Welcome to The Alternative Voice Podcast

In this episode, host Jade Neivens-Brown sits down with Rebecca Freeman, Managing Director of Illuminate AP, to explore what it really takes to create a nurturing, trauma-informed alternative provision in Bournemouth.

Rebecca opens up about her personal journey as a parent of children with special needs and how these experiences have shaped her professional mission. Together, Jade and Rebecca dive into the challenges of the education system, the importance of understanding local needs, and the power of collaboration across alternative provisions.

From the impact of the Reset Program to the essential role of strong partnerships with local authorities, this conversation highlights how purpose, compassion, and connection can truly transform education.

Tune in to discover how Illuminate AP is lighting the way for inclusive, purpose-driven education.

To find out more about Jade and Rebecca's work, please head to the below links:

Provisions Plus+: https://provisionsplus.co.uk/

Illuminate AP: https://www.illuminateap.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Alternative Voice: Series 2

In this episode of The Alternative Voice podcast, Jade sits down with Abbie Fudge, Founding Director of Changing the Future, to explore the organisation’s inspiring work supporting individuals through trauma-informed practices.

Together, they discuss Abbie’s personal journey of healing from trauma and how it shaped her mission to create safer, more compassionate spaces for children, young people, and professionals. Abbie explains the importance of protective behaviours, helping individuals understand their right to feel safe, and how this approach underpins all of Change in the Future’s training and outreach.

The conversation also delves into the challenges faced during the pandemic, and how creativity and adaptability became essential in continuing to deliver support. Abbie shares exciting updates on upcoming training programmes focused on practical trauma-informed strategies, as well as the launch of World Feeling Safe Day—a powerful initiative raising awareness about safety and emotional well-being.

Abbie & Jade are also excited to announce their new partnership where they're bringing two new protective behaviours programmes!

Listeners will also hear about the importance of self-care for professionals, the role of community partnerships in expanding support, and why creating safe, nurturing environments is key to effective healing and positive change.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, carer, or professional passionate about trauma-informed practice, this episode offers valuable insight into how empathy and education can transform lives.

To find out more about Jade and Abi's work, please head to the below links:

Provisions Plus+: https://provisionsplus.co.uk/

Changing the Future: https://changingthefuture.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Alternative Voice: Series 2

In this episode of The Alternative Voice podcast, host Jade sits down with Chelsea Mallabone, Director of North Star Education, to explore the inspiring journey of the organisation since its founding in 2021.

Together, they discuss how North Star has grown, the innovative programs they offer, and the importance of flexibility in alternative provision. Chelsea shares insight into the My Personal Pathway program, designed to support students’ mental well-being through small group learning, as well as the creative personal development opportunities such as dog grooming and early years education.

The conversation also highlights the significance of transition programs for students moving between mainstream and specialist settings, and the value of collaboration with local authorities and partners. The episode wraps up with an exciting look at North Star’s future, including post-16 initiatives, home education support groups, and new collaborations—all while maintaining a nurturing, student-first approach.

Whether you're an educator, parent, carer or simply passionate about youth empowerment, this episode will leave you hopeful and inspired by what’s possible when care meets innovation.

To find out more about Jade and Chelsea's work, please head to the below links:

Provisions Plus+: https://provisionsplus.co.uk/

North Star Education: https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarEd/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.