Furness Nurture is rooted in the belief that young people thrive when they feel emotionally safe, respected, and able to influence their own journey. We recognise that SEMH difficulties and EBSA are not behavioural problems, but signs that a young person is overwhelmed, dysregulated or no longer able to meet the emotional demands around them. Our work begins with relationship, and sees connection, belonging, meaning and identity as the foundations of growth.
We take a relational, person-centred approach, drawing on Self Determination Theory to nurture autonomy, competence and relatedness. We listen deeply to young people, value their lived experience, and support them to make sense of their own story. Furness Nurture exists to help young people reconnect with themselves and move toward a future that feels safe, possible and meaningful.
Youth Mentoring
For young people struggling with SEMH needs, EBSA or broader individual needs, having a safe and trusted adult to connect with and offer support can make a meaningful difference. Furness Nurture provides 1:1 Youth Mentoring for young people aged 11 to 17 who need tailored, relational support to build confidence, wellbeing and connection.
We build trust slowly and collaboratively, creating a nurturing space where each young person feels safe, understood and able to express themselves without judgment. Sessions are creative, experiential and person-centred, using hands-on activities, where possible, and reflective conversation to support emotional regulation, confidence and social connection. Our approach is grounded in Self Determination Theory, prioritising autonomy, competence and relatedness.
Mentoring can be commissioned by parents, schools or Local Authority teams, including through EHCP routes. Outcomes are co-created with the young person and adapted as their needs and story evolve, helping them to understand themselves, their strengths and their future direction.
EBSA: Voice of the Child
EBSA: Voice of the Child offers young people an opportunity to work with a safe neutral third party - someone who is neither school nor family - to explore and make sense of their educational story so far. We gently support young people to reflect on their journey, recognising key moments, strengths, difficulties, and significant experiences that have shaped how they feel about education today.
Using a range of EBSA tools, we help identify the challenges and barriers that have affected a young person’s ability to access school, while also highlighting their strengths and aspirations. These insights are included in the final summary to ensure that the young person’s needs and experiences are clearly understood.
Voice of the Child (VOC) is not mentoring; it is a structured, reflective narrative intervention with a clearly defined outcome.
The final VOC summary helps adults and professionals understand the young person’s perspective more accurately and can be used to guide decisions around school, provision, support planning, and EHCP processes, ensuring that the young person’s voice remains central.
EBSA Parent and Carer Consultation
We offer supportive, one-to-one consultations for parents and carers of children and young people experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance.
During a 90-minute phone or online consultation, we provide a safe and confidential space for you to share your child’s story and your family’s journey. Many parents reach this point feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure how to navigate schools, services, and systems. This session is centred on careful listening, making sense of what is happening, and helping you gain clarity and direction.
Together, we explore your child’s underlying needs, which may include SEND, anxiety, or broader emotional wellbeing needs, and consider what meaningful support could look like. You will receive tailored guidance on working with school and the local authority, understanding NHS pathways, and accessing relevant charities or independent services.
Following the consultation, you will receive a written summary of the discussion, including key reflections, suggested next steps, links to services and resources, and further reading, giving you clarity and a practical way forward.