The Need
Did you know
Over 4.2 million children in the UK are estimated to be living in poverty.
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One in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023.
There were 3,100 permanent exclusions in autumn term 2022/23, a rate of 0.04, equivalent to 4 permanent exclusions for every 10,000 pupils. This is an increase compared to 1,700 and 2,100 in autumn terms 2020/21 and 2021/22.
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A third (33%) of children with a history of any form of social care in years 4 to 6, faced exclusion during their time at secondary school.
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The trauma of being a lost learner
These young people also experience dysfunctional family or foster situations that are often a reflection of their parents/carers suffering broader problems, such as family breakdown, single parenting, poor mental and physical health, bereavement, trauma, substance abuse, lack of employment, financial difficulties, or coping with a child with special needs or challenging behavior and poverty.
In response, they may display problematic behaviors, exhibit poor mental health, be disengaged from education, and be vulnerable to exclusion or be a ‘lost’ learner; characterised by underachievement and low attainment, potentially entrenching disadvantage into later life. Prospects for young people who leave school without good grades are bleak; consequences of exclusion may be poverty, loneliness, social isolation, alcohol and substance misuse, poor mental health, homelessness, the criminal justice system, and even suicide.​
We help them to Thrive
Many of these young people may not meet the criteria for receiving help from Children’s Services but would like to be able to access extra and long-term support, which local agencies and schools often do not have the capacity to provide, whereas we do.
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Our retreats focus on personal development for young people experiencing difficulties, along with their parents. We work holistically with the whole family, within their community and alongside other networks of support.