Testimonials
See what others have to say about their experience with
Reach.
Heidi's sessions were nothing short of invaluable! She was always totally down with Z and checked with him if he was happy doing what they'd planned beforehand, if she could offer any specific input on our behalf or otherwise. Her work came at a time when we were worried about Z's interactions with anyone outside of the household and managed to put his mind at ease.
Heidi always arrives with a smile, happy to see Z but never OTT as she knew it could also put him off if he was "having a day". I have to say Heidi took the time to chat with us and really make the effort to be calm and patient as with Z's SEN it was never 100% known how his morning would start. Understanding the importance of this was always, I feel something she made herself, completely aware of. I can't speak highly enough of Heidi. Extremely grateful for her time, and support. Always professional, polite and kind
Parent 2023
I've had the honour of previously being connected to Reach in the past as a prior student, and I also had the chance to volunteer briefly during the COVID pandemic.
I want to start by expressing my sincere thanks for the influence Reach had on my life when I was there.
My personal and academic life was significantly shaped by the assistance and direction I got from the youth club.
Past Student 2023
Thank you so much for the information and the summary of the intervention, that is a great help.
Since returning after Christmas, S's attendance has greatly improved so thank you guys for your help with him.
Parent 2023
It really is lovely here and gives off such an amazing cosy feeling, I can't believe the young people get to have somewhere like this.
Carer 2025
I am chair of governors at Wadham School.
I wanted to say how encouraged I am that the school is receiving youth work interventions to supplement the education programme.
Since becoming Chair, I regularly highlight to the school the value of informal education approaches for our students from youth workers
Back in the day I was a fulltime worker for many years in Westminster and Camden and then latterly in youth service management for an East London Borough.
School Govenor 2025
I recently attended a quality assurance group session at Reach. This was intended to not only ensure our students are safe and supported to achieve their goals, but to give professionals an 'all-round' experience through the eyes of the student. Dan and his team expertly gave us an insight into what our students experience from the minute they arrive to their departure, but also importantly what processes the staff go through to ensure our students are safe and able to experience success, whatever their ability.
It was a really lovely morning, giving me valuable insight into what Reach stands for, but also importantly reinforcing my trust and continued confidence in them.
Westfield School 2025
The school has found the help provided by Suzy to families within the village as needed to be hugely beneficial in supporting the education of their children attending the school.
The school team very much appreciate this excellent service provided by REACH funded by the Parish Council and they believe it is making a real difference in helping the school deliver high-quality education to all the children attending the school.
Chair of the South Petherton Infant School Governing Board 2023
The Attendance Intervention has been the most effective intervention that B has received on behalf of Somerset County Council or from Somerset County Council. We feel that this was not only because Kade (B’s Reach worker) was independent of the school but also because Kade worked at B’s pace.
B has not been in a school environment since 9th March 2022 and has a general distrust of those in authority. The relationship between B and Kade did take some time to develop but regardless, this is the best relationship he has been able to form with anyone other than family members. In the past, people have given up on B because of his reluctance to form any relationship or communicate; which has magnified by the turnover of staff.
Through Kade’s perseverance of turning up, the relationship has grown, starting with a basic acknowledge, developing into conversation to B being safe and comfortable to leave the house with Kade. From what we understand during these outings with Kade, B has opened up and been able to put his voice across about things.
Parent 2023
I would like to thank your organisation as well as Kade and Jonathan for the support, time and effort that has been dedicated to R over this last academic year. It has made a huge difference to R, and he has valued the time both Kade and Jonathan have spent with him. As a parent, it is very much appreciated, especially to see how R is able to trust them both to push him out of his comfort zone each and every session. Without their input, he would not be in the place he is. Your organisation has been the one constant in his life for a long time now, and this has enabled him to accept help from others, which I feel he wouldn't have been able to accept had both Jonathan and Kade not given him that opportunity to build a trusted and valued relationship.
Parent 2025
We have worked with Reach for a considerable amount of time now, and our students who attend Reach are always positive about their experiences. They build strong connections with the staff team and always love to share their time at reach with us when they return to school. The Reach day that I attended was well thought out, seamless in its delivery and really well explained. The activity planned was fun and engaging, with the learning aspect embedded subtly through life skills and communication required to engage with it. I can see why students would feel they had a great day out and didn't feel like it was learning. It has helped us better understand the kind of activities and nurture our children and young people are experiencing, and how this approach supports our students with the challenges they face in day-to-day life. We look forward to continuing to work with Reach.
Inclusion Manager 2025
The day at Reach gave me the opportunity to understand better what Reach offers as a provision. It also highlighted the passion that the staff have and the breadth of expertise that their staff offer. I learnt that the students, as groups and individuals, shape their timetable and that staff work hard to ensure every student feels that they are listened to and programmes adjusted to suit need.
Senior Commissioner 2025