A mentoring programme for young people in Shropshire & the Marches
The Life Shed is a tried and tested mentoring programme for young people who find the school environment challenging. We provide a space where children and teenagers who struggle to engage and achieve can find support from experienced, professional mentors who are skilled at managing behaviour, building positive relationships and enabling social and emotional development.
Our aim is to help young people grow in confidence, independence and self-belief so that they can become the best that they can be in a truly holistic sense.
We offer bespoke Emotional Regulation Mentoring Programmes (ERMP) at the Life Shed facility in Shrewsbury, in school and through a range of outdoor activities designed to best meet each student’s needs.
Our emotional regulation programme provides…
One to One Mentoring Sessions
Our one to one mentoring sessions are designed to help build trust, emotional resilience and social skills, so that the young people in our care can fulfil their potential.
Group Mentoring Sessions
New! For young people who feel able to join a small group, these sessions will build inter-personal skills, encourage listening and empathy, build confidence and create a sense of belonging and teamwork.
Emotional & Social Development
All our programmes are designed to foster both social and emotional development through a bespoke activites plan undertaken with an experienced mentor.
Physical Activities
Exercise & Fitness, Paddle Boarding, Canoeing, Fossil Hunting, Walking/Hiking and many more.
Skills programs
Participation in a range of programme’s including AQA Unit Award Scheme, Barclays Life Skills and The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme.
Educational Support
Support with Functional skills, GCSE Maths and English, First AID and Sports Leaders level 1& 2.
Plans & Reports
To ensure student progress, we develop a bespoke Behaviour Management Strategy and an Incentive Plan for each young person on enrolment using parental & organisational feedback questionnaires and the Good Childhood Index (The Children’s Society, 2010) to measure mental wellbeing impact. Daily Session Reports and Student Profiles are also provided.
Regular Reviews
Regular student assessments are carried out to ensure good progress is being made across a range of targets. Each student’s Review Document records evidence of achievement.
A proven way to solve long-standing problems
We are behaviour management specialists, fully qualified in the PRICE method. We use positive approaches to challenging behaviours, using de-escalation and diversion tactics to avoid confrontation and foster self-management of difficult emotions.
Tried and tested for positive results with a wide range of young people and in a variety of settings, our integrative and bespoke approach combines outdoor education, sport and life-skills with clear behavioural boundaries, positive role modelling and a consistently caring approach.
We offer support for
→ Young people of Primary and Secondary age.
→ Mainstream students who find school challenging
→ Those who have a SEND, EHCP or a looked-after child status.
Term time sessions
These run in accordance with Shropshire Council Term Dates.
Morning – 09.00 » 12.00
Afternoons – 13.00 » 16.00
Full Day – 10.00 » 15.00
Holiday periods
Holiday respite and outreach as required
Forest Camps
OUR E-Bud transition scheme
We understand that significant changes in young people’s lives can be worrying, unsettling and challenging. As part of our aim to positively impact and support young people, we provide an educational transition buddy scheme.
The foundation of our E-Bud scheme is the provision of a mentor to ensure that educational or employment transitions run as smoothly and effectively as possible. A consistent figure providing support and guidance can significantly ease the anxieties and the vulnerabilities experienced by young people during periods of change.
How it works:
Mentors work with the young person during the final half-term before the transition, either in their educational setting, or at Life Shed, getting to know them and building trust.
Further support over the summer holiday period can be included in preparation for the move to the new environment if required. Mentors then join the young person for the first crucial weeks in the new setting, or as long as they need support.
Primary » Secondary | Secondary » College | College » Apprenticeship
Life Shed Forest School & Bushcraft Skills
Life Shed Forest School & Bushcraft takes place in our exclusive 30+ acre woodland. Our woodland provides a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore the wild whilst learning about nature, bushcraft skills and personally developing all at the same time.
Our team of specialist facilitators are fully trained forest school leaders, bushcraft experts and experienced youth mentors.
Our Woodland site is available for hire – contact us for more information.
Life Shed Forest Camps
Holiday activities for children aged 8+
Our new Forest Camp near Shrewsbury is now open.
This exciting new aspect to our work at Life Shed is run by our fully trained and highly experienced forest school leaders – all skilled in using the great outdoors to bring out the best in young people.
Our camps provide a safe and supportive environment for children to explore the wild and at the same time learn new things about themselves.
More information can be found on our sister site Life Shed Camps.
Our Mentors
Our diverse team of professional mentors bring a wide range of skills and personal qualities to the Life Shed.
After considering the individual needs of each young person, we pair them with the most suitable mentor.
Our mentors use their experience and knowledge to create a space in which the young person can feel safe, comfortable and supported.
The mentor becomes a consistently positive figure in the life of the young person, supporting their growth and development throughout their time with the Life Shed.
Life Shed director, Craig Farr has over 15 years experience mentoring young people and managing challenging behaviour in a range of settings.
Testimonials
Embrace Group Director
We have worked successfully with the Life Shed on many mentoring projects. Their commitment & passion towards the young people is infectious
Simon Evitts
Care Home Manager
The bespoke mentoring built around the young people has made it a positive success. The child-centred approach is a refreshing change to one size fits all.
B. Harvey
Shropshire teacher
It’s clear to see the commitment the Life Shed has to its young people. Their professional consistent individual approach is perfect for those young people in need of extra personalised support.
Parent
My son was struggling in school but after spending some time with Craig his confidence & focus grew which positively impacted his school work. I can’t thank him enough.
Sarah (parent)
This service is just brilliant, I’m so happy we have found you! Hearing what you and G got up to and how you clearly understand her needs from the offset has brought me to tears. I can’t thank you enough, and this is only day 2!
Parent
Our son found the school environment very challenging . With patience and perseverance, Craig built up a good rapport with our son , showing him he is capable of achieving . This has greatly improved our sons general well- being, self esteem and confidence.
Where to find us
The Life Shed
Unit 5–6, The Stables,
Sansaw Business Park, Hadnall,
Shrewsbury, SY4 4AS
VAT registration number 392272191
Contact us
Craig Farr, Life Shed director: 07368 88 3534
craig@lifeshed.co.uk
Chloe Walker, Services Manager: 07359432633
admin@lifeshed.co.uk
We’re proud to be working with:
