87.5% feel a greater sense of achievement and can better express their emotions and needs.
85% have improved friendships and peer relationships.
82.5% show calmer behaviour, improved teamwork, and greater resilience.
80% feel more confident in class and are more willing to seek help.
72.5% have developed stronger self-discipline and emotional regulation skills.
BASE creates safe, consistent spaces where children learn to thrive – socially, emotionally, and academically.
what children say about BASE
“When I come to BASE, I can talk about the things that make me feel sad.”
“I have time to myself to talk about the difficulties in my life.”
“Because I’m a young carer, I rarely get time to go on playdates — but here I can interact with others and share my ideas.”
“BASE made me feel better by helping with my attendance and controlling my anger.”
“I like BASE. It’s a great space to talk about things at school that are bothering me.”
“It changed my life — when I come in, I feel sad. When I leave, I feel happy.”
“I’ve had therapy before, so I know it’s always good to talk to someone.”
“I didn’t realise other children were going through what I go through.”
“I’ve learned how to look at situations from different angles and resolve conflict with friends.”
“I’ve learned to manage my time on social media and not get caught up in the drama.”
“Now, I don’t just leave class — I know to speak with the teacher first.”
“BASE made me a little calmer. It made me talk about and focus on my feelings more.”
“I really enjoy talking with the mentor — he helps me speak about my feelings.”
what schools say about BASE
Our BASE mentor has been exceptional – described as “amazing” by the school.
Her role as a trusted adult within the school but not staff has been particularly valuable.
Provided crucial support to challenging Year 6 pupils, especially effective in de-escalating behaviour.
Uniquely positioned to work across staff, families and children, bridging gaps traditional counselling services often can’t.
BASE mentors provide dedicated support for both children and staff.
Work closely with teachers to meet the needs of vulnerable pupils.
Share practical tools and strategies that improve classroom outcomes.
Communicate calmly and professionally with families.
Strengthen support for young carers and children facing complex challenges.
Help schools deliver holistic, whole-child care beyond the classroom.
what parents say about BASE
BASE builds strong, trusting relationships with families.Mentors offer compassionate, non-judgmental support.
Parents feel listened to and involved in the process.
Practical advice and emotional guidance help families manage behavioural challenges at home.
BASE supports joined-up working with school staff, creating consistent approaches for children with complex needs.
Families report a positive impact on both their child’s wellbeing and family life.
what staff say about BASE
Practical, accessible training with high staff engagement and uptake.
Strong focus on neurodivergence, cognitive development, and emotional regulation.
Provided effective strategies for supporting children with complex needs.
BASE trainers are supportive, approachable, and available beyond training sessions.
Strengthened collaboration between staff, wellbeing leads, and BASE mentors.
observed impact in school
90% of mentees showed greater motivation, calm behaviour, and emotional self-expression.
87.5% reported increased pride in their work and improved ability to express emotions.
85% built stronger friendships and peer relationships.
82.5% demonstrated better self-control, resilience, and teamwork.
80% felt more confident and more likely to seek help.
72.5% improved in self-discipline and emotional maturity.
BASE mental health training empowers staff and builds emotionally resilient school communities.
Join us as a BASE mentor or BASE TA (Teaching Assistant)
Due to the rapid growth of our BASE mentoring provision, Streetz Ahead is now expanding our team by training and employing individuals to become BASE Mentors and BASE Teaching Assistants (TAs). These specialised TAs are equipped to support both the classroom environment and children with SEN needs. Unlike traditional agency models, we directly employ, train, and supervise our staff to ensure consistent, high-quality support. As part of our offer, if your school hires five BASE TAs, we will provide a BASE mentor one day per week, delivering targeted support for up to eight children through structured mentoring.
