Aaliyah Fozol serves as the Youth Advocacy Trustee at Creative Mentor Network. She is dedicated to transforming the lives of care-experienced young people and also works as a lived experience consultant, facilitator, and youth worker, bringing invaluable insight and passion to her advocacy.

When I first came across Creative Mentors Network, I felt an instant connection. Their focus on creative mentoring spoke to me because I know how much it matters to have someone in your corner encouraging you to explore your talents, take risks, and think outside the box. Creativity can be a powerful outlet, especially for young people who might not have had the chance to express themselves before and not had the opportunities to explore the creative industry. 

Joining Creative Mentors Network as a Youth Advocacy Trustee felt like the perfect fit because it’s about giving young people the confidence to take up space, to be themselves, and to pursue careers they might have never thought were possible. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of an organisation that gets what mentoring is truly about; helping young people unlock their potential, feel heard, and see themselves in a world that doesn’t always make that easy.

How One Mentor Made All the Difference 

Earlier this year I came across an opportunity to be mentored for the first time.  As my mentoring journey started, I had no idea just how much my mentor would impact my life. Throughout the weekly mentoring sessions, we built a genuine connection. They saw my potential and they were there for me consistently each week no matter what I was going through. I had a safe space to be myself, to reflect, develop, be meaningfully challenged, and to strive towards the things that mattered most to me. I’m not sure I would have gotten to the place I’m in today and in a position to be able to give back and support others if it wasn’t for my mentor; it is bittersweet to know that my mentor will probably never be able to comprehend even half the impact they’ve had on my life and how much it meant to me to have them as my mentor. 

Growing up, especially during my time in care, there were many moments when I felt like I was navigating the weight of the world on my own. But now years later having a mentor for the first time who really listened, who didn’t judge, and who was there to celebrate milestones with me meant the absolute world to me. This added to my passion for mentoring and it’s part of why I remain committed to supporting organisations to provide mentoring opportunities for young people.

How Mentoring Transforms Lives

Having worked with multiple mentoring organisations in various roles, I’ve seen firsthand what a difference a mentor can make particularly for young people. Mentoring is about more than just offering guidance, it’s about showing up, believing in someone, and helping them see what’s possible. I’ve seen mentoring give care-experienced mentees the ability to recognise their strengths, build their self-esteem and actively pursue goals they once thought were out of reach. 

One of the most powerful things about mentoring is watching a young person’s confidence grow over time. There’s nothing like seeing someone who once doubted themselves step into leadership positions and start using their voice to advocate for change for others. It’s a reminder that mentoring isn’t just about passing on skills and knowledge, it’s about building up resilient, empowered individuals who can navigate whatever life throws at them and thrive outside of their comfort zone.

Celebrating Mentoring

Mentoring deserves to be celebrated because it’s about so much more than ticking a box or achieving a goal. It’s about the moments of genuine connection, the feeling of being seen, and the realisation that you matter. It’s about helping someone realise their potential and supporting them as they navigate life. Beyond just support, it’s about really empowering them and being a catalyst for that change. And that ripple effect? It doesn’t just change individuals; it strengthens communities as a result. 

That’s why National Mentoring Day is so important. It’s a chance to recognise all the mentors out there who are making a significant difference, often quietly, without expecting anything in return. It’s also a reminder that we can all play a role in this, whether it’s as a mentor, as someone advocating for mentoring, or simply as someone who believes in the value of lifting each other up. 

To anyone interested in mentoring: if you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor, now is the time; there are many opportunities out there for you to get involved and supported in becoming a mentor. There’s no “perfect” mentor, just someone willing to show up, listen, and be there for another person. And if you’re a young person looking for guidance or support, know that there are some amazing mentors out there who want to help you succeed.

If you’re interested in getting involved in one of our programmes, find out more here.