Outreach & Development Worker

Julia Williams | Outreach and Development Worker, Fairbridge West

ODWs are the first point of contact for young people arriving at Fairbridge - they rercruit, induct and work directly with a caseload of clients - offering advice, guidance and support throughout their Fairbridge journey.

What is your name and what do you do at Fairbridge?

Julia Williams, Senior Outreach and Development Worker

Which team do you work for and how long have you worked there?

I work at the Fairbridge West team and have done so since June 2006

So what does an Outreach and Development Worker do?

This is an extremely varied and exciting role as no day is ever the same. As an outreach and development worker my role consists of developing relationships with appropriate agencies in order to promote the work Fairbridge does and also to encourage referrals to Fairbridge. I then work with those referrals from when they first encounter Fairbridge (induction), support them through their journey at Fairbridge where they develop skills and gain practical experiences and help and support them through moving on to a more positive future. On top of that there is paperwork, general office duties and meeting, greeting and giving any info to enquiries. There is probably another half a page I could write but I’m too busy!!!

What is the best thing about your role?

Working with so many young people from different backgrounds and being able to help them build their confidence in a safe and supportive environment, also working with so many like minded, lovely and special people, Fairbridge is unique.

So where did you go on your first Access and what did you do?

Biblins youth camp site in The Wye Valley. We did allsorts including a night abseil, mountain trek, kayaking, night walk and tunnel walk. It was great

Best thing about being at Fairbridge?

When a young person I have been working with really turns their life around and the unhappiness is replaced with confidence and belief in themselves. Also any time the team are out - whether its white water rafting or partying, it’s always a giggle

What is it like working with young people?

The best feeling, they keep me grounded, they make me laugh - they make me believe that even the smallest things are important

What have you learned from young people?

That anyone can change if they really want to. That everyone deserves a second chance. That sometimes just being there is enough.

What advice would you give for someone thinking of working for Fairbridge?

It is an amazing experience, it is a place that allows you to personally develop at the same time as helping others… that you will probably never find a work environment where there are so many fantastic people all working in the same place… that there are many opportunities to try things you may never have done before, a truly unique place where the belief in helping young people is so evident.