Welcome to Young Minders – A Thriving Community for Home-Educated Children
At Young Minders, we celebrate the strengths and potential of home-educated children and teens, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our community-driven approach provides tailored education, mental well-being programmes, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) opportunities, and nature-based learning—fostering growth, connection, and resilience.
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Our mission is to nurture the talents and aspirations of home-educated children, with a focus on underrepresented communities, ensuring they have access to enriching experiences, practical skills, and meaningful opportunities that support lifelong success.
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We are committed to inspiring confidence, sparking curiosity, and cultivating a love for learning—empowering every child to thrive.
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Explore our Vision, Mission, and Goals to discover how we create lasting impact.
Vision
At Young Minders, we are building a thriving, Forest-led Youth Hub where home-educated teens, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including autism, can flourish. We recognise the strengths, creativity, and unique perspectives of the young people we serve and provide a space that celebrates their abilities and supports their aspirations.
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Our approach is rooted in experiential, nature-based learning that encourages confidence, independence, and community connection. We create an environment where young people thrive beyond traditional education models, engaging in hands-on activities that nurture both their intellectual and personal growth.
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Mental well-being is woven into all that we do. We equip young people with tools for resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being, empowering them to navigate challenges with confidence. Through a holistic, strengths-based approach, we support them in harnessing their talents, developing leadership skills, and becoming active, engaged members of their communities.
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Our vision is to become a leading community resource, offering tailored programmes that uplift, inspire, and open doors to new opportunities, ensuring that every young person has the support and space to reach their full potential.
Mission
At Young Minders, our mission is to create a dynamic, inclusive space for home-educated youth, with a particular focus on Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as young people with autism and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are committed to providing an environment where young people are empowered to thrive—a space where they can explore their passions, develop skills, and cultivate meaningful connections through regular meetups and engaging programmes.
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Recognising the strengths and unique needs of SEND teens, we prioritise mental well-being within all our programmes. By integrating emotional and mental health support, we enable young people to navigate the challenges of adolescence with resilience, confidence, and a sense of self-worth.
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Our mission also focuses on breaking down barriers to education and mental health support, making sure our services are accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances. We believe in the power of inclusivity, empowerment, and community. By offering a physically and emotionally safe space, we support young people in building confidence, overcoming challenges, and growing into independent, healthy individuals who can positively shape their futures.
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Empowerment Through Education and Mental Health Support
At Young Minders, we believe in the strengths of every young person, particularly those with SEND, and aim to nurture their growth through empowering educational opportunities and mental health support. Our programmes are designed to enhance their social skills, life skills, and emotional resilience, enabling them to approach the world with confidence and a sense of purpose. We celebrate their abilities and work to provide the tools and resources necessary for them to thrive in all aspects of life.
Building a Sense of Community
We are dedicated to fostering a strong, inclusive community where every young person feels a deep sense of belonging. By connecting teens, families, and local organisations, we create an environment that reduces isolation and promotes mutual support. We aim to cultivate solidarity and mental well-being through collaborative efforts, ensuring that all our members feel empowered and supported on their journeys.
Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility
Our approach centres on the belief that every young person, no matter their race, gender, or abilities, has the potential to contribute and engage meaningfully. We actively create spaces where all individuals are not only welcomed but valued, ensuring our programmes are both inclusive and accessible. We are committed to removing barriers and making sure that every young person can participate fully in our educational and mental health initiatives.
Supporting Families with SEND
At Young Minders, we recognise the strengths and challenges of families supporting SEND teens. We work closely with families to provide advice, resources, and mental health support tailored to their needs. Our goal is to offer guidance that bridges the gap between traditional educational models and the unique requirements of these families, ensuring they feel empowered, supported, and confident in their home education journey.
Nature-Centric Learning and Mental Health
We deeply believe in the healing and transformative power of nature. Our nature-based activities are designed to foster personal growth, life skills, and mental clarity, while simultaneously supporting mental health. Through experiential learning in the outdoors, we offer young people the opportunity to connect with the natural world, helping them build resilience and find balance in a safe, calming environment that nurtures their overall well-being.
Goals
Core Values
At the heart of Young Minders are the following values that guide our work;
Join Us​
Whether you're just beginning your home-educating journey or already on your way, we’re here to walk alongside you. At Young Minders, we celebrate each child’s unique journey and strengths, and we’re committed to supporting your family in reaching its full potential. Join us and become part of a community where your child's growth and success are celebrated, and together, we shape a brighter future.
Inclusivity
We are dedicated to creating an environment where every child’s unique strengths and abilities are recognised and celebrated. Our programmes are designed to empower home-educated children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), by offering opportunities that build on their individual talents and interests. We focus on providing support that enhances their confidence and sense of value, ensuring all children can thrive and succeed.
Integrity
We are committed to fostering trust and respect by handling all data with care and integrity. In line with our responsibility to protect privacy, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This means we take every measure to ensure that any personal information shared with us is securely stored and responsibly managed, empowering our community to feel confident in their interactions with us.
Collaboration
We believe in the strength of community and collaboration. By working together with local organisations, volunteers, and trustees, we enhance our collective impact and create more meaningful programmes. Our goal is to connect families, nurture strong community relationships, and ensure that your perspectives are valued and reflected in the services we provide, empowering everyone to contribute to the development of the support that best meets their needs.
Empowerment
We are here to empower your family and support children in creating their own paths to success. Through personalised learning programmes and mental health support, we provide the resources and opportunities that help build confidence and capability in navigating the home education journey. Our focus is on helping you grow, connect with others, and thrive as part of a supportive and engaged community.
Innovation
We celebrate the creativity and unique strengths of each child in our programmes. Our goal is to ensure every learning experience is engaging, enjoyable, and aligned with your child’s interests and needs. By listening to our community and adapting our approaches, we create opportunities that build on your child’s potential and support their growth, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.