At Creative Mentor Network we are working towards a future where there is no class ceiling in the UK creative industries. The language we use when talking about our mentees and our programmes is very important to us.

We choose never to use the words ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘underprivileged’ and ask you to do the same. Instead, we prefer to say we ‘support socioeconomic diversity and inclusion’ and work with young people from ‘lower socioeconomic backgrounds’.

These are precise terms which permit fair and objective discussion of the influence of social and economic circumstances on an individual’s educational and career trajectories. Whilst class still exists within the UK, it has a more nuanced definition and is not an exact science due to the emotional factors involved. 

We also adopt what is called an asset based approach, recognising the strengths of the young people we work with, not focussing on their weaknesses.

We don’t pretend that the young people we support don’t face problems and barriers. But we approach our support for young people by focussing on how we can celebrate and support them to build on the assets they already have.

Assets can be internal, such as personal qualities, skills and interests. There can also be external resources, like opportunities or networks that a young person has access to. Many of our young people are creative and innovative, driven and motivated to succeed. Others may have access to a diverse community of other young people just like them, and insights into what that community may think. 

It’s worth remembering that every young person is unique, and so are the strengths and assets they possess.