Hundreds of young people across the UK are being helped by a small North-East company using technology to reach out to children alienated from mainstream education.
And now County Durham-based True Alternative is investing more than £50,000 and taking on more staff to help meet the rapidly growing demand for its unique service.
True Alternative runs computer programmes on a specially-designed network of laptops to help develop social skills, self-awareness, empathy and motivation.
It operates a mobile network of computer equipment that can be taken to any school, college or training establishment.
With the support of Business Link in County Durham, the company is expanding its operation by tripling its number of computer networks and taking on two new members of staff.
Founded in 2003 by former IT consultants Kevin Jager and Andrew Morris, the company now delivers training up and down the country and is further developing its work to include courses in outward bound activities, football coaching and digital video and music creation.
Mr Jager said: "We work with a wide range of people who have become disaffected and disengaged from mainstream education for many different reasons.
"This includes those with behavioural problems, autism, Asperger's Syndrome or Attention Deficit Disorder.
"Some of our students have had issues with authority in the past and the work we do is very successful at changing that.
"We also have students who have no specific problems, but come along to develop certain skills."
Currently training more than 200 young people, True Alternative is now teaming up with the Graded Qualifications Alliance (GQA) and Manchester College of Arts and Technology (Mancat) to offer credits towards the nationally recognised Pearl Award.
Business Link in Country Durham helped the company develop a new website and a corporate brand as well as with marketing and legal advice.
Colin Willis, a Business Link account manager based at the Chester-le-Street and City of Durham Enterprise Agency, said: "True Alternative offers a highly innovative and prestigious product. Business Link helps and advises businesses involved in many different sectors and on a whole range of business issues but it has been particularly rewarding supporting a company that is doing such valuable work with young people."