The Steps Forward Programme is a targeted outreach and mentoring intervention for young people experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, low confidence, and barriers to engaging in mainstream education.
The programme focuses on rebuilding emotional wellbeing, developing positive coping strategies, and re-engaging young people with learning, structure, and community life.
Course Modules
Programme Structure Duration: 6–8 weeks (flexible depending on need)
Delivery: 2 sessions per week
Format: Group sessions + 1:1 mentoring support Approach: Outreach, trauma-informed, youth-led
Course Modules / Units
Module 1: Introduction, Trust & Engagement Building relationships and trust Baseline wellbeing check-in Setting personal goals Creating a safe group environment
Module 2: Understanding Anxiety & Emotional Wellbeing What is anxiety? Identifying triggers Coping strategies and grounding techniques Emotional awareness activities
Module 3: Confidence & Self-Esteem Building Positive self-image Strength spotting and achievements Challenging negative thinking Confidence-building tasks
Module 4: Communication & Social Skills Building positive relationships Teamwork activities Communication skills development Managing conflict and peer interaction
Module 5: Healthy Lifestyles & Physical Wellbeing (Sport Integration) Sports and physical activity sessions Stress relief through movement Team games and cooperation Healthy routines and lifestyle choices
Module 6: Resilience, Goals & Future Pathways Coping with setbacks Goal setting and action planning Exploring education, training, and opportunities Reflection and progression planning
Awarding Body
N/A
Student Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme, young people will demonstrate measurable improvements in wellbeing, engagement, and personal development, including: Reduced levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional distress, evidenced through self-reporting and staff observation Improved emotional regulation, with young people able to identify triggers and independently use coping strategies Increased self-esteem and self-confidence, demonstrated through greater participation in group activities and willingness to engage Improved resilience, with young people showing increased ability to manage setbacks and challenges positively Increased engagement and attendance in sessions, reflecting improved motivation and routine Improved communication and social interaction skills, including positive peer relationships and teamwork Reduced social isolation and increased sense of belonging within a safe and supportive environment Improved physical wellbeing through consistent participation in structured sports and physical activity Increased aspiration and motivation towards education, training, or employment pathways Clear progression outcomes for some participants, including reintegration into education, training, or alternative provision Improved ability to set personal goals and take positive steps towards achieving them
Key Stage course delivered to
KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5
Admissions Criteria
Referrals from schools, family Practitioners, Social workers,
Staff Experience
Fresh Pathways Provision is delivered by experienced practitioners with a strong background in youth work, wellbeing support, and physical activity. Our staff are highly skilled in working with young people facing complex barriers including anxiety, low self-esteem, school avoidance, and social isolation. Our team is trained in a trauma-informed approach, ensuring all interactions are delivered with empathy, consistency, and an understanding of how adverse experiences can impact behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement. We prioritise creating safe, trusting relationships that support young people to feel secure and valued. We also have qualified staff with personal training and sports coaching experience, enabling us to deliver structured physical activity sessions that promote both physical and mental wellbeing. Sport is used as a positive tool to build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and emotional resilience. All staff undertake extensive safeguarding training, including child protection, safeguarding young people at risk, and safer working practices. A designated safeguarding lead is in place to oversee all concerns and ensure best practice is consistently applied. Our team also has experience supporting young people with low self-esteem, neurodivergent needs, and additional emotional or behavioural challenges, adapting delivery to meet individual learning styles and needs. This includes flexible communication approaches, structured routines, and personalised support strategies.
Overall, our staff combine professional training with practical experience to deliver safe, inclusive, and effective support that helps young people improve wellbeing, build confidence, and achieve positive outcomes
Delivery Area
Home, Schools, Family Hubs
Programme length
6-12 weeks
Transport Provided
No
Days Of Delivery
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday
Times of Delivery
9am -3pm
Well-being assessment tools
SDQ
Staff Ratio
1:1 1:2 1:3 Small groups
Cost of Course
£55 per hour per student. £170 per Day, per student
