Daniel Milne
Teacher & Mentor
After a stint of working in Advertising and Marketing I retrained as a teacher and have worked in education, both in the UK and abroad, for the last 10 years. I currently work with individual families and children with specific educational needs and behavioral challenges.
How did you hear about Mentoring Young Creatives?
I’ve been interested in the work that the Be Well Collective does around mental health, nutrition and wellbeing for some time, and when an opportunity came up to be involved in the new Mentoring Young Creatives programme I saw it as a chance to draw on some of my own life experiences and give something back through supporting others.
Why do you want to be a Mentor on the Mentoring Young Creatives programme?
Through my work I have seen first-hand the number of children that are affected by mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and low mood or depression. Ignored, these problems can manifest and continue to have a negative effect on their wellbeing throughout their life.
The creative and fashion industries can present a huge amount stress and pressure on these, often relatively young, individuals and this can really take its toll on their wellbeing.
What past experiences do you have which you believe will help you to mentor a young person in the creative industries?
Being a guy, I know first-hand how we are not the best at sharing our feelings, especially when, perhaps, it’s something that we feel may be seen as a weakness, or something that some will dismiss or brush aside. It’s easy to forget how many people out there do care, are willing to listen, and sometimes, by just talking to someone, or sharing how you’re feeling, can really help, and be the first step to improving your wellbeing.
What are you most excited about in starting the Mentoring Young Creatives programme?
I’m excited to be part of this new mentoring programme and have the opportunity to give others the time and support that wasn’t as readily available when I was younger.