Welcome to
Broadleaf
A consent-based, neurodivergent-affirming community offering creative, social and nature-based clubs for families not in school.
Changemaker of the Year 2025
Broadleaf is an award-winning, welcoming community hub in the heart of the New Forest, offering creative, social and nature-based programmes for children and young people outside mainstream school, alongside support and connection for their families.
Broadleaf in Summary:
Creative Clubs
Art, music, performance and collaborative projects where young people can explore creativity at their own pace.
Nature & Outdoor Time
Allotment sessions, nature art and outdoor exploration in the New Forest landscape.
Teen Community
Supportive spaces for teenagers to reconnect socially, creatively and emotionally.
Parent Community
A welcoming environment where parents build friendships and support one another.
Broadleaf in Numbers
220+ children and parents supported each week
120+ families currently part of the community
60+ families turned away from recent programmes due to demand
2010 supporting families for over 16 years
National Impact:
Broadleaf’s work has informed research and national conversations in Parliament about children outside mainstream school, as well as Home Education and Neurodivergence.
Interested in joining Broadleaf?
Most groups currently operate with waiting lists, but more clubs are always starting!
Complete our enquiry form or send an email - info@broadleaf.org.uk
Read our FAQs and when a space becomes available, we will be in touch.
Keep an eye on our social media to make sure you don’t miss any announcements!
A community for families not in school
Broadleaf is a community-led family hub in the New Forest where children, young people and their parents come together each week for creative, social and nature-based groups.
Today, more than 220 children, young people and parents take part in Broadleaf sessions every week. Our community has grown steadily through word of mouth as families discover a place where they feel safe, understood and able to belong.
Many families arrive at Broadleaf after difficult experiences with school, health challenges, or simply a sense that their child needs something different. Here they find others who understand.
Children come exactly as they are. Some are quiet observers, some are full of energy, and some need time and space to feel safe. Participation is always invited, never forced.
Parents and carers are part of the community too. Families stay together, build friendships, and support one another while children explore creativity, nature and connection at their own pace.
Over many years we have developed a careful, relational way of holding space that allows children and families to relax, connect and grow in confidence.
Broadleaf is not just a collection of activities, but is a community where belonging comes first.
We hold the space. Change follows.
“The opportunities you bring to Broadleaf are wonderful. I don't know how you find all of these things and then actually manifest them - you clearly have creative magic dust oozing from your being.”
- Mum of T
“Since my daughter has been a member of Broadleaf, she’s become happier, more outgoing, and more resourceful.”
— Mum of L
“I had to give you a hug as even though we haven’t met before today, your support and kindness at such a difficult time has been the most valuable thing. Thank you for welcoming us and helping us believe in kindness again.”
- Mum of E
“ I’ve felt like a weight lifted this week since finding you - thank you for being so kind.”
— Mum of H
“Thank you, from a very tired super mum. This last year was a turning point for us. You all have been so lovely and supportive and I'm so glad we found you. I think now we are on our way......finally.”
- Mum of T