Southampton Airport has supported Fairbridge Solent’s ‘Live Well Project’ with funding from BAA’s own charity, The BAA Communities Trust.  Over 120 local young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have taken part in activities which are specifically designed to grow their self-confidence, develop team building skills and gain knowledge of how to live independently, as part of their long-term personal development programme with Fairbridge Solent.

Initiatives have included 26 physical activity sessions for young people such as climbing, football, rugby and cycling, as well as canoeing activities at the Woodmill Activities Centre.  The sessions built key skills such as team work and communication, as well as improving confidence and motivation.

The ‘Live Well Project’ has also seen the young people growing fruit and vegetables at a dedicated allotment in Swaythling for which they were given responsibility to manage.  Fresh produce included carrots, courgettes, chillies, beetroot and runner beans. 

The third element to the programme saw the young people learn cooking skills such as menu planning, budgeting and food preparation.  They also used their freshly grown produce to cook for special guests to Fairbridge at their monthly ‘Heaven’s Kitchen’ events, attended by the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Liz Mizon.  She commented: “"The food was delicious but what impressed me more was the pride and enthusiasm shown by the young people not only for the meal they had made
but for the developments they had personally during the programme." 

Debbie Chalk, Media & Communications Executive for Southampton Airport, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the progress in these young people during this year.  They have developed into confident young people who are able to work both in teams and individually. The skills they have learned from this project will really help them to enjoy independent living now and in the future.”