The Prince's Trust is a youth charity that
inspires young lives.
We have a range of programmes which support unemployed young
people and those who are struggling at school.
In 2011, Fairbridge became part of The Prince's Trust and it is
now one of our main programmes. The Fairbridge programme runs in
Prince's Trust centres across the UK. The Trust has a range of
other programmes. Find out more
here
1. What does the Fairbridge programme do?
Our approach to personal development has proven successful in
engaging challenged young people. We provide the opportunity for
young people to challenge and change their attitude and behaviour,
increase their motivation and equip young people with the skills
they need to lead a successful and happy adult life.
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2. Where is my nearest centre?
We have 15 Centres across England, Scotland and Wales. Follow
the links on the right hand side of this page.
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3. What do you offer?
The Fairbridge programme starts with Access. This provides an
introduction to us and builds trust and commitment through
exciting activities such as canoeing, climbing and abseiling. Once
a young person has completed Access, they can choose from a menu of
courses and projects that make up the Fairbridge programme. These
include sports sessions, art projects, business skills and cookery.
The programme changes regularly and young people can choose the
courses they feel would most suit them.
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4. How do I refer someone to you?
If you know a young person who you think would benefit from
coming to us, you need to contact the Outreach and Development team
at your local centre.
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5. Do you have to pay?
Young people don’t have to pay, but there is a contribution cost
of around £1000 per place. Please contact your centre to
discuss.
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6. How long do people stay on the Fairbridge
programme?
There is no fixed time limit to the Fairbridge programme. When
the young person and their Outreach & Development Worker think
the time is right, they will begin to think about moving on
opportunities, such as education, training or employment.
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7. Is the Fairbridge programme an alternative to school or
college?
No. We run personal development programmes for young people aged
13-25. Young people attend up to two days a week and we provide
complementary education to the national curriculum.
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8. Do participants have to be fit?
No. This is not a survival course or boot camp. Participants
just need to be wiling to give things a go. If a young person has a
physical disability and we are made aware of this, we will plan a
suitable course to include that young person.
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9. Does the young person have to do every activity?
No. One of the aims of the course is to encourage
self-confidence. Young people are never forced to do anything, but
they are encouraged to face challenges, stretch their comfort zones
and reach their full potential in a supportive environment.
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10. Are staff qualified?
Yes. We are licensed to run outdoor activities by the
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). The staff who run
the outdoor activities hold the appropriate qualifications. All
staff are qualified in first aid and have been police-checked.
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11. Are young people insured by The Prince's Trust?
Yes. Young people participating in the Fairbridge programme are
insured under our Public Liability Insurance (if injury is caused
by Fairbridge employees / voluntary staff). They are also covered
under our Personal Accident Insurance for serious injury. Staff at
your local centre can give you more information about
this.
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12. Do young people have to provide their own kit?
No. All kit is supplied for activities, including sleeping bags,
rucksacks, tents, fleeces, thermals, waterproofs, walking boots and
safety gear.
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13. Is the Fairbridge programme just outdoor activities?
No. Activities include art, drama, sport, music, independent
living skills, key skills and cooking to meet each of the Every
Child Matters outcomes. Young people can also take part in a course
on our tall ship, Spirit of Fairbridge.