Mentoring, Markets & Moments of Connection – A Conversation with Alex

If you scroll through photos from any Brighton Breadwinners event, chances are you’ll spot Alex — usually smiling, often mid-conversation, and often with a new hair colour. Having supported three young people — including one through both our Risers and Breadwinners programmes — Alex is our resident veteran mentor, and the Brighton team simply wouldn’t be the same without him. 

Alex first mentored at our St Mary’s Kemptown market, which he describes as full of character and connection. “You’ve got all kinds of people walking by, curious customers, and lots of conversations happening around the stall,” he said. “The mentees are always warm and welcoming. Some are a little nervous at first, but they adapt incredibly quickly.” He reflected on the joy of cultural exchange — seeing mentees engage with Brighton’s unique street life and chatting to customers. “People don’t always realise it’s a charity, but once they know, they’re really engaged.”

One moment that stood out to him was a conversation between two mentees from different cultural and religious backgrounds — discussing faith with real respect and curiosity. “It was so much better than any political debates you see,” he said. “Just honest and thoughtful.” He also spoke about the everyday joy at the stalls — a mentee dancing to music from a neighbouring stall, or local traders stopping by with free cups of tea or food. “You really do feel part of something wider.”

Having mentored three different young people — and supported one through both stages of their Breadwinners journey, from the Risers programme to managing their own stall — Alex has experienced the differences of mentoring for both programmes. “Risers felt more fast-paced and social. Breadwinners is more focused — it’s one-to-one, and you can be more ambitious with the goals you set together.”

One of the biggest things he’s learned is that impact isn’t always immediate. “You want to make a difference straight away, but that’s not how it works. Sometimes the changes are subtle, and they happen over months. And that’s okay.” 

Alex takes a reflective approach to mentoring. With some mentees, he shares short videos ahead of their meetups on topics like confidence or communication. “It helps spark conversations, and sometimes they challenge what’s in the video — which is great. It becomes an exchange.” He also described visiting a mosque for the first time with one mentee and how the time he has spent mentoring has been a learning experience for him, and window into different ways of seeing the world. One of his mentees even once told him how to catch a pigeon with his bare hands…but that’s a tale for another day…

When asked about his favourite Breadwinners social, Alex didn’t hesitate – it was undoubtedly the ice skating. “There was a lot of slipping around, but everyone had fun. And the hot chocolate at the end was perfect.” As for his favourite product? It’s a toss-up between the almond croissant and the cinnamon bun.

His suggestions for our programmes? Make Breadwinners’ mission more visible at stalls and continuing reinforcing the long-term value mentors bring. “It’s not always about instant results — it’s about being part of someone’s journey as they settle, grow, and find their place.”

So what would he say to someone thinking about becoming a mentor?

“Just do it. It’s a lot of fun. I think you’re going to meet a variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds. You’re going to feel part of something bigger.”

Thank you, Alex — mentoring is at the heart of what we do at Breadwinners, and we couldn’t do it without mentors like you.

Interested in becoming a mentor?
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