Employability programme for young people in Bristol aged 18 to 25

FareChance is an inspiring, supportive and accessible personal and professional development programme. It offers young people the opportunity to learn practical warehouse skills and build self-esteem to embrace their full potential – in work, education, and in daily life.

The programme is co-designed by young people, and delivered from our warehouse in Bedminster, South Bristol.

Who is FareChance for?

FareChance is for 18 to 25-year-olds who have limited access to mainstream support.

That might mean young people who are unemployed; at risk of exclusion from school or other education; looking to gain work experience; have physical and mental health needs; have learning difficulties; and/or lack self-esteem and confidence.

Within weeks of joining the programme, we have seen young people fully engage, gain skills, and develop friendships.

We welcome referrals from organisations supporting young people.

James came across the FareChance opportunity at his local job centre when his confidence was at an all-time low.

As soon as he arrived in the warehouse, he knew it was the right place to be. It was friendly and warm, and there was plenty to keep busy with.

James’ favourite moments were being in the van, assisting on deliveries and meeting all kinds of people: volunteers in other warehouses, food partners, and the people who receive food. He liked seeing how the work he was doing was benefiting other people. All that hard work was rewarding.

Being around so many different people and learning new things every day helped build James’s confidence. He’s now excelling in a busy customer-facing role, confidently chatting to and serving customers.

How it works

FareChance is a 10-week programme provided by FareShare South West, a food distribution charity with a social and environmental purpose. We take good quality, in-date food destined for landfill and deliver it to over 400 organisations across the south west including schools, charities and community hubs.

Vale Lane is a busy, fully-functioning warehouse. It’s friendly, warm and welcoming – a great place for young people to develop, learn and grow.

Each 10-week programme has a maximum of 8 participants at a time – so you can get to know your team well.

On Mondays or Tuesdays, half the group will join courses focused on employment, personal development and training.

Thursdays bring everyone together to take part in the FareChance Warehouse Takeover – running the whole warehouse together to gain practical warehouse management experience, with the support of our friendly FareChance team.

The FareChance employability programme has been made possible by financial support including from the Nisbet Trust, the National Lottery Community Fund, Rathbone Greenbank and other generous funders.

Why warehouse distribution?

Working in food distribution services is a great opportunity, no matter what your skill set!

It’s a chance to be active and social in a busy work environment. It allows you to work alongside like-minded people, and work as a team to provide meaningful and necessary services for your local community.

It provides you with a range of useful, transferable skills that can be used within many industries including:

• Logistics and warehousing
• Event planning and coordination
• Marketing and communications
• Fundraising
• Photography and video
• Delivery driving
• Data analysis
• Carpentry

No previous experience or skills are required: just a willingness to turn up and get involved.

If you’re aged 18 to 25 and looking for meaningful work experience and a chance to learn and grow, please email farechance@faresharesouthwest.org.uk or complete this form.