Our Programmes
Alternative education in Cornwall
We support children and young people with social, emotional and learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities, which may present as behavioural challenges. We also support those with mental ill health and other impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences. For many, these challenges are exacerbated by poverty and geographical/social isolation.
Through trauma-informed outdoor youth work, we help them identify and overcome barriers, build resilience, discover strengths and new passions, develop skills and build positive relationships. Fun is central!
Whether you’re a parent/guardian, teacher, CAMHS/social worker or any other referrer, we’d love to help!
Just as trees need good conditions to flourish (being an outdoorsy bunch we would use that analogy!), we believe the same to be true for the young people at BF. Here are some of the amazing outcomes we see in those we work with, along with our values and activities which help facilitate them in unlocking their potential…
The Canopy
The leaves represent the changes we see in the young people we support: improved confidence, health and wellbeing and communication skills, plus a sense of empowerment and positive relationships. Young people we work with rediscover a love for learning and develop interests in positive social and environmental change. They also demonstrate improved educational attendance and are better equipped to give back to society.
The Trunk
This represents what we do to facilitate positive outcomes for young people. Our staff build trusted relationships that empower them to explore and stretch their comfort zones, using our activities as the vehicle for growth. Our Challenge by Choice model ensures that each young person has autonomy over what their provision looks like, giving them a voice in their development and helping them exceed their own expectations. We help them transfer their learning into their everyday lives/educational settings. Comprehensive safeguarding and risk management underpins all we do, ensuring a safe, supportive environment.
The Soil
The soil represents our foundational values and the environment we create. We have a highly skilled team of specialists in outdoor education, youth work and trauma informed practice. We provide 65 acres of outdoor adventures at our Goodygrane site near Penryn: watersports, climbing, archery, Via Ferrata, Zip-lining, bushcraft…and lots more! At Nine Ashes near Bodmin we offer a beautiful, secluded woodland, perfect for den-building and bush craft, and a range of problem solving, sporting and team building activities.
Our skills for life programmes
Learn Differently
Alternative education provision for 5-16 year olds. Bespoke programmes tailored to individual needs
Head Out
Early intervention programme for 12-16 year olds with mental ill-health. Group days combining outdoor activities and workshops
Access to adventure
Fully inclusive activities for children, adults and families with physical disabilities. 1:1 or group activity sessions
Get a feel for our service
To help portray our service, we’ve created an example of a typical experience of provision at its start, middle and end point…
See some real case studies!
We are privileged to see so many children and young people make genuine breakthroughs. Check out some of their stories!
100%
of feedback responders would recommend our services
1,039
children & Young People accessed one of our Skills for Life programmes last year
4.3/5
average referrer score: rise in their Young Person’s wellbeing, confidence & empowerment
9,803
hours of term-time support provided on our Learn Differently programme
Check out our annual Social Impact Reports and read the stories of the amazing children and young people we have the privilege of supporting…
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Safeguarding taken seriously…
Safeguarding is our top priority. It’s central to everything we do. Our staff are thoroughly DBS checked – read our policy for more information.