Our Story
The people, the purpose and the belief behind SWAG Youth CIC
The Vision
Every young person deserves to be seen, heard and given the opportunity to thrive.
Behind SWAG
SWAG Youth CIC (Speaking With Assertive Grace) was founded by Renae Burchell and Rebekah (Bex) Ardron, two educators with a shared passion for creating opportunities, challenging expectations and helping people recognise their potential.
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Throughout our careers in education, personal development and employability, we witnessed first-hand how young people with incredible strengths, talents and ambitions could be overlooked or misunderstood within traditional systems.
We believed there had to be another way.
So we created SWAG.
Because young people shouldn't have to fit a mould. But should have spaces where they genuinely feel they belong.
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From Experience to Action
Our combined experience across schools, colleges, alternative education, careers guidance, leadership and learning development has taught us that meaningful progress begins with understanding the individual.
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We know that education is about more than qualifications, and personal development is about more than building skills. It's about identity, confidence, belonging, opportunity and having the courage to see a different future for yourself.
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SWAG brings these principles together through creative learning, mentoring, education and real-world experiences that encourage young people to explore their strengths, challenge assumptions and develop their own sense of direction.
Education & Learning
Personal DevelopmentÂ
Employability & Careers
Mentoring & Guidance
Real-World Experience
More Than a Programme
SWAG is more than a collection of courses and workshops. It's a growing community built around the belief that every young person has something valuable to contribute.
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We want young people to feel safe enough to be themselves, confident enough to express their ideas and empowered enough to make choices about their futures.
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Through meaningful relationships, creativity and opportunities for personal growth, we're creating an environment where young people aren't simply supported to participate.
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They're encouraged to belong, grow, create and make a difference.