FAQs for young people

1. What is Fairbridge?

Fairbridge is an organisation that works with 13-25 year olds. People come here for lots of different reasons. We are here to help you develop the skills you need to get what you want out of life.

2. What can I do at Fairbridge?

You'll get the chance to try lots of different activities. If you're interested in outdoor activities, you could try climbing, canoeing, caving and lots more. If you're not so keen on the outdoors, we offer activities like art, drama and music.

3. What can I get out of it?

Fairbridge is here to help you get what you want out of life. That might be a reason to get out of bed in the morning, or maybe you want to move back into education and training, or get a job.

We'll help you figure out what you want and support you to get there. When you do an activity at Fairbridge you will plan what you are going to do, try it out and then see how you have done: in other words, you will plan-do-review. By planning and reviewing your work and taking on new challenges, you will develop skills you can use in your everyday life.

4. What will happen if I decide to come to Fairbridge?

If you decide to come to Fairbridge, you'll meet with one of our staff called an Outreach & Development Worker. They'll have a chat about Fairbridge and show you round the centre. They'll also tell you a bit more about what's on offer at your local Fairbridge team. If you like what you see, then you can sign up for Access.

5. What's Access?

After you've come in and had a look round, Access is the first thing you'll do at Fairbridge. It's for you to find out how we work, meet new people and try new challenges. Most importantly, it's FUN…

6. How long is Access?

Access is about a week long, and usually includes two or three nights away on a resi.

7. Where do we stay?

In the warmer weather, you may camp outside. In the colder weather you will in sleep indoors in bunkhouses. The accommodation is very basic, so don't expect warm baths and central heating!

8. What do I do on Access?

During the course you will do challenging activities like rock-climbing, kayaking, mountain walks and abseiling. You'll also help out with cooking and cleaning up after the group.

9. Who else will be on the course?

If you choose to come on a Fairbridge Access, there will be about 10-12 young people from your area and three or four members of Fairbridge staff.

10. Is it mixed?

Most Access courses are mixed groups of males and females. If you're worried about this, then speak to your Outreach & Development Worker, as it may be possible to arrange something different.

11. What are the other people on the course like?

Young people from all kinds of different backgrounds come to Fairbridge. Some refer themselves, some are put in touch with us by other key workers and agencies. Some people come with a friend and others come along by themselves, but everyone who gets involved with us does because they want to. The Access is a good opportunity to meet new people, and a lot of young people who come to Fairbridge say they made a lot of friends.

12. But what if I don't know anyone?

Before you start a course you will meet with one of our Outreach & Development Workers at least once and will get the chance to visit your local Fairbridge centre, so it won't all seem completely new. We know that it can feel very difficult to come into a group of people who you've never met before, and so we work hard to make sure that the group start to get to know each other quickly, and by the end of the course you could have a whole new group of friends.

13. What if I get bullied?

One of the rules at Fairbridge is No Bullying. If you are getting bullied, then staff will support you and work out the best solution….so don't worry.

14. Does it cost anything?

No - it's completely free!

15. Will I still get my benefits?

We will arrange for you to still get your benefits if you come to Fairbridge. You can sort this out with your Outreach & Development Worker.

16. What happens if I have convictions?

You can contact Fairbridge where you will get the chance to talk any convictions through with an Outreach & Development Worker. If you're electronically tagged, then we can usually still arrange for you to go away on your Access. Come and talk to us!

17. What stuff will I need (money, clothes etc)? What if I don't have these?

We provide equipment and food. You will need some money for snacks and some clothes that you don't mind getting a bit muddy or wet. You'll also need to bring any medication you're taking with you.

18. Can I smoke?

Yes, as long as it's in a smoking area. Sometimes having some time away can be a good opportunity to try and give up.

19. What about drugs and alcohol?

Fairbridge is drug and alcohol free, however if you are on prescription medication make your Outreach & Development Worker aware of this and arrangements will be made to bring this along.

20. What if I don't want to do an activity?

We don't force you to do anything. It might be worth having a go, but the choice to take part is yours. If you don't like one activity, there are lots of other ones that you can try.

21. What do I get at the end of the Access?

At the end of the course you get a Fairbridge Access certificate and a certificate showing that you have three credits towards an ASDAN qualification. Access is like your passport onto the other activities we run on the Fairbridge Programme.

22. What happens after my Access?

After Access you will have a chat with your Outreach & Development Worker about what you want to do next. Fairbridge offers lots of different projects and courses, which could be more outdoor activities or courses that help you to develop skills for work or living on your own.

We also offer the chance to get some qualifications. The groups are small and you get a lot of support. You can choose which courses interest you and arrange to come along. You can do as many courses at Fairbridge as you need to help you get to your next move.

23. Can I get qualifications?

Yes, if you're interested, we offer different qualifications and awards, like ASDAN and Level Up Awards. Our staff can tell you more about this.

24. What's Spirit of Fairbridge?

At Fairbridge we have our own boat, the Spirit of Fairbridge, in Scotland. If you're interested you can go sailing. A lot of our young people say it's the experience of a lifetime.

25. Can I go on Spirit of Fairbridge?

If you want to go sailing on Spirit of Fairbridge your Outreach & Development Worker will help you figure out what you need to do and help you to plan your trip.

26. When do I finish at Fairbridge?

As long as you are aged between 13 and 25, you can stay at Fairbridge for as long as you need, until you feel ready to make your next step. We'll give you lots of support to do this. If you feel that you need to come back, you can. The door is always open.

27. What extra support will young people receive?

Each young person who comes to Fairbridge is provided with regular one-to-one support from an Outreach & Development Worker, who works with them to plan and achieve their goals, and provide advice and support with any problems or worries that they may have. This Outreach & Development Worker will also liaise with a young person's parents or referral agency to make sure that a young person's needs are met.