BECOME A JOURNEY

It began with love, it grew from loss

Become A Journey (B.A.J.) is the vision of Becki Ashton-Jones, a quiet force of compassion dedicated to young people. Becki possessed a rare gift for seeing past the noise, looking straight into the heart of an individual. For young people facing anxiety, low confidence, or relational struggles, she saw not problems to be solved, but people ready to be walked with gently, patiently, fostering belief until they found their own.

She championed the power of authentic connection, creating safe spaces where young people could learn gentle kindness toward themselves and the essential value of a safe relationship. Becki believed deeply in the simple strength of being present, and she drew deep inspiration from the ocean and the enduring symbolism of the sea turtle: strong, quiet, and steady. This belief system became the blueprint for our unique approach, responding to a time when trauma and disconnection are rising, and traditional systems are overwhelmed.

Her beliefs inspired the dream of Become A Journey: a wild, beautiful place, that was different to a clinic or a classroom, designed to remind every young person of their intrinsic value, their fight, and their future. We combine therapeutic support with nature-based expeditions, using the outdoors as a co-therapist, to deliver growth that feels earned, not imposed.

B.A.J. is the journey Becki envisioned. We are committed to translating her legacy of belief into tangible growth and resilience, one young person at a time

Vision, Mission, and Values

Our vision is inspired by Becki’s belief that every young person is worthy of support and love, no matter their struggle.

Vision: A world where every young person feels empowered, supported, and resilient enough to face life’s challenges.

Mission: To provide therapeutic and nature-based programmes that help young people aged 12–18 build confidence, process emotional challenges, and foster personal growth. Values:

Compassion

Reflecting Becki’s legacy of deep empathy.

Growth

Supporting development through meaningful challenge.

Connection

Mirroring the safe relationships Becki fostered.

Nature

Echoing her love for the wild as a space for healing.

Legacy

Living Becki’s story through every journey we support.

Becki saw first-hand how many young people fall through the cracks. Long NHS waitlists. Overwhelmed school systems. Families without tools. She believed young people needed more than just therapy, they needed presence, nature, trust.

Why Now?

  • 1 in 5 children and young people in England aged 8–16 had a probable mental disorder in 2023 (NHS Digital).
  • Post-pandemic trauma, anxiety, and disconnection are rising.
  • Becki’s own reflections revealed the limits of traditional models.

Our Response, Shaped by Becki’s Heart

  • Connection over correction
  • Empowerment through experience
  • Quiet, brave spaces to begin healing

The Theory of Change

Confidence born of climbing mountains, literal and emotional

This model was born of Becki’s own way of working, holding space, using nature as a co-therapist, and trusting the process. We believe healing happens through consistent care, gentle challenge, and meaningful relationship.

Our programmes

It’s not about fixing them. It’s about walking beside them.

1

Outdoor Therapeutic Expeditions

Inspired by her love of the outdoors, our expeditions offer metaphor and movement. Becki believed nature stripped away the noise, helping young people hear their own thoughts.

2

Counselling and Mentorship

These spaces reflect Becki’s presence: non-judgmental, warm, consistent. Every session is built on trust, not targets.

3

Resilience and Wellbeing in Workshops and through Technology

Becki had a gift for gently challenging limiting beliefs. These workshops carry that spirit forward, helping young people reframe and reclaim their stories.

Safeguarding and inclusion

Every programme has designated safeguarding leads, echoing Becki’s focus on presence and responsibility.

Safeguarding Framework:

  •  Inspired by Becki’s instinct to protect and nurture, all staff receive trauma-informed training.
  • Every programme has designated safeguarding leads, echoing Becki’s focus on presence and responsibility.
  • Reflective supervision ensures team wellbeing and consistent practice.

Inclusive Practice:

  • Becki believed in meeting every young person where they are. We ensure accessibility and inclusion for neurodivergent, disabled, and LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Cultural competence, anti-racism training, and participant co-design are embedded into our work.

Marketing and Outreach Plan

We tell a story, Becki’s story, because it helps others see themselves. Our outreach strategy reflects her authenticity and heart.

Channels:

Impact-led social media, featuring voices of young people who found hope with us.

Storytelling campaigns: “What would Becki say?” shares quotes and memories as encouragements.

Partner outreach to youth centres, schools, and mental health services.

Tone & Messaging:

Warm, and supportive, just like Becki.
You are not broken. You are becoming.
This isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about discovering it.

Operational Plan

This charity exists because Becki laid the emotional groundwork. Now we build the structure to hold it.

Year 1 Key Hires

Each team member is chosen not just for their skills, but their ability to hold space the way Becki did.

Delivery Infrastructure:

Becki dreamed of retreats that felt both wild and safe. We build partnerships with centres that honour that balance.
Our referral, feedback, and safeguarding systems are designed with empathy at their core.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Becki believed in stories, not just stats. Our evaluation honours both.

Methods:

  • Journaling and narrative reflection
  • Photo stories, artwork, participant letters
  • Wellbeing scales, engagement logs, post-programme interviews

What we ask:

“What helped you most?”

“What would you tell someone about your journey?”

“What would Becki be proud of?”

Budget and Financial Strategy

This charity exists because Becki laid the emotional groundwork. Now we build the structure to hold it.Every penny raised carries Becki’s name. We spend with care, integrity, and long-term impact in mind.

Budget Highlights::

  • We prioritise lived-experience mentors and therapeutic staff
  • Fundraising includes a “Becki’s Journey Fund” to support the most vulnerable

Growth Plan:

  • A 3-year sustainability roadmap inspired by Becki’s slow, thoughtful style

Governance and Legal Structure

Just as Becki held space with intention, our governance structure is strong and supportive.

Structure:

  • Registered as a CIO, ensuring accountability and resilience

Trustees:

  • Include youth voices and those who knew Becki personally
  • Roles for mental health, finance, legal, lived experience, and community

Policies:

  • Reflect Becki’s values: respect, courage, gentleness, justice

RISK REGISTER

We manage risk not from fear, but from Becki’s commitment to do things well.

CONTACT

Get in touch with us today

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    Site by James D Whitaker