How can we help?
Support young people entering work
Opening Doors : Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Programme.
Build more inclusive workplaces
Practical support for neurodiversity, SEND, disability and different ways of thinking and working.
Strengthen connection and belonging
Strengthen connection and belonging
Workshops that help teams understand stress, regulation, communication and psychological safety.
I'm Brenda, a former teacher and SEND and inclusion specialist with over 20 years' experience across education, including five years as a Local Authority advisory teacher.
I now bring that experience into workplaces, helping organisations understand how inclusion, connection, regulation and the environment affect the way people work and thrive.
My approach combines practical workplace experience with neuroscience-informed practice, turning complex ideas into strategies people can actually use.
20+ years education & SEND experience | 5 years Local Authority advisory experience | Neuroscience-informed | Practical & evidence-informed
Focus, Calm and Connections
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Development Programme
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Development Programme
Practical Neuroscience for Higher Performing Teams and Communities (90/120 mins)
- Make your business/organisation a 'Brain-Smart environment' in a practical/science informed session.
- Accessible neuroscience to help staff understand stress responses and attention levels, and strengthen communication and relationships.
- Embed simple, habits that support focus, safety, and wellbeing, reduce workplace stress, improve performance.
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Development Programme
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Development Programme
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Development Programme
Coming soon!
Opening Doors, Building Better Mentors. Creating Better Futures
- Equip your team to confidently support young people aged 16–25 as they transition from education into the workplace.
- Develop practical mentoring skills using relational, solution-focused practices that build confidence, belonging and success.
- Make a lasting difference to future talent and social mobility by creating positive workplace experiences that help young people thrive.
CPD Accredited | 9 Hours | Designed for employers, supervisors, managers and workplace mentors.
The Inclusive Workplace
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Development Programme
The Inclusive Workplace
Practical, Tiered Support for Neurodiversity & Additional Needs in the Workplace
- Better support neurodivergent and disabled employees
- Equip managers to respond appropriately and confidently
- Reduce absence and performance issues linked to unmet needs
- Ensure compliance with equality legislation
- Build an inclusive and psychologically safe culture
Start Where you are!
Free 30-minute conversation
Not sure what your organisation needs?
We'll talk through your priorities, challenges and people, and identify where you could make the biggest difference.
Explore
Practical workshops
Short, focused sessions designed around real workplace challenges
Focus, Calm & Connection
Understanding stress, regulation and connection at work.
Understanding Neurodiversity at Work
Building confidence in supporting different ways of thinking, communicating and working.
Inclusive Management
Practical strategies for managers supporting diverse teams.
Supporting Young People Into Work
Helping managers create positive first workplace experiences.
Develop
Opening Doors
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion Programme
For employers who recruit, host or want to support young people aged 16–25.
A CPD-accredited programme helping managers and workplace mentors understand how to build confidence, connection and belonging for young people entering work.
For: Workplace mentors, supervisors, team leaders, placement providers and managers supporting young people entering employment.
Transform
Transform
TRANSFORM
Organisational inclusion & consultancy
For organisations looking beyond individual training and wanting to strengthen their systems and culture.
We can support with:
- inclusion reviews and diagnostics
- manager development
- neurodiversity and SEND-informed practice
- reasonable adjustments
- policy and process
- inclusive workplace development
- complex case consultation
- implementation support
Helping young people belong, contribute and thrive at work
Every young person deserves more than an opportunity, they deserve a workplace where they feel welcomed, valued and supported to grow. Opening Doors is a progressive programme that helps employers develop confident mentors, inclusive workplaces and lasting connections with their local community.
Stage 1 Discover
Available Now!
90-Minute CPD Workshop - Helping Young People Belong at Work
Designed for employers, managers and employer engagement teams, this practical and interactive masterclass introduces the principles of relational mentoring, belonging and co-regulation. Through discussion, reflection and workplace case studies, participants leave with practical strategies they can use immediately.
Discover practical, relational strategies for welcoming young people into work.
Stage 2 Develop
Launching soon
Workplace Mentor & Youth Champion 9-Hour CPD Accredited Programme
A deeper professional development programme for organisations committed to supporting young people aged 16–25. Participants develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to become Workplace Mentors and Youth Champions, with a strong emphasis on relational practice, safeguarding, SEND-informed approaches and reflective learning.
Develop workplace mentors and youth champions through deeper practice.
Stage 3 Connect
Coming soon
Opening Doors Champions Network, Hosted by Formative Connections CIC
Training is only the beginning. Our Derby-based Champions Network will bring together employers, charities, education and community partners to share good practice, continue professional development and create better pathways for young people entering employment. Members will become part of a growing movement committed to opening doors across our region.
Connect with local employers, charities, non-profits and education to keep learning together.
Opening Doors - Workplace Discussions
Opening Doors is a conversation series from Forming Connections, exploring how employers, charities and educators create inclusive workplaces and better futures for young people.
Join our host Joe as he chats with both employers and young people that are just starting out in the workplace.