“We talk a lot about ‘transition’ with young people. But what do we actually mean when we use that word?”
By definition, transition is ‘a change from one form to another, or the process by which this happens’. In that sense, all of us are transitioning, all the time. Some changes feel huge, others tiny. Trying a new social media platform might seem insignificant to one person and overwhelming to another.
For many young people, ‘transition’ is strongly associated with the complex move from children’s services to adult services. For others, transition is deeply personal and linked to identity and changes to name, pronouns, expression or relationships. Whatever the change, transitioning from familiar to new situations can be a time of anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability.
Time to Talk Next Steps
At NDTi, we created Time to Talk Next Steps because too many young people were facing these moments alone. We combine practical tools with rights‑based, relational approaches to help young people prepare for adulthood in a way that builds confidence, self‑esteem, and resilience. Our supporters work online with young people and their families, offering flexible, creative sessions based on what matters most to the young person.
Young people told us early on that they don’t like service language, so we stopped using it. We don’t take referrals; we take requests for support. And, we don’t require labels or diagnoses. What matters is that a young person needs someone to walk alongside them at a time of change.
For many, connecting with us is the first time they have spoken to an adult outside their family about their future. That first step is often huge, both for them, and for those who care about them.
Why preparation for adulthood matters
The recently released SEND White Paper is a stark reminder of the challenges young people face:
“Too many children with SEND have been told they cannot thrive in mainstream schools and that learning alongside their friends and neighbours is not for them.”
Low expectations, inflexible systems and behaviour-led approaches can leave young people feeling as though they don’t fit anywhere. When they disengage from school, friends, or the wider community, their talents and individuality can become overlooked, and their confidence erodes. Many become lonely, anxious or stuck.
As adults, most of us learn how to prepare for big changes by drawing on our past experiences. But do we help children and young people to do the same? Do we teach them how to anticipate change, manage uncertainty, and make informed choices?
This is why the Preparation for Adulthood pathways are so powerful. Developed with disabled young people and their families, the four pathways of: employment, independent living, health, and friends, relationships and community, take a whole‑life approach to transition planning. They remind us that a young person’s future is not just about education; it’s about belonging, opportunity, identity, and wellbeing.
Used well, these Preparing for Adulthood: Person-centred planning tools | NDTi children to understand themselves, explore what matters to them, and start planning on their own terms.
Creating space for real conversations
Young people tell us that transitions feel overwhelming when adults focus on the outcome rather than the process. As one of my colleagues puts it:
“…it works best when the focus is less on talking ABOUT the next steps, and more on talking THROUGH them.”
Our work with young people at Time to Talk Next Steps is gentle, creative and unpressured. Sometimes we do practical tasks, for example forms, CVs or interview prep, but often the most important step is simply getting to know one another. We create space for young people to talk about what matters: whether that’s getting their nails done, a favourite music genre, or a recipe they want to learn.
Parents and carers are a crucial part of this journey too. Many feel exhausted or unsure who to turn to. We often hear how powerful it is for their child to have an ally outside the family:
“As a parent, it was especially nice for me to see him interacting with another adult outside the family and gain confidence from that.”
Our Supporters act as allies for young people and also for their family carers. We help them to find the information they need to move forward and to digest this through chatting about what’s possible for their child. This approach fosters aspirations for the future, gives hope and helps people to be clearer about what is possible.
Why transition feels harder today
The White Paper acknowledges that childhood has changed. Young people face new pressures, for example social media, online identity, AI and climate anxiety, yet education and support systems have not adapted quickly enough. It’s no surprise that many feel stuck, unsure of who they are or what the future holds. Out of 27 European countries, the UK ranks last in how happy 15 year olds are with their lives. That should concern us all.
If we want young people to thrive, we need to equip them with the skills, confidence and emotional support to manage change and not just the academic milestones.
At NDTi, we created Time to Talk Next Steps because too many young people and their family carers were facing big moments of transition alone. Our supporters work online with young people and their families, offering flexible, creative sessions based on what matters most to the young person. They combine practical tools with rights‑based, relational approaches to help young people prepare for adulthood in a way that builds confidence, self‑esteem, and resilience.
Helping young people who feel stuck
At Time to Talk Next Steps, we specialise in working with young people who are anxious, isolated or unsure how to move forward. We use drawing, music, videos, gaming, whatever helps a young person express themselves and feel safe.
Our purpose is simple:
To inspire hope, build confidence and help young people take steps toward the future they choose.
The results are powerful. Young people who barely spoke at first begin to express their views, set goals, communicate clearly, and even lead sessions for others. They rediscover interests, re-engage with the world, and rebuild trust in their ability to shape their own lives.
Transitions can be exciting. With the right support, young people who have been marginalised can find direction, skills, and the confidence to pursue what matters to them.
Learn more about Time to Talk Next Steps
SEND leaders, health commissioners, schools and services can now commission Time to Talk Next Steps to support young people who need personalised, relationship‑centred help to navigate transitions and prepare for adulthood.
Join our free webinar on 21 April to discover how we could work together to improve the outcomes of young people you support.
More about the White Paper
Read more about the White Paper on the government website: Every child achieving and thriving
Read NDTi’s early response to the White Paper.
