Post by Steve Wallington

The recent headlines surrounding Gareth Southgate’s BBC documentary, “Changing the Game for Young Men,” point to a stark and troubling reality. Official figures show that nearly one million young people in the UK are currently classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), with the number of young men in this bracket spiking by 40% since the pandemic. As Southgate rightly points out, we are facing a silent crisis of isolation. When young men lack positive mentors, male teachers, or supportive creative spaces in the real world, they withdraw, log on, and look for guidance in all the wrong places. They lose their focus. This is exactly why I do what I do. My work blending photography tutoring with mental wellbeing isn’t just about helping students pass exams-it’s about giving young people an anchor. It's about teaching them visual intelligence to look outward, process their world, and slow down. As an educator and mentor, finding the right approach to connect with a struggling teenager can feel impossible. That’s why this feedback from Stephen Proctor, Head of Sixth Form at Burlington House School, means the world to me after our two years of working together: "Sometimes we are searching all avenues for a key to build student trust and unlock their potential. Each student we have sent Steve he has found that key and a beautiful journey begins through the medium of photography and creativity... Steve is humble in his approach, but students see not only an elite creative but someone who cares about them and their journeys." As the new academic term approaches, I am opening up a limited number of 1-on-1 tutoring and mentoring slots. I would also love to connect with other schools to discuss group sessions or private tutoring, including SEN schools. I am here for young people who are: 📸 Facing intense pressure with A-Level Photography coursework and portfolios. 🧠 Needing a calm, mentor-led space to support their mental wellbeing, focus, and self-esteem. If you are a parent, school leader, or guardian looking for a positive, creative outlet to help a young person unlock their potential and build real-world confidence, let’s talk. 🔗 Learn more about my approach and book a session: https://lnkd.in/eeMd3MDU A big thank you to Charlie Clift and Lawrence Watson for giving up their time to help these amazing young people. 🙌 #Mentorship #CreativeWellbeing #ALevelPhotography #MentalHealthMatters #YouthDevelopment #GarethSouthgate #VisualIntelligence #SENSchools