At Strides we offer a trauma-informed approach to mentoring young people of all ages and backgrounds.

We offer academic, mental health and therapeutic support through our experienced team that includes a secondary school English teacher, a CAMHS Mental Health Nurse and an IT specialist. We also include PSHE and Careers as part of our personalised curriculum and a range of qualifications including: the AQA Unit Awards Scheme and ASDAN Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications.

We offer equine facilitated learning and equine therapy as part of our provision and there is the opportunity for one-to-one therapeutic sessions on an individual basis.

Our purpose is to work alongside young people, helping them to rediscover a love for learning. We want them to return to school, transition to college, find employment, discover who they are and what they want to be.

Our premises are in a field near Stroud, surrounded by countryside, animals and nature. Our classroom is creative. Our classroom is everywhere.

Helping young people
to make and take strides

Vision

  • We want Strides to be recognised, within the local community and beyond, for its therapeutic approach to learning.
  • We want Strides to be a place where young people want to go for support; a place where they feel safe and inspired to grow.
  • We want Strides to have a proven track record of helping young people to transition back to school or into adulthood, equipped with the necessary skills and values that will help them lead meaningful lives.

Mission

Our mission is to empower young people to build resilience and self-belief by bridging the gap between their mental health needs and academic goals. Through personalised, therapeutic and academic mentorship, we equip them with the skills to successfully navigate their return to education and beyond.

Values

  • We want Strides to be a place of growth, hope and balance.
  • We recognise that to achieve this we must promote a sense of belonging, help to establish meaningful connections and ensure that everyone feels safe.
  • We will do this through collaboration and understanding. Our ethos is to approach young people with compassion, curiosity, understanding and respect.