FAQs for referral agencies and guardians

What do Fairbridge do?
Where is my nearest Fairbridge?
What do you offer?
How do I refer someone to Fairbridge?
Do young people have to pay?
How long do people stay at Fairbridge?
Is Fairbridge an alternative to school or college?
Do participants have to be fit?
Does the young person have to do every activity?
Are Fairbridge staff qualified?
Are young people insured by Fairbridge?
Do young people have to provide their own kit?
Is Fairbridge just outdoor activities?

1. What do Fairbridge do?

Fairbridge is a national charity that works with young people aged 13-25, who are not in education, employment or training. Our approach to personal development has proven successful in engaging challenged young people. We provide the opportunity for young people to challenge and change their attitude and behaviour, increase their motivation and equip young people with the skills they need to lead a successful and happy adult life.

2. Where is my nearest Fairbridge?

We have 15 Fairbridge Team Centres across England, Scotland and Wales.

3. What do you offer?

The Fairbridge Programme starts with Access. This provides an introduction to Fairbridge and builds trust and commitment through exciting activities such as canoeing, climbing and abseiling. Once a young person has completed Access, they can choose from a menu of courses and projects that make up the Fairbridge Programme. These include sports sessions, art projects, business skills and cookery. The Programme changes regularly and young people can choose the courses they feel would most suit them.

4. How do I refer someone to Fairbridge?

If you know a young person who you think would benefit from coming to Fairbridge, you need to contact the Outreach and Development team at your local Fairbridge centre.

5. Do young people have to pay?

No - we know that young people often don’t have a lot of money, and so the programme is completely free.

6. How long do people stay at Fairbridge?

There is no fixed time limit to the Fairbridge programme. When the young person and their Outreach & Development Worker think the time is right, they will begin to think about moving on opportunities, such as education, training or employment.

7. Is Fairbridge an alternative to school or college?

No. Fairbridge is a charity that runs personal development programmes for young people aged 13-25. Young people attend up to two days a week and we provide complementary education to the national curriculum.

8. Do participants have to be fit?

No. This is not a survival course or boot camp. Participants just need to be wiling to give things a go. If a young person has a physical disability and we are made aware of this, we will plan a suitable course to include that young person.

9. Does the young person have to do every activity?

No. One of the aims of the course is to encourage self-confidence. Young people are never forced to do anything, but they are encouraged to face challenges, stretch their comfort zones and reach their full potential in a supportive environment.

10. Are Fairbridge staff qualified?

Yes. Fairbridge are licensed to run outdoor activities by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). The staff who run the outdoor activities hold the appropriate qualifications. All staff are qualified in first aid and have been police-checked.

11. Are young people insured by Fairbridge?

Yes. Young people participating in the Fairbridge programme are insured under our Public Liability Insurance (if injury is caused by Fairbridge employees / voluntary staff). They are also covered under our Personal Accident Insurance for serious injury. Staff at your local Fairbridge centre can give you more information about this.

12. Do young people have to provide their own kit?

No. All kit is supplied for activities, including sleeping bags, rucksacks, tents, fleeces, thermals, waterproofs, walking boots and safety gear.

13. Is Fairbridge just outdoor activities?

No. Activities include art, drama, sport, music, independent living skills, key skills and cooking to meet each of the Every Child Matters outcomes. Young people can also take part in a course on our tall ship, Spirit.