The Empower Programme is a specialist alternative provision for young people in Years 7–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are based on the outskirts of Shrewsbury in a beautiful rural setting which we take full advantage of, making a very positive impact on our students’ wellbeing. We provide a safe, inclusive space where students who find the school environment challenging can re-engage with learning, build positive relationships and develop the skills they need to thrive through a wide range of enrichment activities — from CrossFit and boxing to art, construction and cooking.

Our team of qualified teachers, emotional wellbeing mentors and fitness coaches work with small groups of 8, ensuring personalised support at every stage. We use a trauma-informed approach, drawing on positive psychology and attachment theory, to create meaningful connections and deliver real impact.

The Empower Programme is flexible to meet the needs of schools and young people, offering full-day and half-day placements, short-term interventions and longer-term provision. We also provide outreach one-to-one mentoring, ensuring students can access tailored support both within and beyond our setting.

A key feature of Empower is our mental gym sessions, where students are coached in strategies to regulate their emotions, improve focus and build resilience. These skills are then enhanced and applied in our physical gym sessions, where movement and fitness become powerful tools for confidence, discipline and self-belief.

Empower combines emotional intelligence education, mindfulness, creativity, outdoor learning and physical fitness to support emotional regulation, resilience and confidence. Through structured mentoring, students explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours, relationships, goal setting, conflict resolution and values, with each young person working towards tailored social, emotional and academic targets.

Alongside this, students have the opportunity to gain practice-based awards such as Fitness Mastery and Coaching, Mental Health Champion and First Aid, helping to build independence, achievement and long-term self-belief.

We work in close partnership with schools, parents and carers, providing regular updates on progress. Many of our students show significant improvements in managing emotions, confidence, attendance and engagement in education.

At CrossFit Shropshire, the Empower Programme is built on the belief that every young person deserves the chance to grow, achieve and become the best version of themselves — both in school and beyond. We nurture minds and inspire growth!

Contact Kate Thomas – Education Lead

Phone: 07507641859
Email: education@crossfitshropshire.com
Website: www.crossfitshropshireap.co.uk
Address:

CrossFit Shropshire Alternative Provision
Berrington
Shrewsbury
SY56EZ