Welcome to
Broadleaf
Supporting children. Connecting families. Changing lives.
Broadleaf is an award-winning, neurodivergent-led family hub in the heart of the New Forest, where children, young people and their families find long-term support, trusted relationships and community.
Changemaker of the Year
What is Broadleaf?
Broadleaf is a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-led family hub rooted in community, connection and belonging.
Through creative programmes, nature-based experiences, specialist teen groups, parent support and partnerships with wider organisations, we create long-term, relationship-based spaces where families can rebuild connection and thrive together.
What We Do:
Each week, we offer creative, social and nature-based programmes where children, young people and their families can build relationships, find support and become part of a trusted community.
We also work alongside health services, local organisations and other partners to help families connect with wider opportunities and support.
Broadleaf is a small space, holding a large and long-standing community.
Trusted relationships
Consistent, small-group environments where trust and belonging grow over timeWhole-family support
Parents remain part of the journey, building safety alongside their childConnection to services
A bridge to health support, research, opportunities and wider systems
Why We Are Needed
When children and young people are educated outside school, whether by choice or because school is no longer accessible, families can lose access to the communities, opportunities and support networks that hold everyday life together.
Broadleaf exists to ensure that choosing, or needing, a different path does not mean losing connection and belonging.
Broadleaf exists to rebuild those connections.
How Are We Different?
We are not a school. We are not a short-term intervention or a service - we are a living community of parents, building relationships over not just weeks, but over years and generations.
Broadleaf is a community hub for all ages, with something for everyone.
Find out more here:
WHAT HAPPENS AT BROADLEAF?
Our weekly programme takes shape through a range of connected projects, all grounded in the Broadleaf Approach:
Creative spaces
Art, music and performance used as vehicles for expression, confidence and connection
Family expertise & guidance
Drawing on decades of experience to support families navigating life beyond school
Nature-based provision
Outdoor experiences that support wellbeing, creativity and connection to place
Parent community
A welcoming space where relationships and peer support grow over time
Research & policy work
Ensuring lived experience informs wider systems and future provision
Teen community
Supportive spaces for teenagers to reconnect socially, creatively and emotionally
Neurodivergent Voices
Opportunities for children, young people and parents to share their lived experience as experts, with Turner Sims Theatre & University of Southampton
We hold the space; growth 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
“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
“You have given us our joyous boy back and I can never thank you enough for everything you have done for his self esteem.”- Mum of W
Our community continues to grow as more families seek connection and support:
220+ children and parents supported each week
120+ families part of our weekly community
60+ families unable to access provision this term due to demand
Supporting families for over 16 years
Let’s Connect!
Whether you are a parent, professional or potential partner, we would love to hear from you.