THE VILLAGE MODEL - why and how it works

The village approach recognises that many caring, specialist charities do incredible work but are often spread out and working alone with no base or ‘home’ to work from. By bringing services together in one shared, supportive place, the Village reduces isolation and makes it easier for organisations to work collaboratively. It gives charities a permanent base, plus shared facilities and spaces to run events and activities from. Internal referrals to appropriate sources of support also makes the journey easier for parents and families, who no longer need to contact and navigate multiple, diverse services on their own. Instead, support is joined up, communication is stronger, and care is shaped around the whole person, offering real, holistic support in one safe and welcoming community.

“It’s time to think like a forest rather than a group of individual trees. That is the only way we will get the job done!”

Charities already working within a village model agree that working as part of a connected, team is far more effective than operating in isolation, allowing sharing of resources, spaces, knowledge, and experience while creating a stronger, more cohesive support network for themselves and those they support.

Community and Council Benefits

A SEND Village will offer wide-ranging benefits to the local community and to local councils, too. By bringing together schools, charities, and specialist services in one coordinated environment, it reduces pressure on mainstream education and social services, fills gaps in local SEND provision, and provides fairer access to tailored support. Facilities like a Life Skills Studio and Youth Hub give SEND young people ( who are often unable to attend traditional, similar provisions) opportunities to build practical skills, confidence, and independence, while also strengthening social connections and wellbeing.

Councils benefit from more efficient, joined-up services, closer community partnerships, and a visible, innovative model of inclusive education that supports children, families, and the wider local area.

Village facilities envisioned include:

The Village model brings education, health, and community services together around shared spaces and a shared purpose, so that families can access the support they need close to home.

For kids and teens: The village will provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can rediscover their confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning. Children will have access to small, supportive learning spaces and a wide variety of therapeutic activities that build resilience, and opportunities to connect with peers who understand and accept them. Every child will be encouraged to grow at their own pace, develop a sense of belonging, and find a pathway that celebrates their strengths and individuality.

For teens, we’ll run a Youth Hub where young people can connect, explore their interests, and build confidence in a safe suitable and supportive environment. Alongside this, our Life Skills Studio will offer practical, hands-on sessions that help teens develop essential skills for independence and future success.

For younger children: our Early Days Hub will offer gentle, play-based early intervention and assessment for toddlers and young children who may be showing signs of developmental, social, or communication differences. By working closely with families and professionals, we aim to identify needs early, provide tailored support, and nurture each child’s emerging strengths in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.

For parents and carers: the Community Village will be a place of understanding, connection, and relief. It will be a welcoming space where they can share experiences, access expert advice, receive practical help with forms, entitlements and legal aspects and take time to rest and recharge. Through weekly support groups, workshops, and wellbeing activities, parents and carers will be empowered to advocate for their children with confidence, knowing that they are part of a wider community that understands and stands alongside them.

It will also provide space to grab a coffee and a slice of cake in the community cafe, unwind in a calm space, visit our shop, catch up with a friend, or just enjoy a few quiet moments for yourself.

Bringing together a community to serve young people and their families.

Whether you’re looking for practical advice, a shoulder to lean on, or simply some well-earned downtime, the community village will be a haven for the whole family. Come as you are, and leave feeling stronger, supported and more connected.

With your support and help we can make the dream a reality