WHY CHOOSE US ?

Our Mission

At Bridge Forward, we strengthen the connection between families and schools to create the best
possible outcomes for every child. Through trauma-informed mediation, relational support, and collaborative problem-solving, we help communities move from conflict to understanding
improving attendance; behaviour, and welibeing along the way.

WHY CHOOSE US ?

All About Me

Hello, I’m Nicola Allen, founder of Bridge Forward — a space dedicated to helping children and families build stronger relationships, deepen emotional understanding, and develop the confidence they need to thrive.

I’m a Thrive Trainer, Practitioner, and Family Thrive Course Leader, as well as a Drawing and Talking Practitioner and Nurture UK–trained professional.

For 14 years, I worked in a primary school as a Senior Learning Mentor, where I introduced and embedded the Thrive Approach across the whole school. This work led us to become a Thrive School of Excellence — something I remain incredibly proud of.

I’m currently privileged to be working across the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, supporting children and families with social, emotional, behavioural, and attendance reintegration within both primary and secondary settings.

Being a Thrive Trainer is a truly rewarding part of my role. Supporting other professionals to confidently embed the Thrive Approach within their own settings — and witnessing the positive impact it has on children, families, and school communities — is deeply meaningful to me. It’s a privilege to help create environments where every child feels safe, understood, and ready to learn.
Through

Bridge Forward, I bring together my experience and passion for supporting children and families. I believe lasting change happens when parents feel genuinely included and supported in their child’s journey — especially when navigating social, emotional, or mental health challenges.
I’ve had the pleasure of speaking at conferences about the power of relationships and parental involvement, and I continue to champion the belief that every child deserves to be understood, connected, and given the tools to flourish.

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed; it means the strength to rise is greater than the pain“