Haylee, 21

I got referred to Fairbridge back in June 2008 after being in trouble with the law. I thought that Fairbridge wouldn’t accept me because of my record sent by probation, so I was shocked to find out I had a place on the Access Course.

I have now been here just under a year and I love it. It’s the best thing that has happened to me for a long while. I have been given so many opportunities and I have grabbed them.

I have done courses like Survival, Dig it, Bush Craft and Spirit. Bush Craft was one of the best things I have ever done because I enjoy being outside and even getting my arm inside of a deer. Spirit was great too it showed me what was important in life and to value life as much as you can. There are so many courses to choose from and not enough time to do them all.

The best thing of all is the staff, they are great!! They are there when you need to talk or when you need someone to listen to your problems and they are a great laugh to.

Since being at Fairbridge for this time I have worked hard setting goals to achieve things. I have recently become a volunteer here and I am enjoying it lots so far. The staff are really encouraging and help me to develop my skills further. After speaking with staff I have realised that I want to take the youth worker route - it will be hard to get there, but I will.

Tom, 14

I started at Fairbridge halfway through year 9. My behaviour was terrible always getting into fights, getting excluded. I’ve got ADHD and also find it hard to control my temper. I lose it real quick.

The staff at Fairbridge really understand me. Bekki, my key worker, is really helpful. She’s a good teacher. We set goals together and I know what I’m working towards.

I basically work on not storming off on the projects at Fairbridge and controlling my anger. Twice a month I do a football skills course which is wicked. We also look after our own patch of land. It’s good to work as a team and watch something grow.

This has really helped me focus at school too as I do the same things in lessons now. I’m getting good at it! I’m much calmer now.

I go to Fairbridge twice a week and school the other days. Next year I’m going to start doing a practical GCSE while working towards my other exams. I’m more willing to go to school now. I understand that I can’t get through life without good qualifications. After my GCSEs I want to go to college to do a Plumbing course.

I have a lot more respect for other people now – and they respect me. My teachers said I’ve really improved and grown up. I can handle the pressure better now.

Fairbridge is a great place because you can get away from stuff and have some space. Everyone understands you and they’re not always moaning at you. I’m still a bit naughty now sometimes but just normal kid stuff. I’ve improved lots.

Without Fairbridge I think I’d be nowhere nowâ��I’d probably be in a lot of trouble with the police. I’d advise anyone with problems to go to Fairbridge. They really did set me on the right path.