Who we are
Learning Space is a charity in Surrey and surrounding counties which supports the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people aged 5-18 who are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, isolation or bullying.
We also provide support to their families and other professionals associated with their care or education. We are neuro-affirming and skilled at working with people who are neurodivergent.
In 2023, one in six children and young people aged 8-25 years had a probably mental health disorder (NHS, 2023) and demand for support from organisations such as Learning Space is rising.
Our vision
Young people thriving
Young people thriving means creating the conditions for every young person to feel supported, confident, and empowered as they grow.
It reflects a belief that all young people deserve access to opportunities that nurture their potential—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Thriving goes beyond simply getting by; it means having the stability, connections, and encouragement needed to explore who they are and who they hope to become.
Thriving doesn’t mean a lack of adversity. We are all unique, and our circumstances are different; some we can change, some we can’t.
When young people thrive, entire communities benefit—from stronger relationships to greater innovation and resilience. Achieving this vision requires collaboration among families, schools, organisations, and young people themselves to build environments grounded in safety, belonging, and possibilities. Ultimately, it’s about equipping young people not just for the future, but for meaningful, fulfilling lives today.
Our mission
Supporting the emotional well-being and mental health of children, young people and families
Our mission describes how we work towards our vision of young people thriving. When young people feel understood, safe, and emotionally supported, they are better able to explore their strengths, build resilience, and develop a confident sense of self.
By addressing emotional and mental health needs early and compassionately, we help remove barriers that can limit a young person’s ability to grow, learn, and fully participate in their world.
Our mission also recognises that young people thrive best within strong, healthy families* and communities. Supporting caregivers and families equips them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to nurture their children’s well-being. Together, this creates a connected network of support—a community where young people feel valued, families feel empowered, and everyone has what they need to flourish. In this way, our mission directly drives our vision, making thriving not just possible, but sustainable.
* When we say families, we mean the caregivers who support and care for a young person—whether biological, adoptive, foster, or chosen. It includes anyone who plays a meaningful role in their well-being and growth.
Our values
Young people first
Solution focused
Professional and caring
Maximising impact
Our history
Learning Space was founded in 1997 as a small community project in Dorking led by Bruce Pearce.
It was created in response to a growing need for support for those unable to thrive in mainstream secondary schooling. The four original staff members, experienced in education or social care, bridged the gap between these two areas. Today, we provide emotional well-being and mental health support to children, young people, families, and professionals across Surrey and surrounding counties.
The Learning Space logo has changed over the years. Outset Design helped us to evolve a piece of artwork into a logo that reflects two key elements of our values, young people first and professional and caring. The renewed logo now works as part of a set of brand elements that help us to communicate our vision, our mission and our passion.
