I thought this might be helpful to other teachers working with 16-17 year olds.
There is a free mentoring programme being offered by the NCS (National Citizen Service) for 16-17-year-olds who experience disadvantage (ie: with poor mental health, care experienced, who have been discriminated against, and poor school attendance).
It is completely free and each young person gets a volunteer mentor from their community who will help them achieve some form of goal that they choose. Any school in England can apply. It is fully funded.
Find out more at www.goal17.global/ncs/partners