Alternative Provision

Empowering LGBTQ+ young people through inclusive support, informal education, and personal growth.

Safe, Inclusive Space: 

A supportive, non-judgmental environment where LGBTQ+ young people feel validated and respected. Our program fosters emotional well-being, confidence, and self-acceptance through key focus areas:

• Personal Development

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Resilience and Coping Skills

• Building Confidence

• Rights and Respect

• Employability and Life Skills

Tailored Support & Individualised Mentoring:​

At 2BU, we recognise that every LGBTQ+ young person’s journey is unique, and our support reflects this. We offer both one-to-one mentoring and group sessions, creating spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to navigate their experiences with confidence.

Our holistic, strengths-based approach promotes resilience, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being, helping young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Through meaningful conversations, self-reflection, and practical strategies, we equip young people with the tools to manage challenges related to identity, mental health, relationships, education, and personal development.

Each young person is carefully matched with a mentor whose experience, knowledge, and approach best align with their needs. This ensures a personalised, affirming support system where they can explore their identity, express themselves freely, and gain practical guidance in a non-judgmental environment. Our groups provide a sense of community and belonging, allowing young people to connect with others who share similar experiences. This helps combat isolation fosters mutual understanding, and builds a strong support network that continues beyond our sessions.

Our mentoring and tailored support help young people develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and build positive aspirations for the future, whether that’s returning to education, entering employment.

Bespoke Qualifications:​

At 2BU, we are committed to youth work principles that prioritise inclusion, empowerment, and personal development. Our alternative provision ensures that LGBTQ+ young people have access to flexible, accredited qualifications that support their individual learning journeys while fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

We offer opportunities to gain ASDAN, AQA, Arts Award, and Support Youth SEMH qualifications, providing young people with nationally recognised achievements that enhance their educational development, life skills, and future career prospects. These qualifications are delivered in an informal, youth-led environment that values the voices and experiences of young people, ensuring that learning is relevant, engaging, and accessible.

Guided by the principles of informal education and voluntary participation, our approach encourages young people to take ownership of their progress, develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and self-management, and build positive relationships that support their growth.

By embedding youth work values of equality, participation, and support, we create a safe and affirming space where we hope young people can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally helping them to navigate their next steps in education, training, and employment with confidence.

Collaborative Support: 

At 2BU, we recognise that a holistic approach is essential in supporting LGBTQ+ young people within alternative provision. We work closely with a network of local services, ensuring that young people can access additional support tailored to their individual needs. This includes mental health services, counselling, youth organisations, and specialist LGBTQ+ support networks.

We actively collaborate with schools and other education providers to create inclusive and affirming environments. When appropriate, we support young people in their transition back into mainstream education by providing advocacy, guidance, and practical strategies to help them navigate challenges and feel more confident in their learning environment.

Our strong relationships with schools in Somerset allow us to offer ongoing communication, ensuring that the support young people receive in our provision extends into their wider educational and personal development journey. By fostering these partnerships, we help create lasting, positive change in the way LGBTQ+ young people experience education and support services.

For more information on our alternative provision, please contact us.