Private and trusted information, advice, & support.

for young people aged 14 to 25 and/or their parents & carers

Say hello to your personal adviser!

In a constantly changing world, I’ve seen how young people and their families need support that fits their needs. After more than 30 years in the business I’ve developed a range of custom strategies and approaches. In doing so, I can help young people and families thrive.

one personal adviser. multiple possibilities.

As a personal adviser, I can support young people by providing guidance and resources across various issues, including education, mental health, and career development.

I have spent more than 30 years working with young people and families across the youth sector. I have worked across education, supporting neurodiverse students and others struggling to engage and meet expectations. This has seen me in classrooms, operating as a personal adviser, seeing students one-to-one and meeting with families.

I’ve worked directly in people’s homes sometimes sitting outside someone’s door and talk through it!

I have designed and run programmes for those who can’t cope in school and have seen many go on the thrive, some going to university.

I’ve done much more too, but during this time I’ve gained a really robust understanding of the need to slow down and help young people feel safe. I know how it feels to struggle in school. I did, and it’s meant that I have become the person I most needed when I was at school and didn’t have.

  • Setting Goals

    Do you want to set goals and make a plan for the future?

    Setting goals starts with self-reflection. I provide a supportive environment that encourages them to express their visions and break them into actionable steps.

    I offer regular check-ins and encourage a growth mindset that fosters resilience, enables them to navigate challenges and celebrate achievements, and empowers them to own their futures.

  • Self-directed Learning

    Do you want to direct your own learning?

    Self-directed learning is a powerful alternative to the top-down curriculum-led approaches found across our education.

    I can help young people plan their own projects and become better at using inquiry to ask better questions and become world-class learners.

    I’ve developed an approach called the ITSE Approach to enable young people to learn things they really care about learning.

  • Emotionally-based School Avoidance

    Struggling to access classroom-based learning?

    Across the UK, more than 1.5 million children and young people are struggling to attend mainstream schools.

    I have a wealth of experience in this arena so can help young people and their families make sense of things, develop strategies and get better at navigating the systems.

  • Understanding Anxiety

    Struggling with anxiety?

    Anxiety can play a huge role in a young person’s ability to cope with expectations. Conforming to society’s expectations is not easy.

    I’ve worked with highly anxious individuals for many years and am skilled at using various therapeutic approaches that I tailor for the young person.

    I can support young people with OCD and am experienced at helping them develop and embed strategies that can help them come to terms with OCD and how it works.

  • Self-employment

    Do you want to start your own business?

    For some young people, working for someone else doesn’t suit. Instead, can you tap into your entrepreneurial skills and start up on your own? Sometimes this is a great option.

    The decisions are always yours to make but this kind of service taps into my other work as a social designer and someone who helps social businesses develop. I can help young people too.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Young people often worry about meeting someone new but I’m chilled.

  • I often work with young people who struggle face-to-face but this doesn’t mean we can’t connect and you can’t benefit from my support.

    We can meet online or I can work with your family instead and they can pass on ideas and feedback. I can speak to you via whatsapp or write to you.

  • Everything we talk about is confidential. If you don’t want me to share anything with others I won’t. I will always ask for your permission. The only time we can’t keep things confidential if you tell me you are in danger or you have done something illegal. If so, I’ll talk you through it.

  • Big question. I'm older than I look! I've been working one-to-one with young people of all ages for more than thirty years and I've worked with more than 1000 young people in that time. I think I'm getting the hang of it.

    I am really chilled. I’ve heard so many stories which means I can normally help you navigate most things.

  • This is purely down to you and me (and those funding my work sometimes too.)

    Some young people see me once, others a few times. Some I have worked with weekly for 12 months or more because they are coming to terms with anxiety, OCD etc and working towards a more independent life.

  • Yes. Sometimes I will meet with a parent or carer and not see the young person. I can help you explore strategies, and gain a greater understanding of the impact of a diagnosis or a mental health issue. I can show you how to have more collaborative conversations and offer ways you can navigate the education system more effectively.

  • I tend to have an honest discussion around costs. Online sessions are normally around £55 for 45mins but in person sessions can be £85 to £95 per session depending on travel.

    I live in Warwickshire.

    Depending on what you would like we can always find that win-win scenario.

  • Please complete the contact form or email me direct at john@johass.com and we can arrange a free 30 min discovery call.

    Most find this conversation really helpful and encouraging.