Jacob Foster, development tutor, Fairbridge West Midlands

- What were you like when you were young?

I was rather wayward actually. I got kicked out of school, barely spoke to my mum and left home at 15. I had no direction but then a youth worker helped me find accommodation and stuff like that. She suggested I did a training course with Fairbridge.

- And you liked it?

Absolutely loved it. For a week, 10 of us went climbing, caving and gorge walking. I liked the outdoor side of things but I also made some good friends. The staff were great - they talked to you on your level and were never preachy or condescending.

- And afterwards?

I went on the Follow On programme and for almost two years I was doing courses. Without fail, the staff were there for me. Eventually they asked me to think about volunteering and I suppose I was chucked in at the deep end. They encouraged me to gain the qualifications I would need for a job. I decided I wanted to work for Fairbridge and the staff encouraged me. Eventually, I got the job in the West Midlands.

- So it was the right decision then?

It's everything I ever wanted and more. I do lots of outdoor work but also work with young people on personal development. There's a culture of pushing yourself here - if you expect young people to do it, you do it yourself. I just want to gain as many skills as I can.