Connect Group
A safer first step into social confidence
Connect Group is a referral-only creative youth group for young people who need a supported way to build communication, confidence and connection with others.
It can support young people accessing Alternative Provision, EOTAS or another agreed support route where a small structured group may be the right next step.
It is designed for young people who may not yet feel ready for busy clubs, mainstream groups or unstructured social spaces, but who may benefit from practising interaction in a calm creative and supported environment.
Sessions are small, structured and shaped around safety, trust, communication and next steps.
Small group size: up to 6 people
Connect Group at a glance
Referral-only
Young people are referred so we can review suitability, needs, safeguarding and group fit before they start.
For AP and EOTAS pathways
Connect Group can sit alongside Alternative Provision, EOTAS or another agreed support package.
Creative and structured
Sessions use creative projects, games, teamwork and reflection to support communication and confidence.
Connect Group referral form
Please complete this form if you would like to refer a young person for Connect Group as part of an Alternative Provision, EOTAS or agreed support route.
Because this is group-based provision, we need to understand the young person's needs, communication, safeguarding context, risk management and readiness for supported interactions with others.
Submitting this form does not confirm a place. It begins the referral review process.
What is Connect Group?
Connect Group is BHVA's referral-only creative group for young people who need a supported route into social confidence, communication and connection.
It can sit alongside Alternative Provision, EOTAS or another agreed support package where group interaction is an appropriate next step.
The group give young people a supported way to practise social interaction, communication and confidence through creative activity.
It is not designed to be a busy youth club or unstructured social space.
It is a small, supported group where young people can build trust, work alongside others and take social steps at a pace that feels possible.
Sessions are led by a qualified youth lead alongside experienced BHVA creative practitioners, bringing together youth work, creative practice and person-centred support.
Which group is right?
Connect Group can be shaped for different age groups so young people are supported in a space that feels appropriate for their stage, needs and support route.
Primary Connect Group
For primary-aged children who may need a smaller, supported route into social confidence, communication and shared creative activity.
This group can support early steps such as:
sharing space with others
making choices
taking turns
communicating needs
building trust
joining simple creative tasks
Secondary and Post-16 Connect Group
For teenagers and post-16 learners who may need a supported way to build confidence, communication and connection with others.
This group can support:
social confidence
peer interaction
self-expression
emotional regulation
community participation
preparation for adulthood outcomes
preparation for next steps
Groups are usually kept to a maximum of 6 young people. If a group becomes full, BHVA may consider creating a second group where there is enough need.
What happens in a session?
Each session is structured, creative and supportive.
Activities may include:
Creative Projects
Art, drama, music, movement or mixed creative tasks that give young people something shared to focus on.
Games and warm-ups
Low-pressure activities to support trust, energy, turn-taking and connection.
Communication tasks
Simple, supported opportunities to practise sharing ideas, choices, feelings and needs.
Teamwork activities
Creative tasks that help young people work alongside others without overwhelming pressure.
Confidence-building moments
Small opportunities to try, contribute, lead, listen, respond or share.
Reflection and next steps
Gentle reflection notice what worked, what felt difficult and what might help next time.
AQA Unit Awards may be included where appropriate, depending on the young person's needs, outcomes and readiness.
What progress can look like
Progress in group provision does not have to look loud or instant
For some young people, progress may be:
Entering the room
Staying for the full session
Sitting near others
Sharing space
Making a choice
Joining a game
Taking a turn
Asking for help
Trying again after something feels difficult
Working alongside another young person
Communicating a feeling or need
Contributing to a shared creative project
Over time, Connect Group can support young people to move towards:
Social confidence
Feeling safer and more able to be around others
Communication
Practising ways to share ideas, choices, feelings and needs
Regulation
Building strategies to manage emotions in a shared space
Trust
Developing confidence with adults, peers and routines
Self-expression
Using creativity to explore identity, interests and voice
Community Participation
Preparing for wider social, learning or community settings
What happens after you submit the referral?
Submitting the form does not automatically confirm a place.
It starts the review process so we can understand whether Connect Group is the right and safe next step for the young person.
1. Referral reviewed
We review the young person's needs, EHCP information, safeguarding context, risk information and readiness for group interaction.
2. Context checked
If anything needs clarifying, we may contact the referrer or named professionals before confirming next steps.
3. Group fit considered
We look at whether Connect Group is appropriate, whether the current group is the right fit, and whether any transition support is needed.
4. Next step agreed
If Connect Group is suitable, we confirm the proposal route, funding decision, start arrangements and communication expectations.
Supported group provision with safety at the centre
Connect Group is designed to help young people practise interaction in a way that feels safe, clearer and more supported.
Referral- Only
Suitability reviewed before joining.
Small Groups
Usually up to 6 young people.
Qualified Youth Lead
Youth work experience within delivery.
Creative Practitioners
Experienced BHVA arts staff.
Safety First
Needs and risks reviewed first..
Young Person First
Support shaped around their voice.
Small Steps Count
Progress recognised at each stage.
AQA Options
Awards considered where appropriate.
Clear Communication
Next steps agreed with professionals.
Connect Group FAQs
Is Connect Group open access?
No. Connect Group is referral-only. This helps review suitability, safeguarding, support needs and group fit before a young person starts.
Who can make a referral?
Referrals can be Mae by schools, SENCOs, local authority teams, EHCP caseworkers or other professionals involved in supporting the young person.
Parents and carers can enquire, but official referrals usually need to come through the relevant professional or funding decision-maker.
How often does it run?
Sessions are weekly.
How long is each session?
Each session is 1 hour.
What day and time does it run?
The day and time are to be confirmed and will depend on the group being offered.
How many young people are in the group?
Groups are usually kept to a maximum of 6 young people. If a group becomes full BHVA may consider creating a second group where there is enough need.
Is Connect Group part of AP or EOTAS?
Connect Group can sit alongside Alternative Provision, EOTAS or another agreed support package.
The referral route, funding and proposal process may look slightly different depending on the young person's circumstances and who is making the referral.
Who funds the place?
Funding is usually agreed through the person or organisation making the financial decision. This may be the local authority, school or parent/carer where a personal budget is in place.
Can Connect Group support EHCP outcomes?
Yes. Where appropriate, Connect Group can support outcomes linked to communication, interaction, social confidence, emotional regulation, preparation for adulthood and community participation.
Can young people work towards AQA Unit Awards?
Yes, where appropriate. AQA Unit Awards may be used to recognise small-step progress.
Does submitting the form confirm a place?
No. Submitting the form starts the referral review process. A place is only considered once suitability, safety, group fit and funding route have been reviewed.
Can parents enquire about Connect Group?
Yes. Parents and carers can ask about suitability.
However, if the group is being accessed through Alternative Provision, EOTAS, a personal budget or local authority-funded support, the referral or approval process may need to involve the relevant school, EHCP caseworker, local authority team or funding decision-maker.
Ready to explore Connect Group?
If you are supporting a young person who may benefit from a small, supportive creative group, start a Youth Group Referral so we can review suitability and next steps
Not sure if this is the right route?
Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts Limited is registered in England. Company No: 13263202. Registered office: 10 Kirby Street, Kettering, NN15 5GR