£15,000 from AJ Bell Futures Foundation to help care-experienced young people prepare for adulthood

At Fair Ways we have received a £15,000 donation from the AJ Bell Futures Foundation to create new opportunities for care-experienced young people as they prepare for independent adulthood. 

We were selected following the AJ Bell Plc ‘Have Your Say’ campaign. This invited staff to vote for the charity they wanted the Foundation to support. 

Over the next 12 months, the funding will provide practical, individualised support for approximately 20 young people living in Fair Ways’ Supported Living services. Most of the funding will benefit our young people in Bristol and Bath, where we provide accommodation and tailored support for young people approaching adulthood. 

Many care-experienced young people make the transition into adulthood with less practical and financial support than their peers. The cost of travelling to college, work, training, appointments and community activities can create a significant barrier.

Following discussions between young people, managers and key workers, the majority of the donation will be directed to reducing this barrier. This could include bus passes, railcards, essential journeys and, where appropriate, support with driving lessons and tests. 

Access to reliable transport, will help young people pursue education, employment, training and other opportunities that support their longer-term independence. 

The remaining funding will provide support across education, training, preparation for employment and independent living skills. 

Each young person will work alongside their key worker to identify the support that best reflects their individual needs, circumstances and aspirations. This approach will allow the funding to respond to meaningful opportunities as they arise, rather than offering the same package to every young person.