The Harbour Online Community

A safe, moderated online space where young people aged 13–17 can connect, explore their interests, and feel part of a community.

For some young people, the online world feels easier than face-to-face spaces. This community gives them a way to connect, build confidence, and take part in a way that feels right for them.

We use the same approach as our in-person community - self-managed, consent-based and community-led.

The online world is full of incredible possibilities, and we're excited to help our young people explore them safely.

About our online community

We created the online community to give young people a space to explore the digital world in a way that feels safe, supported and meaningful.

Within the community, young people have opportunities to:

• Be part of a safe and thoughtfully held online environment

• Explore gaming, coding, digital art and online collaboration

• Better understand technology - including questions around AI and how it can support them

• Use digital tools to support their learning, interests and future pathways

• Share their own skills, ideas and passions with others

• Connect with outside contributors and experts based on their interests

  
  

As with everything at The Harbour, the direction is shaped by the young people themselves - we follow what sparks their curiosity.

Is this for your young person?

1. Weekly live sessions (2 hours):

Each week we come together to:

• Hold Community Meetings where everyone has a voice in our shared plans and decisions.

• Celebrate and review learning progress together.

• Support young people to curate their own Learning Agreements and stay tuned to their interests.

• After our meeting, young people are free to choose their own adventure:

  ---> Jump into a facilitated activity that was planned by the community and is facilitated by young people or adults.
  ---> Start their own projects or games with friends in a separate virtual room.
  

2. A Dedicated, Monitored Discord Server
   
   Our Discord server is the perfect place to keep the conversation going. It’s open 5 days a week and is a private space governed by our agreed-upon rules and monitored by our facilitators, including a simple reporting mechanism, so we can ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
   

Who is in our community?

• A small group of young people, aged 13-18, seeking a warm community to belong to and an inclusive learning experience outside of school.

• Some participate only online, and some choose hybrid (if they live around Oxford).

• Facilitators from our in-person community.

• Occasional guests invited by the community.
  

What does our online community look like?

This online community is designed for young people aged 13–18 who:

• May feel more comfortable online than in face-to-face settings
• Are looking for connection with like-minded peers
• Enjoy gaming, digital spaces or creative technology
• May be home educating and looking for a sense of community.

There’s no pressure to participate in a certain way - young people can join in at their own pace.

About The Harbour

The Harbour is an established Self Managed learning community based in Oxford.

We run in-person, in-school and online learning communities for young people aged 11–18, all grounded in the same approach - supporting young people to explore their interests, build confidence, and take ownership of their learning.

The online community is an extension of this work, shaped by the same values and facilitated by the same experienced team.

We’re experienced in working with young people and families who are looking for something different - often when traditional approaches haven’t felt like the right fit.