Frequently asked questions:
Young people
If you want to find out more, just ask us.
Here are some of the most common questions we are asked.
1. What is the Fairbridge programme?
The Prince's Trust is an organisation that works with 13-30 year
olds. People come here for lots of different reasons. We are here
to help you develop the skills you need to get what you want out of
life. The Fairbridge programme is one of the choices offered by The
Prince's Trust.
back
to top
2. What can I do on the Fairbridge programme?
You'll get the chance to try lots of different activities. If
you're interested in outdoor activities, you could try climbing,
canoeing, caving and lots more. If you're not so keen on the
outdoors, we offer activities like art, drama and music.
back
to top
3. What can I get out of it?
We are here to help you get what you want out of life. That
might be a reason to get out of bed in the morning, or maybe you
want to move back into education and training, or get a job.
We'll help you figure out what you want and support you to get
there. When you do an activity at The Prince's Trust
centre you will plan what you are going to do, try it out and
then see how you have done: in other words, you will
plan-do-review. By planning and reviewing your work and taking on
new challenges, you will develop skills you can use in your
everyday life.
back
to top
4. What will happen if I decide to come to The Prince's Trust
centre?
If you decide to come to us, you'll meet with one of our staff
called an Outreach & Development Worker. They'll have a chat
about our programmes and show you round the centre.
They'll also tell you a bit more about what's on offer at your
local centre. If you like what you see, then you can sign up for na
Access course.
back
to top
5. What's an Access course?
After you've come in and had a look round, Access is the first
thing you'll do at the centre. It's for you to find out how we
work, meet new people and try new challenges. Most importantly,
it's Fun.
back
to top
6. How long is Access?
Access is about a week long, and usually includes one or two
nights away on a residential course.
back
to top
7. Where do we stay?
In the warmer weather, you may camp outside. In the colder
weather you will in sleep indoors in bunkhouses. The accommodation
is very basic, so don't expect warm baths and central heating!
back
to top
8. What do I do on Access?
During the course you will do challenging activities like
rock-climbing, kayaking, mountain walks and abseiling. You'll also
help out with cooking and cleaning up after the group.
back
to top
9. Who else will be on the course?
If you choose to come on an Access course, there will be about
8-12 young people from your area and three or four members
of Prince's Trust staff.
back
to top
10. Is it mixed?
Most Access courses are mixed groups of males and females. If
you're worried about this, then speak to your Outreach &
Development Worker, as it may be possible to arrange something
different.
back
to top
11. What are the other people on the course like?
Young people from all kinds of different backgrounds come to The
Prince's Trust. Some refer themselves, some are put in touch with
us by other key workers and agencies. Some people come with a
friend but most come along by themselves, and everyone who gets
involved with us does because they want to. The Access is a good
opportunity to meet new people, and a lot of young people who come
to The Trust say they made a lot of friends.
back
to top
12. But what if I don't know anyone?
Before you start a course you will meet with one of our Outreach
& Development Workers at least once and will get the chance to
visit your local centre, so it won't all seem completely new.
We know that it can feel very difficult to come into a group of
people who you've never met before, and so we work hard to make
sure that the group start to get to know each other quickly, and by
the end of the course you could have a whole new group of
friends.
back
to top
13. What if I get bullied?
One of the rules at The Prince's Trust centre is
No Bullying. If you are getting bullied, then
staff will support you and work out the best solution….so don't
worry.
back
to top
14. Does it cost anything?
No - it's completely free!
back
to top
15. Will I still get my benefits?
We will arrange for you to still get your benefits if you come
on our programmes. You can sort this out with your Outreach &
Development Worker.
back
to top
16. What happens if I have convictions?
Before you start, you will get the chance to talk any
convictions through with an Outreach & Development Worker. If
you're electronically tagged, then we can usually still arrange for
you to go away on your Access. Come and talk to us.
back
to top
17. What stuff will I need (money, clothes etc)? What if I
don't have these?
We provide equipment and food. You will need some money for
snacks and some clothes that you don't mind getting a bit muddy or
wet. You'll also need to bring any medication you're taking with
you.
back
to top
18. Can I smoke?
Yes, as long as it's in a smoking area. Sometimes having some
time away can be a good opportunity to try and give up.
back
to top
19. What about drugs and alcohol?
The Prince's Trust is drug and alcohol free, however if you
are on prescription medication make your Outreach & Development
Worker aware of this and arrangements will be made to bring this
along.
back
to top
20. What if I don't want to do an activity?
We don't force you to do anything. It might be worth having a
go, but the choice to take part is yours. If you don't like one
activity, there are lots of other ones that you can try.
back
to top
21. What do I get at the end of the Access?
At the end of the course you get an Access certificate. Access
is like your passport onto the other activities we run on the
Fairbridge programme.
back
to top
22. What happens after my Access?
After Access you will have a chat with your Outreach &
Development Worker about what you want to do next. The Fairbridge
programme offers lots of different projects and courses, which
could be more outdoor activities or courses that help you to
develop skills for work or living on your own.
We also offer the chance to get some qualifications. The groups
are small and you get a lot of support. You can choose which
courses interest you and arrange to come along. You can do as many
courses at The Prince's Trust centre as you need to help
you get to your next move.
back
to top
23. What extra support will young people receive?
Each young person who comes to us is provided with regular
one-to-one support from an Outreach & Development Worker, who
works with them to plan and achieve their goals, and provide advice
and support with any problems or worries that they may have. This
Outreach & Development Worker will also liaise with a young
person's parents or referral agency to make sure that a young
person's needs are met.
24. Can I get qualifications?
Yes, if you're interested, we offer different qualifications and
awards. Our staff can tell you more about this.
back
to top
25. When do I finish the Fairbridge programme?
As long as you are aged between 13 and 25, you can stay for as
long as you need, until you feel ready to make your next step.
We'll give you lots of support to do this. If you feel that you
need to come back, you can. The door is always open.
back
to top
26. What can I do next with The Trust?
You might want to move into another Princes Trust programme when
you’ve got what you want from the Fairbridge programme. We have our
own boat called SPIRIT, in Scotland. If you’re interested you can
go sailing. A lot of our young people say it’s the experience of a
lifetime.