Fairbridge
In January 2011, we announced that two of the
UK's leading youth organisations - The Prince's Trust and
Fairbridge - were joining forces to form one organisation. On April
1st, the formal merger took place and Fairbridge is now part of The
Prince's Trust.
Together, in the year ahead, we will support around 50,000 young
people. We'll help some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged
young people to overcome their barriers and move forward towards
education, employment or training. With youth unemployment
continuing to hit record highs, it is a particularly tough time for
the younger generation, making your support more valuable than
ever.
About Fairbridge
Fairbridge works with young people aged 13-25 that other
organisations find difficult to engage – giving them the
motivation, self-confidence and skills they need to change their
lives.
Inside every disadvantaged young person, there is a confident,
positive, individual trying to break out. In 2010, Fairbridge
helped more than 3,500 take their first step. Most were classed as
having ‘multiple needs’, such as homelessness, substance misuse or
a history of offending.
Yet over the last 12 months, 85% went on to achieve something
tangible. They returned to the classroom, started a college course,
got a qualification, found a job or chose to remain in the
Fairbridge programme to continue their development.
For these young people, Fairbridge was a new start – a chance to
show the world who they really are. Fairbridge worked.
Fairbridge centres are based in 15 of the most disadvantaged
areas of the UK. Each year hundreds of young people choose to
engage with us. For many it is their first step back into
education, training or work. Find out more
about the Fairbridge programme.
How the merger has proceeded
We are bringing together our administration to ensure we
maximise the resources that are directed to front line programme
delivery. All centres now operate as Prince's Trust centres, under
The Trust brand.
Benefits
We will be working to ensure that young people are offered a
more holistic and joined-up package of support. Utilising expertise
from across both organisations we will be able to direct them
towards the programme that most meets their current needs, whether
that's a Fairbridge or Prince's Trust programme.
Martina Milburn, who is chief executive of The Prince’s Trust
and is chief executive of the united organisation, says:
With youth unemployment at a record high, the
work of charities such as The Prince’s Trust and Fairbridge is more
relevant than ever. We are keen to combine our efforts to ensure
young people are given as much support as possible at this crucial
time.