Robbie, 15

Robbie was referred to Fairbridge under 16s Project. He presented with a number of issues and was on a very basic part-time timetable at school. He was a persistent truant and had received a number of exclusions for aggressive behaviour and offending in the school. Robbie also committed offences in the community. He had very poor literacy and numeracy skills and this added to his low self-esteem. Robbie had many difficulties in his home-life and his social, emotional and behavioural difficulties prevented him from engaging with his education.

Robbie started the Access course at Fairbridge and showed an excellent ability in physical activities. It became apparent that Robbie had great leadership potential. Throughout the Access course, Fairbridge staff worked closely with Robbie to encourage him to use his leadership qualities positively. He developed this ability quickly and became a positive and constructive influence on the group.

Throughout his time at Fairbridge, Robbie worked on keeping calm and developing coping strategies to deal with his frustrations more effectively. Robbie developed a great deal of independence and increased his self-esteem and self-confidence.

He was retained in mainstream education and started to attend some mainstream classes which motivated him to attend more frequently. His offending in the community decreased and he was getting on much better at school. His improvements at school led Robbie to sit his Standard Grade exams, something that had been extremely unlikely when he was initially referred to Fairbridge. Robbie has now started a college course and is doing really well.

Lucy, 21

21 year old Lucy referred herself to the Fairbridge project three years after meeting an outreach worker at a young parents group.

Lucy required support around relationships, behaviour and personal safety and on going family problems that affected her mental health.

Lucy successfully completed Access and progressed onto follow on, engaging well despite on going problems and relations with other agencies.

Through Fairbridge Lucy completed several courses including looking at parenting issues, sexual health, harmful behaviour and alcohol related issues and behaviour.

Through 1-1 support Lucy was challenged on certain behavioural issues and was keen to access counselling at the suggestion of her Outreach & Development Worker and has attended every appointment since.

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond her control Lucy was unable to attend Fairbridge courses in order to meet requirements set by other agencies. This had a huge impact on her confidence and progression. Fairbridge offered her a supporting letter for her to take to the relevant workers, recognising the positive impact our intervention was having on the quality of Lucy’s life and the decision was made to amend the requirements ensuring she was able to continue on the Fairbridge programme.

Lucy is continuing to work on her goals, returning for a second trip on the Spirit and looking ahead to possible opportunities at college. Lucy continues working towards progression with her personal problems and is positive for the future.