About us
We believe every young person can move forward
Bridge Forward Mentoring Ltd was founded by a qualified teacher with 12 years of experience in the classroom, who recognised that traditional education does not work for every child and young person. We were founded on a simple belief: every child and young person, whatever their challenges, deserves the right support to grow, learn and thrive. After 12 years working within education, our founder wanted to create something different — a service that could meet young people where they are, both literally and figuratively. Working across West Somerset, Bridge Forward provides a fully mobile service offering personalised mentoring, subject tutoring, forest school, outdoor learning and community-based activities. We take the time to understand each young person as an individual — their interests, strengths, challenges and aspirations — and use these as the foundation for meaningful learning and positive progress. We believe that learning doesn't always need to happen in a classroom. Sometimes, the right environment, the right relationship and the right approach can make all the difference. Because sometimes, moving forward starts with meeting someone exactly where they are.
Our story
Bridge Forward Mentoring was established to fill a gap that too many families know well — the space between a young person struggling and the right support actually reaching them. We saw children and young people falling through the cracks of mainstream education, not because they lacked potential, but because the system wasn't built around them.
We set out to do things differently. By taking our provision into the community — into parks, libraries, woodland, cafés and familiar local spaces — we remove the barriers that traditional settings can create. Our fully mobile service means we come to the young person, not the other way around.
Today we support children and young people aged 5 to 21 across West Somerset, working alongside families, schools, and local authorities to provide individually tailored programmes that make a real difference.
What we stand for
Our values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every session, every relationship, and every decision we make.
Every young person is an individual
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Every programme we design is built around the specific needs, interests and goals of the young person in front of us.
Relationships are at the heart of progress
Real change happens through trust. We invest time in building genuine, consistent relationships with every young person we work with — and with their families and support networks.
Learning belongs in the community
We believe the world is a classroom. By delivering provision in real community settings, we help young people connect their learning to real life and build confidence in the world around them.
We work together
We collaborate closely with schools, local authorities, families and other professionals. The best outcomes happen when everyone around a young person is working in the same direction.
At a glance
- Fully mobile — we come to you and provide transport for the young person
- Ages 5–21 supported
- West Somerset based
- Individually tailored programmes
- Close collaboration with families and schools
How we work
We are a fully mobile alternative provision service. We collect young people from home, school or college and deliver sessions in appropriate community settings across West Somerset — from libraries and cafés to parks, woodland and animal farms. Every programme is individually designed, regularly reviewed, and built around what works for each young person.
Want to find out more?
Whether you're a parent, carer, school or local authority, we'd love to have a conversation about how we can help.