Who are we?
UPWARDS START C.I.C. is dedicated in supporting young people to grow in confidence, strengthen their emotional wellbeing and discover their potential.
We believe every young person deserves to feel heard, understood and valued. Through early intervention, meaningful relationships and high-quality programmes, we create safe spaces where young people can develop the confidence, resilience and self-belief to navigate life's challenges and embrace their future.
Our programme, UPWARDS, brings this mission to life by providing structured one-to-one support that encourages self-discovery, personal growth and emotional wellbeing.
Together, the organisation and programme share one purpose:
Helping young people discover who they are and who they can become.
Understanding Our Identity
You may notice two different names and logos throughout our website. Although they are closely connected, they each have a different purpose.
UPWARDS START C.I.C. is the organisation behind the mission.
UPWARDS is the programme delivered to young people.
Together, they form one trusted organisation with one shared vision.
Why We Created UPWARDS
Young people today face increasing pressure from education, social media, relationships and the expectations of everyday life. Many struggle silently with confidence, identity and emotional wellbeing long before they receive specialist support.
We created UPWARDS because we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to pause, reflect and discover who they are in a safe, supportive environment. By providing early intervention focused on self-discovery and personal development, we aim to help young people build stronger foundations before challenges become more significant.
Is UPWARDS Therapy?
No.
UPWARDS is not a counselling or therapy service, It is an early intervention and self-development programme that focuses on helping young people develop confidence, emotional awareness, resilience and a stronger understanding of themselves.
Our role is to empower young people through structured support, practical activities and meaningful conversations, not to replace clinical or therapeutic services.
Where additional support is required, we work collaboratively with schools, families and professionals and can signpost young people to appropriate specialist services.
"When a young person discovers who they are, they begin to believe in who they can become."
Our Values
Believe
We believe every young person has unique strengths, talents and unlimited potential. Our role is to help them recognise their own value, develop confidence in their abilities and believe that their future is full of possibility. Every journey begins with believing in yourself, and we are committed to helping young people see what they are truly capable of.
Belong
Everyone deserves a place where they feel accepted, respected and heard. We create safe, welcoming environments where young people can be themselves without fear of judgement. By fostering trust, understanding and meaningful relationships, we help every young person feel valued, included and connected.
Grow
Personal growth is a journey, not a destination. Through reflection, meaningful conversations and positive experiences, we encourage young people to develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience and the confidence to overcome life's challenges. We celebrate progress at every stage, recognising that even small steps can lead to lasting change.
Empower
We empower young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions, overcome obstacles and take ownership of their future. By building self-belief, emotional resilience and independence, we help them realise they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined.
Inspire
We inspire young people to dream bigger, embrace new opportunities and become the best version of themselves. By nurturing curiosity, courage and ambition, we encourage them to discover their purpose, pursue their goals and create a future they can be proud of.
Connect
Positive relationships create lasting change. We believe in the power of connection by bringing together young people, families, schools, professionals and communities to build strong support networks. Through collaboration, trust and shared understanding, we create opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive together.
Our Promise
Everything we do is guided by these values. They shape how we build relationships, design our programmes and support every young person who engages with UPWARDS.
Together, we are creating a future where every young person feels confident in who they are, connected to those around them and empowered to become who they aspire to be.