The Ashdon Jazz Academy Mentoring Project 2019

November 2014, a mother walked into find her daughter at 14 had taken her own life. Following relationship complexities at school and the pressure of wanting to be herself instead of having to fit into a stereotyped existance of a teenager living with the growing pressures all became too much for her and hopeless ness overwhemed. The increase in eating disorders, cyberbullying, self harming, negative body image, lack of self confidence,sexualised behaviour, enticement of gang involvement is the reality for many female teenagers.The family of Ashdon Jazz following their deep loss set up a charity for teenagers who are struggling with the pressures of demanding youth culture. 
By providing a struggling teenager with a neutral adult who will be a listening ear may prevent other teenagers harming or ending their own lives. Ashdon came from a loving home but teenagers do not tell their parents everything with the fear they will worry their parents. An adult mentor will be the one person they will  be able  to share how they are really feeling and build a trusted relationship with...The charity seeks funding to train mentors as well as pay for expenses that may be incurred when a mentor meets and takes the teenager out for a mentoring session.  The charity also hosts social seminars where teenagers will be provided with an open forum where they are able to share their worries and conerns over issues such as social media,sex and exam pressures, as well as many issues teenagers have listed as primary concerns.
Ashdon Jazz has left a big gap in her families life who are driven to ensure her legacy lives on by helping other teenagers who face so many challenges as they transit to adulthood.