What do you wish someone had told you growing up? This Giving Tuesday, join the #IWishAMentorHadToldMe campaign – share a photo of your younger self and the piece of advice you wish a mentor had given you. Together, we can empower the next generation to achieve their full potential.
#IWishAMentorHadToldMe
This Giving Tuesday we want to highlight the power of mentoring, and remind people that every child and young person can achieve their full potential with the right support.
Help us raise awareness of our cause and reach our £1,000 goal! Your support will empower 98 City Year Mentors to show up for 786 children, giving them the encouragement and belief they need to dream big and succeed.
See below how you can join our campaign between 18 Nov – 2 Dec 2025, and be part of our mission.
Join the #IWishAMentorHadToldMe campaign
1. What do to?
Share a childhood photo (ideally from your school days!)
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One piece of advice you wish a mentor had told your younger self
2. When & where to post?
Make sure to post during 18 Nov – 2 Dec 2025 on LinkedIN or Instagram.
Remember to tag:
@CityYearUK
#IWishAMentorHadToldMe
Nominate 3 others to share
3. Donate if you can
If you’re able, please consider donating. Every contribution, big or small, helps us create real change. Thank you for your support!
£10 → gets a mentor to school, showing up for children every day.
£20 → brings after-school clubs to life, keeping children inspired & engaged.
£50 → delivers one-to-one mentoring, giving a child someone to listen, guide, and believe in them.
"I signed up for City Year because I wanted to make a tangible difference in my community. The chance to inspire positive change and be part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal fueled my sense of purpose. One of my highlights was being told by one of my students that I was his 'first listening ear' and that I made him feel very confident." - Akanksha, City Year Mentor
91% of the children we support say that their City Year mentors make them feel valued and listen to what they have to say.
93% of City Year mentors said our programme had a significant positive impact on their life.
My mentor helped me feel like I'm not alone."
Schoolchild Year 11
Why support City Year UK?
What we do: At City Year UK, we train and empower inspirational young people to volunteer in schools, as City Year mentors, and support children who are furthest from opportunity, full-time, for a whole year.
Why it works: Using our evidence-based student success coaching model, our mentors enable children to grow, whilst they grow themselves too, build skills and develop as leaders.
At City Year UK, we see first-hand the difference that dedicated, everyday support can make in helping children and young people build confidence, develop resilience and skills, and stay engaged in their education. But we know there are still too many children and young people across the UK who need the support and life-changing guidance that our programme has to offer.
From everyone here at City Year UK, thank you for your continuing support on Giving Tuesday and every other day!
*Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the last decade, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. For more information visit https://www.givingtuesday.org.uk/
