At The Appleton Project, our approach to diversion is not about control — it’s about connection.

We support girls aged 11–16 who may be at risk of:

Exploitation or coercive relationships

Unsafe peer dynamics

Criminal activity or antisocial behaviour

Emotional dysregulation or extreme withdrawal

Many have been misunderstood or written off elsewhere. We meet them with unconditional positive regard, therapeutic structure and purposeful learning, embedding diversion and safeguarding directly into everyday experiences.

🔁 Our 3-Point Diversion Strategy

1. Rebuild Safety Through Relationship

We create consistency, boundaries and care from day one. Each young person is supported by trusted adults who understand trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity and relational withdrawal.

Predictable routines and safe, low-stimulus spaces

Daily 1:1 check-ins and regulation tools

Staff trained in therapeutic and relational approaches

Safety is the gateway to change. Our learners begin to trust again — and from trust comes growth.

2. Reframe Identity Through Purpose

We design learning around real-life skills, creativity, movement and meaning. Through projects, mentoring and achievement, girls begin to see themselves as capable, resilient and valued.

Tailored timetables linked to personal interests

ASDAN-accredited programmes in life skills, enterprise, wellbeing and more

Opportunities for voice, leadership and team contribution

When identity shifts from “troublemaker” to “problem-solver” or “leader”, risk behaviours lose their grip.

3. Reduce Risk Through Real Talk

We embed open, shame-free education around:

Grooming, coercion and peer pressure

Online safety, relationships and consent

Personal boundaries, choices and values

Delivered in PSHE, 1:1 mentoring and small therapeutic groups, these sessions are honest, accessible and emotionally safe.

We can’t protect young people from what they don’t know. We empower them with knowledge, insight and tools for safer choices.

🌱 Not Just Risk Avoidance — But Future Readiness

Diversion at The Appleton Project is not a bolt-on. It’s woven into how we educate, care and connect.

Each learner is supported to move from crisis and disconnection toward:

Healthier peer and adult relationships

More hopeful post-16 pathways

A deeper belief in their own worth and agency