LIGHTHOUSE

Exciting Times

This is the quick breakdown, the blurb...

This year we realised that one of the most exciting aspects of Zen Den is the work we do with kids and teens.

Sam is a qualified teacher and has always been passionate about working with teen girls particularly.

Also having been diagnosed late with ADHD herself felt drawn to creating a space for those teens navigating neurodiversity in a world designed for the neurotypical.

Sam got talking with colleagues in education, social work, youth work and concluded there is a huge gap in the market for tween/teen girls for alternative provisions designed specifically for their needs, interests and personality types.

What makes us unique...we are a small provision for only 4 at a time, the only provision run by a QT with yoga, meditation and breath-work skills exoerience and qualifacations.

Adaptable sessions - open to each referrers needs/requests and financial commitments.

Zen Dens -Light House is one of Swindon's NEWEST Alternative Education provisions (AP for short) We couldn't be more thrilled to have Sam heading this up. Sam is the QUEEEEEN of teaching all things Zen for kids and. teens...and with her qualification as a teacher, this new journey in Zen Den seems fitting. We cater for 9-18 year olds.

Some girls don’t shout, act out or get noticed… they just quietly struggle. Their needs are often internalised, complex, and misunderstood.”

This was my experience. I was a girl who worked hard, achieved, and appeared to cope—but beneath the surface, I was masking and struggling. I was later diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.

This insight now shapes the way I support girls who may otherwise be overlooked.”

The indoor and outdoor setting offers a unique balance of accessibility to natural surroundings combined with a safe secure space inside - enhancing the overall experience for young tween/teens visiting us.

Referrals

Zen Den can support tween/teen girls through a range of referral routes, including:

EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plans)
EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School)
SEN Support (school-based referrals)
Alternative Provision placements
Early Help and family support services
Social care referrals (CIN / CP)
School and pastoral referrals
Mental health and early intervention pathways
Home educators and parents/carers

One to One

We also offer a limited number of one-to-one sessions with Sam for young people who would benefit from more personalised support.

I think for parents, carers, schools and those proving avenues of additional support, getting teen girls ready for the adult world is hugely overwhelming. We have a labyrinth of life to prep them for navigating. With the right guidence these girls will know they are their own lighthouse. Work done as a team, I really believe we can prepare our girls with the tools they need to feel grounded, safe and secure in a world that can feel anything but that - Sam

Email through to namaste@zenden-uk.com for our full PDF, availability and referral process- we can't wait to meet your girls!