The Fabb Way:
As far as youth organisations go, the fabb model is quite unique; in the majority of cases, clubs and groups tend to cater exclusively for people with disabilities or conversely they fail to attract individuals with disabilities for fear of exclusion or discrimination.
FABB makes an attempt to challenge both personal and social barriers through the provision of an informal activity programme in a youth group setting.
Through the provision of a weekly activity programme, young people are given the opportunity to experience a variety of exciting and challenging activities which help build confidence, promote independence and develop an understanding of the needs and aspirations of others.
The Young People's Club:
Young people are the driving force at the fabb club, and although youth workers and a team of volunteers are behind the delivery of the weekly activity programme, their role is to support the young people rather than do things for them.
Club members play an instrumental role in creating the programme and are a large contingent of the committee.
Club Structure:
FABB is set up to cater for young people between 14 and 25 with two groups that divide this age bracket. Due to the lack of adult social provision in the evenings the senior element of the club still cater for individuals who are slightly older than 25.
The junior group incorporates young people of the ages 14-18 and the senior group 18 upwards. These age bands allow the activity programmes to include age appropriate activities and aid in the transition from youth to adulthood. Both groups come together for larger activities such as parties, burns suppers, barbecues or ceilidhs.
Club activities are based either within Bathgate Partnership Centre, or can take place out-with when we make use of the centre's minibus. The club is held on a Thursday night, with the senior section one week and the junior section the following. Club running hours are usually between 7.00 and 9.00 p.m. with departure and arrival times varying for out-nights
Community Education:
Bathgate Fabb Club is assisted by West Lothian Council. The club are supported by the Work With Young People's Team section of the Youth Services department
WLC employ four youth workers, for the club, who support the young people in their activities and are a vital part of the daily running of the club.
West Lothian Council provide the club with use of a room in Bathgate Partnership Centre as well as giving access to additional support and training opportunities.
Click on the logo to the right to find out more about WLC Youth Services.
