Alternative Provision
What Makes Alternative Provision Effective for Pupils with SEMH Needs?
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About Empowered Minds
A relationship-led environment helping young people rebuild confidence, focus and emotional wellbeing.
Trusted by schools across Worcestershire
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
about us
OUR mission
Some young people need more than academic support to thrive. They may benefit from time, space and trusted relationships to help them develop confidence, emotional resilience and the ability to re-engage with learning. Empowered Minds was created to provide that kind of support, in a structured, nurturing and relationship-led setting.
Founded by Matt Tally and Mark Webb, Empowered Minds was created to provide a calm, supportive space where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop emotional stability and re-engage with learning. Both founders have seen the difference a trusted adult can make in a young person’s life, not just to their behaviour, but to their confidence, sense of belonging and belief in their own potential.
Working alongside Centre Manager and Lead Mentor Dani, and a wider team of trained mentors, Empowered Minds supports pupils through Alternative Provision and In-School Mentoring across Worcester and surrounding areas. What sets the team apart is not just their qualifications, but the fact that each brings personal understanding, lived experience and a calm, relatable way of working with young people, especially those who may be anxious, withdrawn, frustrated or misunderstood.
what to expect
A Supportive Space Where Relationships Come First
Our sessions are built around routine, guided reflection, meaningful activities and conversation.
These help pupils regulate emotions, develop self-awareness and begin building trust with the adults who support them. Some arrive feeling hesitant, guarded or unsure of themselves. Over time, with consistency and encouragement, many begin to engage, participate and take ownership of their progress.
We are not a clinical setting or a traditional classroom. We sit somewhere in between — a structured, safe and encouraging environment where pupils can:
Build positive relationships with consistent adults
Time and space to connect with trusted mentors who understand their experiences and needs.
Develop emotional regulation, confidence and self-control
Guided reflection, supportive activities and routine to help pupils manage emotions and reactions.
Experience success, responsibility and encouragement
Practical tasks, small responsibilities and praise that help pupils develop confidence and ownership.
Reconnect with learning, routines and personal goals
Support and structure to help pupils re-engage with learning, establish personal goals and work towards them.
We Don’t Replace School — We Help Pupils Be Ready for It
Some pupils need a different kind of environment before they can successfully re-engage with school life. Empowered Minds provides a setting where pupils can rebuild confidence, strengthen emotional awareness and develop the skills needed to participate more positively in education.
It is a place to practise routines, make progress in a supportive group setting and begin to see learning as something they can access, enjoy and succeed in.
Progress is monitored and shared, and we work closely with SENCOs, schools and local authorities to ensure that every placement is purposeful, coordinated and focused on preparing the pupil for their next steps in education.
Meet Our Staff
Each member of our team combines professional training with lived experience, helping young people feel understood, safe and genuinely supported.
Matt Tally
Co-Founder & Mentor
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Danielle Brace
Centre Manager & Lead Mentor
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Mark Webb
Co-Founder & Mentor
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Matt Tally
Co-Founder & Mentor
Level 2 FA Coach
Safeguarding
Prevent
PACE
Paediatric First Aid
Child Mental Health
Matt’s own experiences at school shaped his belief that behaviour is often communication, and that young people need to feel understood before they can truly thrive. Rather than focusing on labels or judgement, he has always been passionate about helping pupils develop confidence, trust and a sense of belonging.
His coaching background began in grassroots football, where he saw how movement, conversation and encouragement could help children grow not only in skills, but in self-belief. This led to the development of a sports-based mentoring approach rooted in relationships, consistency and emotional awareness.
Empowered Minds grew from that belief — that with the right support, every young person can make positive changes and recognise what they are truly capable of.
Danielle Brace
Centre Manager & Lead Mentor
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
PACE
Outstanding Nurture Provision Training in Education
Safe Recruitment Training
Level 3 BTEC in Care
Paediatric First Aid
Child Mental Health Training
Understanding Autism Diploma
Prevent
Level 3 Safeguard Training
Level 2 Counselling
ADHD Awareness Diploma
Dani’s passion for working with young people comes from her own life experiences, which taught her the value of empathy, resilience and having someone who genuinely believes in you. She brings that understanding into every mentoring relationship, helping pupils feel safe, valued and capable of change.
She has held roles as an EYFS Deputy Manager, SENCo and Centre Manager in Alternative Provision, supporting pupils with additional needs, emotional and behavioural challenges and those facing difficult circumstances at home. Dani believes that when a young person feels listened to and understood, real progress can begin.
As Centre Manager and Lead Mentor at Empowered Minds, she combines professional training with a calm, relational approach to help pupils build confidence, emotional awareness and a stronger sense of self-belief.
Mark Webb
Co-Founder & Mentor
Level 2 FA Qualified Coaching
Prevent
PACE
Level 2 Safeguard Training
Child Mental Health Training
Paediatric First Aid Training
Mark discovered his passion for mentoring after taking part in one of Matt’s coaching sessions with his stepson. It became clear to him how powerful positive connection, encouragement and a relatable role model can be for young people who may be feeling withdrawn, uncertain or disengaged.
He brings a calm, authentic and down-to-earth presence that helps pupils feel understood and able to connect at their own pace. Mark focuses on helping young people recognise their strengths, build confidence and take ownership of their progress.
At Empowered Minds, he is known for his approachable manner and ability to create an environment where pupils feel safe to explore who they are and what they can achieve.