
PERSONALISED GROWTH & SUPPORT PROGRAMME
At Muddy Steps, We Offer An Intensive Therapeutic Programme Of Care For Young People Who Have Suffered Trauma And Adversity And Are An Crisis.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR CARE
At Muddy Steps, we support highly vulnerable young people who enter our care in crisis and at significant risk. Many have been affected by criminal and sexual exploitation, experiencing trauma, insecure attachments, abuse, and neglect. Using trauma-informed social work principles, we aim to support young people in regulating their emotions and behaviours that have been shaped by traumatic experiences. These experiences often result in maladaptive coping mechanisms as a form of self-protection. Our focus is to empower young people to transition from these protective but limiting behaviours toward adaptive strategies that promote emotional safety, trust, and resilience. By integrating evidence-based interventions, we encourage self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive decision-making, ultimately fostering a sense of security and well-being.

TRAUMA-INFORMED, SKILLS-BASED CARE
Our intensive, holistic care programme integrates trauma-informed social work principles and The Decider Skills framework to support young people in stabilisation, recovery, and long-term well-being. Over a structured four-week period, we provide comprehensive care, education, and health support, guiding young people toward their plan for permanence while fostering emotional regulation and resilience.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT & PERSONALISED SUPPORT
From the outset, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of each young person's needs, considering their trauma history, emotional regulation difficulties, attachment patterns, and coping mechanisms. This assessment informs an individualised care plan that ensures the right level of therapeutic, educational, and social support.

EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE NEXT PLACEMENT
Recognising that stability beyond our care is crucial, we provide bespoke, empowering tools to support people in their next placement. These include:
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✔ Personalised Emotional Regulation Plans – equipping young people with strategies to manage emotions and behaviours effectively.
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✔ Self-Soothing and Coping Strategies – tailored techniques that promote self-awareness, grounding, and distress tolerance.
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✔ Attachment and Relationship-Building Support – helping children develop secure, trusting connections with caregivers and peers.
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✔ Skill-Building for Independence – fostering problem-solving, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills to build resilience in new environments.
HEALING ENVIRONMENT & COLLBORATIVE CARE
Our individual group living model ensures that each young person receives the focused, intensive support needed for healing. Rooted in attachment-focused and strengths-based approaches, our programme is set in calm, rural environments, utilising the healing power of nature to promote self-regulation, grounding techniques, and emotional safety.
