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UTURN

OUR VISION • MISSION • VALUES

What UTurn Stands For

Everything we do starts with young people feeling safe, supported, listened to and valued.

Our vision, mission and values guide how we support young people, work with families and professionals, make decisions and continue developing UTurn.

AT THE HEART OF UTURN

What We Want for Young People

We want young people to have somewhere they feel they belong, people they can trust and opportunities that help them recognise their strengths and move forward.

Feel Safe

To feel comfortable being themselves and asking for support when they need it.

Feel Heard

To know their ideas, experiences and opinions are taken seriously.

Feel Valued

To be recognised for who they are, not judged by the difficulties they may face.

Feel Hopeful

To see positive possibilities for their future and believe they can move forward.

OUR VISION

A community where every young person feels safe, valued and hopeful about their future, with the support they need to make positive choices and reach their potential.

OUR MISSION

To provide safe spaces, trusted relationships, mentoring, activities and practical support that help young people build confidence, resilience, wellbeing and positive aspirations.

HOW WE WORK

Our Core Values

Our values influence the way we treat people, make decisions and deliver support across UTurn.

Empowerment

We help young people recognise their strengths, develop confidence and have greater ownership of their choices and future.

Collaboration

We work alongside young people, families, schools, professionals, partners and our community because positive change is stronger when people work together.

Integrity

We aim to be honest, responsible and accountable, maintaining trust and strong professional boundaries in everything we do.

Compassion

We listen without judgement, recognise individual circumstances and respond with kindness, patience and understanding.

Inclusivity

We want people to feel welcome, respected and able to take part, regardless of background or circumstance.

Innovation

We stay open to new ideas, listen to what young people tell us and adapt our approach as needs and opportunities change.

MORE THAN WORDS ON A PAGE

Our Values in Practice

Our values should be visible in the everyday experience of young people and families who come into contact with UTurn.

We Listen

Young people’s voices and experiences help shape our support and activities.

We Build Trust

Positive relationships are built through consistency, respect and reliability.

We See Strengths

We look beyond difficulties and help young people recognise what they can do.

We Work Together

Where appropriate, we work alongside families, schools, professionals and community partners.

We Create Opportunity

Support should open doors to positive activities, experiences, learning and progression.

We Keep Learning

We reflect, listen to feedback and adapt our work when something can be improved.

YOUTH VOICE MATTERS

Built With Young People, Not Just For Them

Young people help us understand what feels welcoming, what support is useful and what opportunities they would like to see.

Through feedback, conversations, activities and our Youth Ambassadors, young people can help influence the way UTurn develops.

Meet Our Youth Ambassadors

POSITIVE SUPPORT • NO JUDGEMENT

Supporting People as Individuals

There is no single approach that works for every young person.

We aim to understand the individual, build on their strengths and provide the right level of encouragement, support and opportunity without judgement or unnecessary pressure.

SAFE PEOPLE • SAFE SPACES

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Creating safe and supportive environments is fundamental to UTurn. Safeguarding responsibilities, appropriate professional boundaries and listening to concerns form part of how we put our values into practice.

Safeguarding at UTurn

DISCOVER MORE

See Our Values in Action

Find out more about who we are, the work we do and the difference UTurn is working to make.

UNITY • GROWTH • OPPORTUNITY

Empowering Change, One Step at a Time!

Our values are not simply statements on a page. They are the standards we aim to bring into every relationship, activity, project and opportunity across UTurn.