Mentoring Done Differently
Helping young people open up, build confidence, and feel supported through hands-on activities that take the pressure off talking.
Creating Calm Spaces for Connection
Hands On Minds creates safe, hands-on spaces where young people can open up, connect, and grow. Through sport, art, music, team building, and life skills, we help them feel at ease and supported ,because the best conversations often happen while doing.
Sessions
Skill Building Workshops
Tailored life skills workshops, like first aid, designed to help young people feel more confident, capable, and in control of their own wellbeing.
Sport-led Mentoring
Helping children open up through sport-led, hands-on mentoring sessions designed to build trust, boost confidence, and support emotional wellbeing.
Team Building & Group Dynamics
Targeted team-building sessions for troubled groups, designed to open up communication lines and shift dynamics from conflict to collaboration helping young people work with each other, not against each other.
Music Minds
Using rhythm, melody and creative expression to help children open up in a way that feels natural, safe and emotionally freeing.
Let the Doing Do the Talking
Creative sessions using art to help young people express what they’re feeling when words are harder to find offering a calm, non-verbal way to open up.
Working With Boys Program
A hands-on, values-led programme helping boys reframe fears, build emotional awareness, and grow into confident, respectful young men, one challenge at a time.
Testimonials
Empowering Youth Through Hands-On Learning
This isn’t therapy or diagnosis, it’s about real human connection. We work with schools, youth groups and families, tailoring every session to meet young people where they are. Whether helping a group learn to work together or supporting an individual to find their voice, our goal is always the same: to build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hands On Minds?
Hands On Minds is a mentoring programme that uses practical, hands-on activities like sport, art, music, and life skills to help young people feel more confident, connected, and open. It’s not therapy just calm, creative sessions that support emotional wellbeing in a relaxed and engaging way.
Who are these sessions for?
They’re designed for children and young people who might find it hard to open up in traditional settings — particularly those struggling with confidence, relationships, behaviour, or emotional regulation. Sessions can be tailored for individuals or groups, in schools or privately.
How are the sessions delivered?
Sessions are informal, practical, and fully interactive. We meet young people where they’re most comfortable whether that’s on a football pitch, around a table with art supplies, or learning a new skill like first aid. Everything is adapted to their interests and needs.
Is this a form of therapy?
No — we don’t offer therapy or diagnoses. These are supportive mentoring sessions designed to help young people feel seen, heard, and safe to express themselves. Where more formal support is needed, we can help signpost to the right professional.
Are sessions only available in schools?
Not at all. While we work with schools and other youth organisations, we also offer 1:1 or small group sessions outside of school hours in community settings.
Can we try it before committing?
Yes! We’re happy to run pilot sessions in schools or youth groups so you can see the impact before deciding to continue.
Who runs the sessions?
Sessions are led by Darren O’Grady, a former nurse with 15 years’ experience (including at Great Ormond Street), who now works closely with young adults facing complex emotional challenges. He’s building a trusted network of mentors in other fields to ensure every child is matched to the right kind of support.
How can I find out more or book a session?
You can get in touch via [email protected] or call on 07415573985. We’re always happy to have a chat and see if Hands On Minds might be a good fit for your child or school.
Empower Youth Through Active Learning
If you’re warm, grounded, and passionate about helping young people feel seen and supported through hands-on connection, you might be a great fit for Hands On Minds. Whether your background is in sport, art, music or simply life we’d love to hear from you.