🌿 Meet Natalie Russell

Founder | Therapeutic Practitioner | Advocate for Young People.

I’m Natalie, the founder of The Appleton Project — and someone who has spent over three decades working with and advocating for vulnerable children, young people and families.

I have had a varied working life, including Policing, Social Care, Education, Housing and have also been a Foster Carer to many young people with SEMH. 

I’ve seen first-hand how easily girls — particularly those who’ve experienced trauma, neglect or exploitation, can fall through the cracks of mainstream education. The Appleton Project was born from a deep belief that small, nurturing, relationship-focused provision can be truly transformative.

We exist for those girls for whom traditional education isn’t working — offering a safe, empowering environment where they can rebuild confidence, engage in meaningful learning, and take real steps towards brighter futures and realistic, fulfilling work opportunities.