About Horizon Leaders
A youth services and personal development organisation based in Bournemouth and Ferndown, working with young people aged 8–25.
Our Mission
To empower young people to realise their potential through high-quality mentoring, structured personal development programmes and meaningful community engagement. We work with young people who face barriers to opportunity — whether through social isolation, educational disengagement, disadvantage or difficult life circumstances — and connect them with trained, trusted adults who walk alongside them.
Our Values
- Young people first — their voices, choices and safety guide everything we do
- Relationships matter — lasting change happens through trust, consistency and care
- Equity and inclusion — we actively reach communities who face the greatest barriers
- Evidence-led practice — we measure what we do and learn from what we find
- Collaboration — we work in genuine partnership with families, schools and communities
Our Programmes
Three strands of support designed around what young people tell us they need.
One-to-One Mentoring
Young people are matched with a trained, DBS-checked mentor who meets them regularly over 6–12 months. Together they set goals, build confidence and work through challenges.
- Carefully matched mentoring pairs
- Regular supervised sessions
- Goal-setting and progress tracking
- Support for wellbeing, education and employment
Workshops & Skills
Group sessions covering identity, emotional intelligence, leadership, digital citizenship, rights and transitions — delivered in schools, community settings and online.
- Six structured workshop programmes
- Interactive, young-person-led sessions
- Accredited outcomes where possible
- Flexible delivery in your setting
Community Engagement
Activities that connect young people to their communities — social action projects, volunteering, cultural events and peer leadership opportunities.
- Youth-led social action projects
- Volunteering and work experience
- Peer ambassador programme
- Partnerships with local organisations
Our Impact
We measure what matters — and share what we find. These figures are targets for our first year of operation.
Figures in brackets are projected targets. Actual impact data will be published following our first year of operation, in line with our Impact Measurement Plan.
We track outcomes across seven domains: emotional wellbeing, resilience and coping, self-esteem and identity, skills and aspirations, social connections, community participation, and positive engagement in education, employment or training. Our full Programme Outcomes Framework and Theory of Change are available on request.
Who We Work With
Whether you're a young person, a parent or carer, or a professional looking to refer — we're here to help.
For Young People
Horizon Leaders is for you if you're aged 8–25 and living in Bournemouth and Ferndown. You don't need to be referred by anyone — you can get in touch yourself. Our programmes are free, voluntary and confidential (within safeguarding limits).
You might find us helpful if you:
- Want someone to talk to who isn't a teacher or a family member
- Are going through a tough time and need some extra support
- Want to build confidence, set goals or work out your next steps
- Feel disconnected from school, college or your community
- Want to meet other young people and try something new
Your rights: You have the right to be treated with respect, to have your views listened to, to know what information we hold about you, and to end your involvement at any time. We follow the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
For Parents and Carers
We understand that trusting someone else with your child's wellbeing is a big step. Here's what you can expect from us:
- All mentors are DBS-checked (Enhanced with Barred List), trained and supervised
- Your written consent is required before your child takes part
- Sessions take place in safe, approved venues — never in private homes
- You will receive regular updates on your child's engagement and progress
- Our safeguarding procedures meet the standards set by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Safeguarding Children Partnership
- There is no cost to your family
If you'd like to find out more or discuss whether our programmes are right for your child, please get in touch. We're happy to meet you before anything starts.
For Professionals
We accept referrals from teachers, social workers, youth workers, health professionals, police, housing officers and other practitioners. We also welcome self-referrals from young people and their families.
- Straightforward referral process — contact us or request our referral form
- Assessment of need completed collaboratively with the young person
- Careful matching based on needs, interests and availability
- Regular progress updates shared with referring professionals (with consent)
- We complement rather than duplicate statutory provision
- We can attend multi-agency meetings and contribute to early help plans
To make a referral: Contact us using the details below, or email [referrals@horizonleaders.org.uk] requesting a referral form. We aim to acknowledge referrals within 2 working days.
Safeguarding
Horizon Leaders is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We take our duty of care seriously and expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Lonelyman Ngwenya, Managing Director
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: [Name], [Role]
If you have a concern about a child or young person's safety, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately at [safeguarding@horizonleaders.org.uk] or phone 07770169033.
In an emergency where a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
Our safeguarding arrangements are informed by:
- Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest edition)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest edition)
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures
Our full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on request. All staff and volunteers undergo Enhanced DBS checks with Barred List, receive safeguarding training before commencing their role and complete annual refresher training.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the young people we work with.
Become a Mentor
Commit a few hours a week to make a lasting difference. Full training, supervision and expenses provided.
Express InterestDonate
Your donations fund mentoring sessions, training and programme materials. Gift Aid increases your impact by 25%.
Find Out MorePartner With Us
Schools, businesses and community organisations — let's work together to support young people locally.
Start a ConversationVolunteer
Help at events, support workshops or share a professional skill. Flexible commitment, real impact.
Get StartedContact Us
We'd love to hear from you — whether you're a young person, a family member or a professional.
Get in Touch
[info@horizonleaders.org.uk]
07770169033
Flat 5, 32 Church Road
Ferndown, BH22 9EU
United Kingdom
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Evening and weekend sessions may be available by arrangement