UK Foyer Federation and the Foyer Network

Kevin Smith – Head of Network Services

Sonia Dunand – Network Administrator

Young people first…

All young people need a home, support and a

springboard into independent living, learning and work. Some don’t get it. Foyers fill the gap.

The Foyer Federation• Launched 1992

• Partnership between Grand Met (Diageo) and Shelter

• Established model ‘imported’ from France

• Innovative answer to UK homelessness – integrating learning with accommodation

“The Foyer helps to give young people lots of new and interesting opportunities. For me it’s a secure base, a space where I feel accepted – but more importantly, it’s my home”. Jake, Nottingham

Supporting the Foyer Network - Jan 2008• 136 Foyers across the UK

• 109 accredited by Foyer Federation

• city centre, outskirts, rural, dispersed

• About 20 under development

• model diversifying – ‘hard to reach’ groups

• overseas development (2 accredited)

• £76 million annual value (2004)

“When I was 17 my parents asked me to leave – the same week that I lost my job. I had nowhere to go. At last I have a safe place to live and people I can go to for support.” Kim, East London

Supporting•10,000 16 - 25 year olds each year -

homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

•Typical stay 8 - 10 months

•Multi-disadvantaged, eg abuse, offending, mental health issues, family breakdown

•Mixed-demographics, ethnic minorities, care leavers, refugees, offenders

•Conditional accommodation based on personal development ‘contract’ with Foyer

“After being evicted from a short-hold tenancy I was homeless and in desperate need of help. The Foyer gave me the lifeline I needed, offering a roof over my head and the chance to continue my A-Levels.” Michael, Welwyn

Foyers provide

• Safe environment

• Education and development

• basic skills and independent living

• further education / university

• work skills / work experience

• Healthy Transitions

• Other services e.g. mental health, family mediation, university bursary scheme, social activities, volunteering opportunities• A voice for young people

“I was homeless, a victim of abuse, kicked out from my family home for being gay and was depressed. The Foyer is now my home where I have completed my Profile of Achievement and do freelance event work.” Christopher, Bath

The Three Tests

• 1. Is there a focus on disadvantaged16 – 25 yr olds in transition to independence?

• 2. Is it based on a holistic approach integrating accommodation with access to work, education, healthcare, personal development, etc? (not just housing solutions)

• 3. Is a commitment to participate required from residents and is it a condition of using the service?

• Accreditation looks at the 3 tests of ‘foyer-ness’– focus on disadvantaged young people– holistic approach– formal agreement between Foyer & young person

• Rigorous self assessment against 4 performance areas - Foyer, Independence, Support, Home containing 13 ‘Promises’

• Actively encourage involvement of staff and young people in assessment process

• 2 day validation visit with feedback on overall strengths and weaknesses

• Final report approved by independently Chaired Accreditation Panel

• Action Plan and follow up monitoring and support

Quality Assurance

Foyer Accreditation Assesses Performance

FOYER management

Opportunities for INDEPENDENCE

Young person SUPPORT package

HOME environment

• 2008+ – modular Accreditation by annual review

“I feel that coming here was the best decision I have made. Most of the residents have had bad times in the past. The Foyer provides a safe place to help the healing process and for many it offers a future they could only dream of.” Aj, Manchester

Network Services

• Young Person Involvement - Garmon ap Garth• Volunteering – Suzanne Harris• Learning Support – Gillian Wheatcroft• Professional Development – Dave Pendle• Rural Transitions – Janice Powell• Foyer Health– Nerys Edmonds

+

Accreditation – Mark Gibson

Network Administrator – Sonia Dunand

Corporate sponsors

Virgin sponsors Foyer Voice Live• Travel for young people to FF events• Funding via Directory Enquiries number• Xmas Foyer activities

DSGi (Dixons)• £2k for gaining accreditation• Sponsored Innovation Fair with cash awards• Free TV give away

A NATIONAL VOICEWhy give us a chance?

• Responding to calls from Foyers and young people

• Immediate funding issue

• Involving young people

• Raising profile and projecting a positive image

• SUCCESS ACHIEVED!!!

New service modelThe Transitions framework:

•Builds from existing Foyer ethos

•Updates the ‘Three Foyer Tests’

•Models new practice and research

•Transitional and transformative

Underlying values

EnrichingEnriching

CommunalCommunal

Knowledge Building

Knowledge Building

Asset Building

Asset Building

SupportiveSupportive

InnovativeInnovativeEmpoweringEmpowering

SocietalSocietal

MeaningfulMeaningful

InclusiveInclusive

ProgressiveProgressiveHolisticHolistic

Transitional Programmes

Transitional Programmes

Transitions Focus

Service

Skills

Resources

Opportunity

Transitions Framework

Individual in life transition

Social Personal Agency

Resources

Opportunity

Integration and Inclusion

Transition and Transformation