Our approach

We support participants to develop healthy relationships with themselves, set out and achieve their goals, and grow in confidence and self-esteem. We help participants work on skills such as establishing trust, personal boundaries, critical thinking, problem-solving, dealing with challenging situations, and personal responsibility and accountability.

We do this through our courses that primarily teach psychology, philosophy and feminism to help them make sense of their life experiences and the world around them. Our trainees are encouraged to apply theory to themselves and live what they learn.  

Our courses vary in length and intensity but the common principle behind each is our belief in the transformative power of education. This isn't such a radical idea. However, teaching people theory that allows them to understand their own experiences in a wider social context is what sets us apart from existing treatment.

How we're different

We do not use theory or therapeutic approaches to diagnose or pathologize the individual. We teach it to enable people to make sense of their life experiences themselves, develop a deeper emotional relationships and understand the wider world around them.

Using education as a foundation for individual and social change draws on a vibrant tradition of radical teaching approaches. This recognises the power of people coming together to relate their individual experiences to wider inequalities.

"FfC showed me not only that I CAN learn, but how much I love learning." - Micky


We believe that anyone can learn anything. The how something is delivered is just as important as what the thing is. We work with people who are often terrified about entering a learning environment because of their poor experiences of education and beliefs about their inability to learn. We have developed an approach to presenting sophisticated theory in a way that is accessible, engaging, and often irreverent. Participants are not only able to benefit from the content of what is being taught, but also experience a crucial shift in identity about their ability to learn. 

"I didn't feel like I was being treated for my addiction. I felt like I was taught about it." - Gina


People are primarily referred onto courses by professionals working in drug and alcohol services. Past graduates recommend us highly and many people self-refer, having heard about us by word of mouth.

All of our courses are free to the people who attend them and we are usually able to reimburse travel costs. This is made possible through funding we receive from our supporters, grants and individual donations.

For further information about referrals and how to apply for a place, please get in touch