"I've been at Fairbridge for just over a week now and I've already packed loads in my access course which was in North Wales - we did a night high, rock climbing and gorge walk, which was quite a challenge as I have a fear of water. I even managed to squeeze through a small gap to get to a waterfall, which I felt was a big achievement.
I left school at 16, didn't enjoy it that much, but I left with a few GCSE's. Since then I've worked - mostly in warehouses and forklift driving. It was good money. Then I wasted it on skunk and liquor… living life day by day instead of looking at the big picture!
I was then unfairly dismissed on my day off (long story) and took up plastering, which didn't last long, as I had to give up as my hand was slashed in a fight. I was trying to defend myself against a group of lads. I'm still receiving physio! I left home and went into a hostel where I started to drink more heavily and things took a turn for the worst.
I lost my unborn son, which really messed me up… I flipped out in my hostel and was given 28 days to get my head right or get kicked out! I was referred to a councillor as I needed to get my anger under control and she suggested that I went to Fairbridge.
I see this as a chance to turn my life around. I've been brought up in the cells and intend to rise above it and to make something of myself but it can be tough as a whole gang is quite big whereI live. A mate of mine was shot dead three weeks ago on his 20th birthday because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, that's how bad it can get.
Right now with the activities and keeping myself occupied with projects and activities, that’s where Fairbridge comes in. I've been working on a short film with people from my access course. I would also like to take part in fundraising activities. I intend to stay focused and to keep moving forward - it can only get better from here."
Extract from a Newsletter for and by young people living at our three emergency projects. Edited and published by Lynn Dyke of HIAH in collaboration with St Basils.
