Starfish

Every young person has unique skills, talents and abilities, but not always the opportunity to flourish. Starfish provides opportunities for young people to feel supported, to develop positive personal and relational life skills, to build healthy emotional wellbeing and to reach their potential.

Working as part of a school’s student wellbeing programme, trained Starfish mentors commit to meeting with young people who have been identified as needing help with their health, educational or social development.

Starfish aims to make a difference to young people, one by one. The programme is inspired by the story of the man who throws stranded starfish back into the sea one by one. Challenged on what difference it can possibly make to the thousands of beached starfish around him, he replies: ‘It made a difference to that one!’

• Module 1: Online (Starfish coordinators only)
• Module 2: Two-day residential at William Booth College

Group 1

• Tuesday 23 February: 7.00pm–8.30pm
• Saturday 27 February – Sunday 28 February 

Group 2

• Thursday 22 April: 7.00pm–8.30pm
• Tuesday 27 – Wednesday 28 April

Group 3

• Tuesday 31 August: 7.00pm–8.30pm
• Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 September

If your corps is new to Starfish, please register for the programme by completing the online registration form.

If your corps already runs Starfish and you are joining the existing programme, please have a conversation with the Starfish Coordinator, who will be able to give you the Starfish Application form.

If you are an individual interested in the Starfish Programme, but not directly linked to the corps, you will need to complete our online expression of interest form. Please note that this is not an application for Starfish Mentor Training.

Please note that registration does not guarantee a place. The application and recruitment process is to be completed before training is able to be confirmed.

Promotional flyer with more information about mentoring coming soon. 

This report presents the impact of Starfish, The Salvation Army’s schools mentoring programme, between September 2022 and May 2025, with additional impact highlights from June 2025 to May 2026. It outlines the programme’s purpose, theological foundation, delivery model and reach, before exploring evidence of impact gathered through Outcomes Star data, mentee feedback, school surveys and corps reflections. The report shows how Starfish has supported children and young people to grow in confidence, strengthen emotional wellbeing and engage more positively with school, while also strengthening partnerships between corps, schools and local communities. Alongside celebrating the difference made through trusted one-to-one mentoring, the report considers the value of the programme, key learning from delivery and opportunities to sustain and strengthen Starfish for the future.

For more information about Starfish, please contact the Children & Youth Department: childrenyouth@salvationarmy.org.uk.