In helping young people find solutions in their current situations, they are able to transfer their new way of thinking and problem-solving skills. We also seek to help them gain practical skills in order to deal with the complexity of independent living, and this is linked to our aspirations that they can engage with the concept of learning to live sustainably.
Young people are often discriminated against. Our work empowers the voice of the young person and helps raise their confidence and self-esteem which leads to a more proactive solution-focussed approach to life.

Our work is often focused on young people who are socially and community isolated – we do include care leavers. Our work includes mentoring and coaching that enables participation in their community, either individually, group based or through joining in workshops.

We offer coaching online, or in person for those with transport access if preferred, on a weekly basis of a minimum of 5 sessions for each young person. For some young people the sessions maybe increased up to 8 sessions on average, depending on individual need.

We run a variety of workshops throughout the year at the farm, run mainly by volunteers and they include, music sessions, football, crafts, planting and growing vegetables and flowers, sustainable living and well-being. These activities are based at our 52 acre farm in Knockholt, where young people can benefit from the tranquil atmosphere, and contact with the abundant wildlife.

In the last year to date we have worked with 50 young people, one-to-one and in workshops.

Following the Pandemic The Layberry Foundation worked in Partnership with the Sevenoaks District Council, establishing a mentoring project for young people within the District. In 2023 we were awarded the Youth Group of the Year for our service to young people. We are skilled and vastly experienced in direct work with young people. Our coaching methods are unique.

Coaching can reduce stress and anxiety by helping young people to understand the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Introducing practical tools and frameworks to manage emotional overwhelm, reframe unhelpful thinking and take small, meaningful steps forward.

Outcomes and positive changes observed: Increased self-awareness in recognising patterns and becoming more reflective. Improved emotional regulation, using breathing techniques and learning how to shift unhelpful thoughts. Greater emotional resilience, able to handle setbacks without spiralling into helplessness. More confidence in social settings, re-engaging with school, college and peer groups. Better decision-making skills, taking ownership of small steps towards longer term goals. Stronger sense of planning, recognising ‘I have a choice’ and acting from that place. Shift from blame and passivity to responsibility and intentional action.

• We have helped a young person to re attend school and to become more socially confident within their peer group.
• We have assisted 2 Ukrainian Refugees into University.
• We have helped with CV compilation to assist with identifying appropriate employment opportunities and achieving a successful outcome.
• We have raised self-esteem and confidence with those whose mental health was negative in how they value themselves, to a more mindful way of feeling positive and more able to move forward.

To empower and enable young people to improve their life chances.
To encourage goal setting with job, college and university applications.
To aid confidence and self-esteem to overcome social anxiety.
To improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people through contact with the natural environment.

Feedback from a professional:

• I work with children and young people in Swanley.
• I have referred to the Layberry foundation many times as they offer an amazing service to you children and young people,  many  who are suffering with their mental health. I have referred to the mentoring scheme and they have really helped. I have had fantastic feedback from parents who have been extremely worried about their children, and the results have been fantastic with all of those that I have referred to the service.
• I cannot express how valuable this service is to children and young people.