Virgin Mobile Corporate Social Investment Programme Christmas 2007

Foyer - The Foyer Federation

Who Foyer are

Since launching in 1992, the UK Foyer network has grown to over 130 local Foyers supporting more than 10,000 homeless 16 to 25 year-olds each year, giving them a chance to realise their full potential.

What they do

Foyers enable young people at risk to escape the 'no home-no job-no home' cycle by delivering a holistic service that integrates accommodation with training, job search, personal support and motivation.

Each Foyer is independent, but together they form a national network, connected through the Foyer Accreditation Scheme, training that leads to national qualifications, and the development of innovative national projects that are delivered by local Foyers.

There are currently over 130 Foyers across the UK, providing:

• A stable and secure community in which young people can support one another and achieve independence;
• Help with finding appropriate employment, training or education to make this possible;
• Training in basic skills and independent living skills;
• Help with finding permanent accommodation and ongoing support when the young person has left the Foyer.

The Foyer history

Drawing on a French model, which had been providing accommodation and support since the 1940s, the UK Foyer Network has in the past fifteen years supported more than 100,000 young people.

Foyer residents

• There are 5793 Foyer beds in the UK
• Estimated number of Foyer residents per year: 6281
• Foyers also help young people who do not live in the Foyer, meaning that on average Foyers support 10,000 young people per year.
• 39% of Foyer residents are 16-18 years old
• 47% of Foyer residents are 19-21 years old
• 11% of Foyer residents are 21-25 years old
• 57% of Foyer residents are male, 43% female

Some results

The Foyer model works. 75% of young people leaving Foyers are in education, training or work — compared to 21% when they entered.

Success stories

"My foyer means to me more than a room or place to live, it means a new start in life, building my self esteem. It means making friends for a lifetime".

Andy, Lichfield Foyer resident

"Put your faith in young people. We may have a bad reputation, we may sometimes push our luck and get ourselves in situations which cause immense hassle and upset, but at the end of the day, we're all just learning.

"Young people are the future. We are your next doctor, we are your new mechanics, we will be programming your computers and installing your double glazing. We will have your grandchildren and will teach them all that the world has taught us. So give us a chance, and we'll all do you proud".

Mike, Karibu Foyer resident

I came to live in the Foyer because I was homeless. I had to move out from home due to my brother having a mental illness. The council referred me to the Foyer and I moved in 4 weeks later. I was 22 years old.

When I first moved into the Foyer I didn't have much confidence. I was quiet and people wouldn't really notice me. I was embarrassed about being dyslexic, not realising that it was normal and that many people suffer from some form of learning difficulty. The Foyer put me on their lifeskills course, which really boosted my confidence. At first I thought I didn't need to learn 'lifeskills', but I learned new things about budgeting, sexual health, cooking etc, and I really enjoyed going to the classes. The Foyer also helped me overcome the barriers my dyslexia had caused me. I have used what I learned to my advantage and I am now setting up my own business in makeup and beauty consultations, working freelance. And with the help from the Foyer I was able to write my business plan despite being dyslexic, which helped me secure funding.

The staff in the Foyer are very supportive, but realistic at the same time. They offer you guidance and show you the way, but it is up to you to make the most of it. I want to give something back to society now. I have become a Learning Ambassador for the Foyer Federation, mentoring other young people and helping them boost their confidence. My family has always just been on benefits, but I never wanted to be that kind of person. The Foyer gave me the opportunity to make the most of myself and reach my true potential. I am only looking to the future, there is no looking back.

To read more about our charity partner Kids Company click here.

Foyer - registered charity 1040482