We're currently developing two exciting new programmes that we hope to secure funding for over the next few years.

Play, Connect, Thrive will use outdoor adventure, creative activities, STEM learning and play to improve confidence, wellbeing and social connection for young people facing barriers to opportunity.

Build Your Future will introduce young people to vocational careers through hands-on workshops with local tradespeople and professionals, helping them develop practical skills, explore future career pathways and build confidence in their abilities.

Both projects are designed to ensure that exclusion from school does not become exclusion from opportunity.

We are currently developing Play, Connect, Thrive, an innovative programme designed to help young people build confidence, wellbeing, social connections and life skills through a range of engaging, real-world experiences. The programme will combine outdoor adventure, nature connection, creative arts, music, STEM activities and youth-led play, creating opportunities for young people to explore their interests, develop new skills and build positive relationships in supportive environments.

As the project develops, we are working with a range of specialist organisations and partners to understand the costs of delivering high-quality activities, transport, equipment, venues and evaluation. We are also exploring how to make the programme as accessible as possible for young people who face barriers to participation.

We believe Play, Connect, Thrive has the potential to create lasting positive change for young people who have been excluded from mainstream education, are home educated due to SEMH needs, or experience social isolation, disadvantage or low confidence. By providing opportunities to connect, create, explore and achieve, the programme aims to help young people feel more confident, develop a stronger sense of belonging and gain the skills and experiences needed to thrive both now and in the future.

We are currently in the early planning stages of a project called Build Your Future, a vocational skills discovery programme designed to introduce young people to practical career pathways through hands-on workshops delivered by local tradespeople and professionals. The programme aims to provide opportunities for young people to explore careers such as plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery, and hairdressing and barbering, while also learning about apprenticeships, qualifications, self-employment and routes into work.

At present, we are gathering information and developing project budgets. We are exploring the costs of workshop space, tools and equipment, materials, transport, accreditation and bringing in skilled tradespeople to deliver sessions.

We believe this programme has the potential to make a significant difference to young people who may not thrive in traditional academic environments but have the skills, interests and potential to succeed through vocational learning and practical experiences. Our aim is to help them build confidence, develop employability skills, broaden their aspirations and gain a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.