Having worked with young people with a range of barriers to engagement within the education system, we have become acutely aware of the lack of provision for young people with Mental Health/Learning Difficulties who are no longer eligible for statutory funding. We plan to plug this gap in Suffolk. This cohort of young people are extremely vulnerable and at risk of becoming disengaged due to the current lack of relevant opportunities to progress and participate. We fear that if provisions are not in place, these young people are more likely to become a statistic of unemployment or hospitalisation or homelessness etc.

As teachers, we have been privileged to support the development of these learners and share in their successes and we are in a strong position to know that more can and deserves to be done. It is to this end that we are seeking funding.

The project will be delivered on the principles of the A.C.E acronym approach to wellbeing; Achieve, Connect, Enjoy. The intended outcomes are to help break the habit of isolation; meet anxiety and other mental health issues head on; create a face to face support network of peers for these young people and enable them to learn, practise and develop the tools and strategies needed to live an independent and fulfilling life.

Our approach is to treat each young person as an individual; to value their interests, experiences, abilities, insights and intelligence as well as identifying difficulties and barriers. This methodology puts no limits on individual capabilities and will allow these young people the same opportunities as their peers to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.