About Us

LINKnet Mentoring Ltd (Company Number: 213148, Scottish Charity Number: SC029440) is the first and only direct mentoring organisation established to serve minority ethnic communities in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Scottish Borders and Fife.

It was established in 2000 to serve disadvantaged ethnic minorities in their pursuit of development. Over the years, thousands have taken part in various mentoring programmes, education and employment mentoring being the core programme.

Our History

LINKnet Mentoring began on 1 November 2000, following a national conference held in 1997 titled
“Active Partnerships: The Multiple Benefits of Black and Minority Ethnic Mentoring.”

The conference was organised in partnership with:

Moray House Institute of Education
Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland
Telford College Edinburgh
University of Strathclyde
Skillnet Edinburgh

At the conference, mentoring was identified as a vital tool for supporting the long-term development of minority ethnic communities in Scotland. The personal, one-to-one nature of mentoring was seen as especially effective in helping individuals overcome barriers such as discrimination, lack of access, and limited networks. Guidance from experienced mentors was recognised as a powerful way to open opportunities and shorten the time it takes for individuals to progress.

Establishment and Growth

Following several years of development work by a steering group led by Rowena Arshad, LINKnet Mentoring Limited was incorporated on 24 November 2000 as a private company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 213148).

The organisation was formally recognised as a charitable voluntary organisation on 6 March 2001
(Scottish Charity Number: SC029440).

LINKnet Mentoring secured a three-year grant of £261,000 from the Community Fund (now the Big Lottery Fund). This funding enabled the organisation to begin operations on 1 November 2000, with:

Two full-time staff
One part-time staff member
An office based at 31 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JG

Our Vision, Mission and Aims

VISION

To increase the representation of minority ethnic people, including refugees and asylum seekers, in further and higher education, employment, and public and civic life in Scotland through structured mentoring programmes that support a more equitable society.

MISSION

To provide one-to-one mentoring support for minority ethnic individuals, including refugees and asylum seekers, to help them achieve their goals in employment, education, and personal development.
Mentoring focuses on:

Academic development
Career progression
Personal growth

Through individual progress, we aim to create a wider positive impact for minority ethnic communities and improve their representation across society.

AIM

Reduce inequality and disadvantage experienced by minority ethnic communities
Improve access to and outcomes from public services by working in partnership with the public sector
Foster integration, dialogue, and mutual understanding between communities
Build the awareness and capacity of both majority and minority communities to challenge racism and other barriers to equality
Promote cultural diversity and recognise community contributions through mentor training, mentee induction, information sharing, and public events

All Partners

Formal past partners

Saheliya, Sikh Sanjog, ELREC, Edinburgh Napier University, MEHIS

Formal current partners

Edinburgh Community Food

Informal partners

Shakti Women’s Aid, SWAP East, NKS, Milan, Score Scotland, The Welcoming, High Riggs Job Centre plus, Leith Walk Job Centre Plus and Wester Hails Job centre Plus, SDS, Access to Industry, Mid Lothian Voluntary Action, Volunteer Midlothian, Volunteer East Lothian, Volunteer Edinburgh, Multi Cultural Family Base, Mott MacDonald Engineering company.