Life Lab

COMING SOON

FUTURE MAKERS 2

Future Makers 2 is part of the Havenswood Life Lab programme and is the follow up to the Future Makers Level 1 course. It is a 12-week, strengths-based course designed to support neurodivergent young people aged 16–19 as they prepare for work and adult life. It is intended for young people who are academically capable but may be at risk of poor post-16 outcomes due to anxiety, unmet SEND needs, school avoidance, or a lack of appropriate support. No EHCP is needed to attend the course.

Building on the foundations developed in the Future Makers 1 programme, the course helps participants grow in confidence, develop practical life and work skills, and explore their future pathways. Young people who complete both Future Makers 1 and Future Makers 2 will be awarded the Havenswood Life Lab Future Pathways Diploma.

The programme responds directly to the growing gap between education and adulthood for neurodivergent teenagers and aligns with the government’s “Youth Matters” national youth  strategy. Many young people exit their teens without the practical skills, confidence, self-advocacy tools or supported experiences needed to move successfully into further education, employment, apprenticeship or independent living. This often leads to isolation, mental health decline, and long-term economic inactivity. This problem is exacerbated within the SEND community.

Havenswood Life Lab will provide a structured, small-group programme delivered in a calm, sensory-aware environment. Over 12 weeks, participants will develop practical life skills, money confidence, employment or further education readiness, self-advocacy, emotional regulation strategies and community navigation skills. The programme will combine real-world practice (e.g. budgeting, cooking, travel training, mock interviews) with identity-affirming work that helps young people understand their strengths, needs and rights.

The model is relational and neurodivergent affirming. Sessions are capped at 8 participants to ensure safety, a comfortable environment for SEND teens and individual attention. Each young person will create a personalised “Next Chapter Plan” outlining realistic steps for the following 6–18 months, alongside identified supports and adjustments.

*To help us shape and plan upcoming sessions, please complete the expression of interest form below if you would like your child or teen to be considered for a place on this course.

A Community-Led Initiative

We are committed to keeping our sessions accessible and inclusive. However, as an independent charity, we rely on fundraising and community support to make these programmes possible. Without ongoing financial support, we simply cannot provide the range of services our families need. If you are in a position to contribute - whether through fundraising, a regular monthly donation, or offering practical help - we would be incredibly grateful. Together, we can secure a stable future for this essential provision.

Expression of Interest Form