Alternative Provision at 2BU

A place to belong, be yourself and find your way forward

Sometimes school or college just isn’t working for a young person.

At 2BU, our alternative provision gives LGBTQ+ young people a welcoming space where they can take a breath, be themselves and have the time and support they need to move forward.

We know that every young person is different. Some may be struggling with their mental health, relationships, confidence or identity. Others may feel isolated, overwhelmed or unsure about what comes next.

Whatever brings a young person to us, we start by listening to what they need, what matters to them and what they want to achieve.

A safe space to be yourself

Being accepted for who you are can make a huge difference.

At 2BU, young people are welcomed without judgement. They can talk, connect with others, try new things, or simply spend time somewhere they feel understood.

Our support can include:

• Building confidence and self-esteem

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Developing resilience and coping strategies

• Exploring identity and self-acceptance

• Relationships, rights and respect

• Communication and social skills

• Developing independence and life skills

• Thinking about hopes and goals

There’s no expectation that a young person has everything worked out. We meet them where they are and work at their pace.

Support that’s personal to you

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach at 2BU.

Some young people want someone they can talk to. Others might need practical help with something they’re finding difficult, or someone alongside them while they work through challenges.

Young people can access one-to-one support as well as group sessions, giving them opportunities to build trusted relationships, develop their strengths and connect with other LGBTQ+ young people.

Building confidence for whatever comes next

We want young people to feel more confident in themselves and have a stronger sense of what they want for their future.

That might mean becoming more comfortable with who they are, making new friends, managing difficult situations, improving their wellbeing or beginning to think about education, training or employment.

For some young people, we can also provide opportunities to work towards flexible AQA qualifications alongside their personal development and support.

You don’t have to do it alone

Sometimes young people need more support than one organisation can provide.

Where appropriate, we work alongside other services, including counselling, mental health services and youth organisations.

We can also work with schools, colleges and other professionals around a young person when this is helpful and with the young person’s involvement and consent.

Our aim is to make sure young people have the right people around them and don’t have to navigate difficult times on their own.

A place to belong

At the heart of 2BU is a simple idea:

You deserve to feel safe, accepted and able to be yourself.

Our alternative provision is a space where LGBTQ+ young people can build on their strengths, make connections and take steps towards a future that feels right for them.

It’s OK 2BU here!

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