The day after the Award Ceremony, I attended The Diana Award’s first ever National Youth Mentoring Summit. Originally, I wasn’t planning on attending the event, however the tickets were on sale at a newly discounted price and I was in London anyway, so I thought why not!
It was really interesting to see another side to The Diana Award. They have three programmes: The Award, Anti-Bullying (for which I am also an Ambassador) and Mentoring. Some of the staff were surprised to see me but it was nice to see some familiar faces as I went to the event on my own, which was a bit scary!
The day itself was amazing. I met so many incredible people and heard from speakers including Dame Julia Cleverdon (who is also the co-founder of the #iwill Campaign…another blog post to come on that campaign later!), Steve Chalke, Preet Kaur Gill MP and Dame Kelly Hoppen. There were discussion panels on the true impact on mentoring and the question “Should mentoring be added to the national curriculum?” was asked. We heard from young people who had really benefited from mentoring and, after hearing their stories, it became clear that the answer was undoubtedly “Yes.” There was so much enthusiasm and passion in the room and it was such an inspiring environment to be a part of!
I had never really considered the term ‘mentor’ before, but as I heard from some amazing young people, I realised that I have been so very lucky to have mentors in my life to guide me down the right path. I didn’t see them as ‘official’ mentors, but the truth is that without these individuals, I would probably be a completely different person today. Steve Chalke said something which particularly stuck with me:
“The word ‘mentoring’ can seem scary, but it’s just love and time – and many young people don’t have someone who will give them time.”
Steve Chalke, Founder of Oasis Charitable Trust
I suddenly realised how crucial mentoring is for young people. To be someone’s mentor and role-model is a privilege, and more people in power should reach out to young people in need of guidance and help support them, sharing their own life experiences and helping to shape that young person’s future.
“Every young person should have access to the knowledge, skills and networks that can help them with their career journeys.”
Laura Gray and Ellie Fish – Brightside Mentoring
As Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award said, “Mentoring has the power to change young people’s trajectories” and I believe that is not something to be taken lightly. After hearing from mentors and well as mentees, it became clear that the learning process is a two-way relationship. As young people, we have so much to learn from those who have been where we are before, but equally, older people could also learn so much from us!
“When you mentor a young person, you often leave with the feeling that they are actually the teachers.”
Dame Julia Cleverdon, Co-Founder of #iwill Campaign
It was also really lovely to see Poppie again, who trained me to become an Anti-Bullying Pro Ambassador at school back in 2017! She was the first interaction I had with The Diana Award and who would have thought that, two years later, I would be an Award Holder too!
After an amazing lunch, some very exciting networking and more fantastic speakers came the closing speech, delivered by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex! Anyone who knows me will know how much I respect and admire The Royal Family, and after feeling this indescribable connection to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales my whole life, being in the same room as her son was very emotional for me. I was so moved by his words, especially when he mentioned his mother and, of course, Baby Archie! Hearing Prince Harry speak in person was just an incredible experience, and one I shall never forget.
I had the most amazing and inspiring two days ever thanks to The Diana Award, and I am so proud to be a part of The Diana Award family! Young people really do have the power to change the world – we just need the tools to be able to do so.
So, next time you have a conversation with a young person, ask them something beyond “How’s school?” or “Have you got a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?” You might be surprised by their answer.
Sophia Kaur Badhan 
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