Evaluating the Breakthrough Mentoring scheme: a feasibility pilot randomised control trial (RCT) with vulnerable adolescents deemed at risk of exclusion in a secondary school setting.

INTERVENTION: Participants allocated to the intervention will receive Breakthrough mentoring for a school year in addition to any on‐going support provided by the school. Control group participants will continue to receive care as usual i.e., any on‐going support provided by the school. CONDITION: Vulnerable young people (11‐16 years) engaging in multiple risk behaviours deemed at risk of exclusion by school staff. ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: This study will assess and evaluate the perceived helpfulness of the Breakthrough Mentoring Programme by conducting a qualitative process evaluation. It will also explore the feasibility of collecting data and estimating the parameters needed to design a definitive RCT.; ; Measured at baseline, 6, 12 & 18 month follow‐ups.; SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ); 2. Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐Being Scale (WEMWBS); 3. Social Connectedness Scale‐ Revised (SCS‐R); 4. Questions about risk behaviour (sexual health, alcohol and drug taking); ; Assessed at the start of the study (baseline), 6, 12 and 18 months later INCLUSION CRITERIA: Students aged 11‐16 years identified by school staff members as pupils that would benefit from Breakthrough mentoring scheme.