Report: An Exploratory Action Research Study Independently completed for NYAS of the Side-by-Side Project Considering the Impact of Befriending and Mentoring Programmes for Care Leavers
Elen Newton, Emilia Preter, Shane Powell, Samantha Fitz-Symonds, Clive Diaz
Executive Summary
The Side-by-Side Programme, which is grant funded and delivered by NYAS, provides mentoring and befriending support to young people in care and care leavers aged 16-25. The evaluation demonstrates clear benefits in fostering trusting relationships, reducing social isolation, and developing critical life skills, while identifying challenges in referral processes, engagement, and funding sustainability.
Background and Context
The Side-by-Side programme was developed with young people in care and care leavers aged 16-25 years old to provide vital support through befriending and mentoring. NYAS were consistently heard from young people that there was no support available once they became a care leaver. As a result, the programme aims to bridge critical gaps in support, particularly during the transition to independent living. At its core, Side-by-Side fosters stable, trusting relationships that help young people develop life skills, build confidence, and improve overall well-being.
Each young person is matched with either a mentor who is either a volunteer or a project worker who serves as a positive role model. Their role extends beyond practical guidance to include emotional support, goal setting, and skills coaching. A key strength of Side –by-Side is its flexible and young person-led approach. Support is tailored to individual needs, ensuring that young people receive support which is meaningful to them.
The programme includes both one-to-one mentoring and monthly group activities like "Cook and Eat" sessions, where young people learn cooking skills, budgeting, follow recipes, and share meals together. These activities foster a sense of belonging and community, helping young people build social networks. Additionally, each young person participating in the programme is entitled to a £500 bursary, which can be used towards activities or resources that support their well-being and development, which is identified at the start when joining.
Methodology
This evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact, effectiveness, and areas for development of the Side-by-Side programme. Data collection incorporated surveys completed by young people and professionals including social workers and personal advisors, analysis of administrative data, and semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders.
In total, the evaluation conducted interviews with 7 young people, 1 manager, 1 programme facilitator, 2, and 1 personal advisor. It also collected a range of feedback from professionals at Norfolk County councils, who did not have time to discuss in person. These professionals included managers, personal advisers and social workers, who worked with young people involved in the programme. The evaluation followed a longitudinal design, with data collected at two key points: six months into the programme to assess early engagement and initial outcomes, and at the end of the first years funding to evaluate long-term impact.
Recognising that young people in care are 'experts by experience,' this evaluation prioritised their perspectives as central to understanding the impact of services and ensuring that future programme developments are informed by those directly affected. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights across participants' experiences.
Key Findings
During the first year in Norfolk, the programme has received 30 referrals, engaging young people aged 16-22. In the most recent quarter, 109 face-to-face contacts were recorded, alongside 5 monthly Cook and Eat sessions. The data showed a gender disparity, with 23 male participants compared to 7 females. Additionally, 10 young people were not in education, employment, or training (NEET), while 14 were engaged in education, employment, or training, with 6 unknown.
Young people developed strong, trusting relationships with mentors that differed significantly from relationships with statutory professionals
The programme successfully reduced loneliness through social engagement activities including "Cook and Eat" sessions
Practical support in education, employment, housing, and financial management yielded tangible benefits
Emotional support improved mental well-being through non-judgmental listening and consistent availability
5. The flexible, person-centred approach effectively met diverse individual needs
Recommendations
Based on the evaluation findings, recommendations were developed for policymakers, service providers, and practitioners:
For Funders and Policymakers
Implement longer-term funding cycles (minimum three years) to provide stability and ensure relationship continuity
Continue and potentially expand the £500 bursary component
Recognise mentoring and befriending as essential rather than optional services for care-experienced young people
Address the gender disparity in referrals with targeted strategies to engage more female care leavers
For NYAS
Restructure the referral process to allow multiple referral pathways beyond Norfolk County Council
Implement a self-referral option for young people
Establish appropriate caseload limits for mentors
Continue to implement clear protocols for managing staff transition
For Practice
Maintain the highly valued flexible, youth-led approaches
Expand group activities that promote social connection and practical skills.
Improve coordination with Personal Advisors and statutory services while maintaining informality.
Develop strategies to support young people with fluctuating attendance patterns.
Conclusion
The Side-by-Side programme demonstrates significant potential to address key challenges faced by care-experienced young people, particularly in relation to social isolation, practical skills development, budgeting and emotional support. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this evaluation, the programme can build on its strengths while addressing identified challenges to create a more sustainable, accessible, and impactful service for children in care and care leavers in Norfolk and potentially beyond.