The Swindon Mentoring and Self Help (SMASH) Youth Project provides support to children and young people (CYP) aged 9 to 19 living in poverty in and around Swindon and North Wiltshire, struggling with their mental health and unable to reach their full potential. Our vision is to see a world where every young person’s struggles with their health, wellbeing and potential are rare, brief and non-recurring. Our mission is to ensure young people get the support they need when they need it, no matter what.
SMASH supports underprivileged CYP and their families through one-to-one mentoring, counselling, advice, help and guidance. We believe that one person can change a life, and the circumstances that young people find themselves in does not need to define who they are and how they progress through life.
We are a small team of 7 (5TFE) enthusiastic, experienced, well-trained and committed professional mentors working to provide safe spaces and practical support for CYP and their families. We are based in Swindon, rooted in the town and an integral part of the community. Established in July 1999, SMASH has helped over 2,000 CYP. We expect to have supported 160 CYP by the end of 2022/23 and intend to help at least 180 in 2023/24.
