Our story
One-Eighty began in 2010, when our founder, Susie Besant, was working in Oxfordshire’s Youth Offending Service. Through this work, she saw how many young people were reaching crisis point long before they received support. Susie observed how early, targeted intervention could prevent escalation into acute mental health challenges, school exclusion, or involvement in the criminal justice system.
When funding cuts brought that preventative work to an end, Susie established One-Eighty with an ambition to offer young people the vital services and support she knew made a difference.
What started in a community centre with a small group of volunteers has grown steadily for over 15 years. Over time, One-Eighty developed a therapeutic framework that remains central to our work today: evidence-based, psychologically informed, and adaptable to the individual needs of each young person.
We’re now a team of 40 staff, working across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and we’ve supported more than 3,500 young people to overcome barriers, re-engage with education, and improve their wellbeing.
Our approach is practical, persistent, and grounded in understanding the challenges young people face, offering tools and strategies to support with long-term sustainable outcomes.
Our aim is simple: to ensure young people, and their families, receive the right support, at the right time, so they can move forward with greater stability and opportunity.
Timeline
2011
First One-to-One intervention delivered
Our first intensive One-to-One intervention supported a child with social care involvement who had been described as “having no hope” after many professionals had been unable to engage him. Through tailored support, we helped him return to school on a part-time timetable and supported the family.
2012
Make Me Smile project launched
Our first preventative mental health project, Make Me Smile, is launched to support children and young people earlier, supported through our first ‘Big Lottery’ funding award.
2015
One-Eighty expands into Buckinghamshire
One-Eighty extends its reach into Buckinghamshire, delivering its first one-to-one intervention in the county
2017
OCVA Oxfordshire Charity of the Year
One-Eighty is named Oxfordshire Charity of the Year by Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA), recognising our impact supporting children and young people across the county.rn
2019
First Schools Partnership launched
One-Eighty develops its first formal Schools Partnership, creating a structured, collaborative approach to delivering targeted mental health support within a school.
2021
Appointment to Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board
One-Eighty is appointed to the OSCB, voted in by the voluntary and community sector to represent the voice of charities and community groups across Oxfordshire.
2023
High Sheriff Award
Susie is awarded a High Sheriff Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to supporting young people in the community.
2023
First Angels Den Award win
One-Eighty wins its first Angels Den Award in Buckinghamshire, providing funding to expand our support for children and young people across the county.rn
2024
Formal Recognition for Safeguarding & Partnership Working
One-Eighty is formally recognised by the Interim Director of Children’s Services for its significant partnership working and safeguarding contributions, delivered through a multi-agency approach that led to positive outcomes for a family.
2024
Centre for Social Justice award winner
One-Eighty was recognised nationally with an award from the Centre for Social Justice for its work supporting “ghost children”, those young people slipping through the net without access to support.rn
2025
One-Eighty bus launches
One-Eighty wins the Brand the Bus award and launches the One-Eighty bus on the streets of Oxford.
2025
Oxfordshire Business Awards – Overall Winner & Employer of the Year
One-Eighty is named Employer of the Year and Overall Winner at the Oxfordshire Business Awards, recognising both our workplace culture and the impact of our work.
2026
Buckinghamshire office opens
Our Buckinghamshire office officially opens, strengthening our local presence and reach.
Testimonials
News & Stories
Noah’s Story: Reconnecting with Education and a Sense of Belonging
Noah has diagnoses of ASD and ADHD. He often struggles to communicate verbally, particularly when he feels uncomfortable. By the time he met One Eighty, he…
Jacob’s story: From Isolation to Independence and a Bright Future, with a Trauma-Informed Approach
Jacob is a young man who has experienced severe anxiety and emotionally-based school avoidance. So much so that by the time Jacob was 16 years old,…
Creating a Legacy of Openness and Emotional Resilience in the School Community
Teaching staff at a primary school in Oxfordshire were seeing increasing signs of emotional distress, anxiety, and behavioural challenges across their Year 6 class. Many pupils…