Professional Development Opportunities at HEAH Open Routes

As we prepare to open our doors in September, we’re proud to announce that our very first Therapeutic Learning Coach (TLC) Volunteer in creative tech will be joining the HEAH: Open Routes Learning Hub.

This marks the beginning of our commitment to nurturing future change makers from within the communities we serve - individuals with lived experience, creative insight, and a deep desire to contribute to a supportive learning environment.

The TLC Volunteer Pathway is a structured, term-time development journey designed for individuals who want to grow in confidence, explore peer support, and contribute meaningfully to the life of the hub.

It’s ideal for those interested in youth work, creative facilitation, well-being, or education - especially individuals seeking open, community-rooted routes into purposeful roles through hands-on experience and coaching-led support.

• Start Date: September 2025

• Duration: Full academic year (term time only)

• Schedule: 3 days per week – Monday to Wednesday, 9:30am – 2:30pm

• Status: Volunteer role with training, coaching, and accredited learning

• Progression: Clear development route, including potential for paid roles from Year 2 - competitive salary

Our three-stage development journey offers full coaching and accreditation through the AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS). We guide participants at every step, fostering reflection, creativity, and supported leadership.

Step 1: Peer support Assistant 

• Accreditation: Working as a Volunteer (AQA UAS)

• Focus: Building confidence, basic safeguarding awareness, and supervised group support.

• Experience: Shadowing and reflective coaching

Step 2: Mentor

• Accreditation: Mentoring Others – An Introduction (AQA UAS)

• Focus: Developing communication, peer connection, and emotional literacy.

• Experience: Guided feedback, coaching, and supported contributions to learner engagement.

Step 3: Therapeutic  Learning Coach (Progression Pathway - Creative Tech)

• Accreditation: Using Digital Media to Support Learning (AQA UAS)

• Focus: Sharing skills (e.g., tech, design, music) in a leadership-lite role, empowering participants to facilitate positive experiences. This stage applies therapeutic principles through shared interests and supportive guidance.

• Support: This is an optional paid position (subject to funding), with supervision and ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD), reinforcing professional and ethical practice.

• Hands-On Experience: Contribute to creative, academic, and well-being sessions in a nurturing, trauma-informed setting.

• Coaching & Support: Receive personalized guidance and regular check-ins to help you grow at your own pace.

• Accredited Learning: Earn AQA UAS certificates, building a strong portfolio of skills and achievements.

• Pathway Progression: Build towards future opportunities -  Therapeutic Learning Coach in Creative tech, Academic and Well-being Strands.

At HEAH, we believe support is most powerful when it comes from a place of empathy. That’s why we’re proud to grow our support team from within - investing in individuals who not only care, but who understand.

This approach helps us nurture a learning culture that reflects the lived experiences, strengths, and voices of our community - ensuring our learners are seen, heard, and supported by those who truly get it.

Our first TLC Volunteer begins this September, following the Creative Confidence strand - and we look forward to watching their journey unfold. In 2026, we plan to expand the pathway, welcoming up to three new volunteers across the Creative, Academic, and Well-being strands.

If you’re interested in learning more about the TLC Volunteer Pathway - or know someone who might thrive in this kind of nurturing, learner-focused environment - we’d love to hear from you.

• Email: hello@heah-openroutes.co.uk
• Phone: 07513 249 727

Let’s grow the kind of education system we all believe in — and the team to match.