Karl, 20

Karl was referred to Fairbridge West by his supported housing. At the time Karl was suffering from mental health issues, anxiety, low esteem and had a history of alcoholism. He was spending more and more time in his house, only leaving it to go binge drinking.

Karl firstly took a big step in attending an access course. Being away from home with people he didn’t know was extremely difficult for him as he was very anxious and nervous beforehand. However by completing the week Karl gained confidence and began to realise he could do positive activities without alcohol.

Karl then began engaging with Fairbridge on a regular basis, building his confidence, motivation, working on his anxiety, making new friends (of which he now has a massive social network) and developing and gaining skills to help him realise his potential. Fairbridge also helped link Karl up with a councillor to help support him with his issues surrounding alcohol.

Courses Karl engaged with include F-Factor (Fairbridge’s own X-Factor) of which he performed in front of a live audience, an Environmental Resi where he explored his issues through an ecotherapeutic concept. He helped out at the Mission Is Possible event, working alongside others to help run a corporate team games event in London and Jobwise where he not only created a CV, learnt interview techniques but also gained support in applying for college which Karl had never believed he could do.

Karl gained his ASDAN Level Up award and has featured in the local newspaper several times representing Fairbridge. More recently Karl went on Spirit which he thoroughly enjoyed and gained even more skills and experience and his yachting certificate.

Karl’s confidence and belief in himself and his ability has grown ten fold since attending Fairbridge. He has been accepted at two colleges to do Performing Arts and is now an ambassador for Fairbridge West. Karl with other young people has produced a promotional DVD presentation about Fairbridge which is used when he attends outreach meetings talking about his experiences and encouraging other young people to take that first important step to engage. Karl has also now left his supported housing and has his own one bedroom flat.

Well done Karl, what a journey!

Ayesha, 21

"I first came to Fairbridge because I wanted to improve my self-confidence and try new things.

I live half the week in a sheltered housing centre for people with special needs, and half of the week at my parents’ house. I had done some training in the past and had some temporary jobs, I struggled a with a lot of the work and I felt very low in confidence.

My Connexions worker told me about Fairbridge and I came down to see what it was like. I felt quite nervous when I first got there, but I met my key worker, and after about five minutes I felt fine because she was so nice and funny.

Before my access course I was introduced to another girl so that I would know somebody before I went away and she was lovely. Then we went to the Brecon Beacons where we did abseiling, gorge walking and stuff. It was hard going as it was hailing when we were coming down a mountain, but it was really good because everybody helped everyone else to get through. I never thought I'd do it but we got through.

I came back as many times as possible after that. Some times that was five days a week.

What I like about it is the staff, and making new friends. I also love the courses – I’ve done almost all of them... especially the cooking courses, which I've done lots of. It isn’t just about learning how to cook – we start off with a budget of £15 for about 10 people and then look up recipes, think about healthy ingredients, and what the likely costs are. It's all about independent living skills.

Fairbridge makes me feel good about myself. Every time I do something I’m achieving new goals I didn’t know I could do.

It has taught me to be more confident and helped me to try new things and this summer I have been doing all kinds of volunteering with Young Bristol.

I originally wanted to work with little children but my illness has stopped me. Fairbridge is helping me think and plan what I can do next. I’ve got so much more confidence from being here, I’m sure I can do it."