Most of us have succeeded in life because our family, friends or colleagues have believed in us. Not everyone is so fortunate. Take 22-year-old Jody from Bristol. She was "at the bottom of the barrel" - drinking heavily, shoplifting and getting into trouble with the police.
Jody was lucky. She was referred to Fairbridge, a national charity that gives young people the motivation, confidence and skills necessary to change their lives.
"Now I’ve totally reformed," she says. "The experience of being involved with Fairbridge has just been amazing. I’ve got a purpose in life. Back then I had nothing."
Working in 14 of the most disadvantaged areas across the country - including London, Southampton, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow - Fairbridge provides assistance every year to about 3,500 people aged between 13 and 25. Typically, they have been excluded from school, experienced long-term unemployment, have a history of drug misuse, or been involved in criminal activity.
Through a combination of personal support and challenging activities, Fairbridge helps these youngsters develop the personal and social skills that they will need to cope in mainstream society, including finding work and living independently. The personalised programme lasts for as long as they need, whether it’s three weeks or three years.
Young people at Fairbridge have the opportunity to try activities they might enjoy, from rock climbing and canoeing to running a music business. Through their participation, they gain a belief in their own potential, and can transfer the skills acquired to address specific problems, from confidence-building to team work.
South West Trains was so struck by the positive work being done by Fairbridge, that it recently donated £5,000 to the charity. This money will fund five young people at the charity’s London centre in Kennington.
"Fairbridge is a positive influence in the local community and I was most impressed with the programme when I visited the London centre," says Andrew Haines, Managing Director, South West Trains. "I am confident that by investing in our youth we will reap the rewards."
Fairbridge has welcomed South West Trains’ donation. "All the young people and directors of the centre are thrilled that South West Trains has been able to help fund this life-changing experience," says Nigel Haynes, Director, Fairbridge. "Without this kind of support, we should not be able to run centres such as Fairbridge."
