Wolves take ‘Advantage’ of new mentoring scheme

3 min read

5th May 2023

Wolves Foundation are today launching an ‘Advantage’ mentoring programme, providing one-to-one wellbeing support for young people aged between 14 and 21.

Both Wolves and Saturday’s opponents Aston Villa are receiving funding from the Black Country NHS Foundation Trust to deliver what is a national programme at local level, using the power of football to help ensure young people can enjoy positive mental health and both set and achieve their goals.

Whilst Wolves Foundation have previously provided mentoring via the Premier League Kicks programme, being part of Advantage will see that support scaled up, and extends the mental health provision of the Head 4 Health project for adults to a younger age group.

“We are really pleased to be launching Wolves Foundation’s participation in the Advantage mentoring programme, ensuring we can provide another layer of support to young people in the area,” says Luke Shearing, inclusion & cohesion manager with Wolves Foundation.

“We already work with a lot of young people across many different projects, and this will be another really important initiative with an individualised mentoring programme, based around the participants’ wishes.

“Head 4 Health has been a really successful project for the Foundation, and this now extends that mental health support to a younger age group, with professional clinical support also available if needed, alongside the mentoring.

“As we have seen with other projects, being able to use the power of the Wolves badge can really help us engage with young people, and, via the Advantage programme, we will be able to help people who might otherwise not feel comfortable in accessing support.

“Both ourselves and Aston Villa are extremely appreciative of the funding support from the Black Country NHS Foundation Trust, in giving us the opportunity to run the Advantage programme at local level.”

Young people are referred to the programme from the NHS waiting list, other sessions run by Foundation such as PL Kicks, or by schools, GPs and other agencies.

The Foundation will work closely with CAMHS, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, who will be able to assess and refer people into the mentoring aspect of the programme.

The Advantage programme is geared towards providing the young person with mentoring sessions on their terms, focusing on what they want to talk about at a place where they feel comfortable in an informal space to chat and connect.

The young people might have specific goals they are looking for support with, whether personal, educational, social, employment or wellbeing related, or might want to work with their mentor to set some targets together.

"Of course it’s so important to give back to the community and Wolverhampton as a whole. It's great to be here and to show our support."

Maximilian Kilman | Wolves Captain and Foundation Ambassador

"As a lifelong Wolves fan, to represent the Club and Foundation is something I'll cherish forever."

Daz James | Wolves Disability FC

"Without Wolves Foundation I wouldn't be here today, that's for certain."

John Martin | Head 4 Health participant

"It is amazing to be out there meeting people and having some fun. It is really important for Wolves to have this connection with the fans and to see the happiness in their faces."

Toti Gomes | Wolves Defender

"Savannah absolutely loves the group. The staff are committed to making every single session fun and welcoming."

Natasha | Healthy Goals parent

"It’s special because it's my club and I’m so proud to be from Wolves as well. I can see the projects and all the work Wolves Foundation are doing and I know it makes such an impact, so to even be a little part of that and to help out where I can – it's so exciting."

Amber Sandhu | Broadcaster and Foundation Ambassador

"It’s huge for the school, I can’t speak highly enough of Wolves Foundation and the opportunities that they give us."

Mr Robinson | Woodsetton School

“I think all football clubs should be the beating heart of their communities and Wolves, through the Foundation, manages to do that."

Johnny Phillips | Sky Sports Presenter and Foundation Ambassador

"We get loads of different opportunities with a Premier League club. I feel really privileged to be a part of it."

Mustafa | Football & Education College Academy student

"Frank has Alzheimer’s Disease and when he was first diagnosed we felt lost and alone. Attending Molineux Memories is a lifeline for both of us; it is run by friendly, committed staff who ensure that everyone is included and enjoys themselves."

Frank and Alison | Molineux Memories

"To come here and be hands on with the kids is unreal. Working with Wolves and the Foundation is a blessing and I'm honoured. It feels surreal sometimes but it's the best feeling."

S-X | Music Producer and Foundation Ambassador

"It's good to give back what you got. Football and the Wolves Foundation help me, so I like to help the community."

Taye | Premier League Kicks

"Wolves is a fantastic football club, and they’re excelling off the pitch as well with all the brilliant community work that the Foundation does. The passion of the coaches and the opportunities to play are amazing."

Jack Rutter | Former Great Britain Paralympian and Foundation Ambassador

"Wolves has definitely helped my personal development, but now also helps me to develop people I work with. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities Wolves Foundation have given me."

Carl Ackasovs | Wolves Foundation