Where we work

Our centre is based in Middlesbrough, however our work with young people expands primarily across the whole Tees Valley area including Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool. We have previously worked with young people from Darlington and North-Yorkshire too.

Local area map

Issues our young people face

The young people that Fairbridge Teesside engages year on year face a number of complex personal and social issues that may be presenting barriers to progression in their daily lives. Many of the young people in the Teesside are living their lives amid issues of deprivation, substance misuse, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, homelessness, poor nutrition and mental illness, crime and anti-social behaviour.

The issues that affect these young people however extend beyond each individual to the wider community in which we all live. Fairbridge tackles the key issues of today through intensive tailored support and community based projects that give each young person a chance to contribute positively to their community. Most importantly, these issues are key concerns for the Local Authorities in which we operate, meaning that we can directly support and progress the aims and objectives of the Local Authority, either through our core work or specially commissioned projects.

In particular, Fairbridge Teesside supports the local the Children and Young People’s Plans for each area, local participation strategies, community strategies and numerous aspects of the Local Area Agreements including meeting the 5 priorities of the Every Child Matters framework. Fairbridge Teesside is able to do this by engaging those young people who are not in education, employment or training or at risk of being excluded; many of whom have a history of offending or anti-social behaviour, alcohol and substance misuse issues, low key skills, mental health issues and very low self-esteem, helping them to move back into mainstream opportunities.

In addition to tackling ingrained behaviours and attitudes our Programme promotes a pro-active approach to healthier lifestyles, approaching issues of obesity, sexual health, substance misuse and mental health.