Suad,18

I’ve been at Fairbridge just over 10 months now. I can’t believe how much things have changed for me. I was born in Somalia and illegally brought into this country. I had traumatic experiences whilst living in, and escaping from, Somalia. When I came to England, not only did I not have any family and friends, I struggled with the language and culture barrier leaving me feeling lost and isolated.

I heard about Fairbridge when they visited my homeless shelter in Camden. At this point I did not know London and was still finding it hard to make any friends and understand English. I had no idea of what opportunities were available or how the education or support systems worked but I knew I needed to find something as I was just sitting around the hostel and had no direction.

Access Course was brilliant – we did a night walk, climbing and a gorge walk. The water was freezing cold but the team encouraged me and we got through it together. We went to a beach and had to walk over three cliffs. Everyone got on really well. Since I’ve been at Fairbridge I’ve done my CSLA (Level 2 Community Sports Leaders Award) which included my First Aid qualification. I took part in Employ Me, Photovoice (my work was displayed at an exhibition at the Tate Modern). I’ve done lots of other projects and sessions but one of the best ones was when I went on the Spirit of Fairbridge (Fairbridge’s Ship) for five nights. I met different people from all over England and this helped me to achieve my Bronze ASDAN Award which is now in my folder of many certificates.

During my time at Fairbridge I have made many friends, improved my communication skills dramatically – I can speak and write English and have had many great experiences. I recently started at City and Islington College studying Business Admin Entry Level 3 and have started a work placement at Oxfam.

I feel like I have achieved so much just under a year! I have changed. I am happy and enjoying life. I am looking forward to my future.

Alec, 16

I got referred by my school as I was in trouble all the time - rude, aggressive and violent sometimes to the teachers. When they first said I had to go to Fairbridge I said "hell no, I won’t know anyone".

Fairbridge wasn’t like school though – we were active all the time and not kept in rooms. I was pretty shaky when I went first went on Access – but we did things like rock climbing, team building activities and different sports.

I started coming two days a week and my results at school began improving. I did loads of new stuff – conservation, museum visits, even dancing. ‘Can Cook, Will Cook’ was good – before I couldn’t cook for myself and now I can make a four-course meal! I also did ‘Smoke It, Know It’ – looking at drugs and the effect they can have on you. I used to smoke weed a lot and I realised I’m not untouchable and could get in serious trouble for drugs.

I don’t smoke weed at all anymore. It’s really hard as it’s everywhere. Before I could never be bothered to do anything but now I’m more active and see a future. Its difficult growing up round here. To go to college, to do well is seen as a negative thing. Where I live you have only one route – drugs and violence. The only other way is to isolate yourself or else you’ll go down.

I recently went on Spirit. I was really angry at first but then I started seeing it as an opportunity to make some changes. You have to work as a team on that boat – if you don’t cooperate then it will sink, kind of like the decisions you make in life.

The main things I’ve been working on are my patience and communication skills. Before I came to Fairbridge I never used to talk properly – I used to swear all the time and saw everything as a big joke. Now I have a lot more respect for people. Things aren’t perfect and I can still be a bit fighty, but my patience has definitely improved.

At Fairbridge you get to meet people like you – especially the staff. I’ve had help to write my application and you can have a laugh while still learning stuff – there’s a lot of encouragement.

I’ve recently started a part-time college course in Childcare. I’ve also been doing the Cadets and since being at Fairbridge my level of commitment has really gone up. I’ve even just got through the first round into the Marines.

If there was no Fairbridge to pick me up when I was at school prison would’ve been my future. I was playing with guns and knives, stealing cars, running from the police. Fairbridge is place for kids to go who are having problems on the street – you can evaluate your life away from all the negativity and you can make real positive changes.

Check out Alec's story in the Evening Standard!