8 March 2005
SPELLAR PRAISES WORK OF FOYER
Minister for Social Development, John Spellar, attended a reception today showcasing the work of the Foyer Federation in tackling the problems of young homeless adults.
The event, hosted by David Ford, MLA, in the Long Gallery, Stormont, was addressed by the Minister and the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams. Young Foyer residents entertained the audience with poetry readings, music and songs.
The Minister congratulated the young people on their performances and paid tribute to the work of the Foyers. He said:
"Leaving home is a natural transition to independence for most young people. But unfortunately many others leave home prematurely or in difficult circumstances and they often face insurmountable obstacles in finding accommodation, employment, educational qualifications, and, hence, their independence. That all too often leads to a loss of self-respect and ambition.
"I am pleased that my Department has been able to assist the development of the Foyer concept in Northern Ireland through the provision of almost £6m in grants and through close working with the Federation. Together we have been able to help those young people who have come through your doors, on the road to independent and fulfilling lives."
Children and Young People's Commissioner, Nigel Williams, said:
"Today's showcase demonstrates the importance of making sure all young people have the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe environment - and what can be achieved as a result.
"Promoting young people's participation is one of my main goals as Commissioner, and I am therefore delighted to be able to support the Foyers in Northern Ireland in their valuable work with disadvantaged young people."
Jane Slowey, Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation, responded: "I am delighted that the Minister and Commissioner were able to attend our showcase event to hear and see the impact that living in a Foyer has made on the lives of young people in Northern Ireland.
"The Foyer Federation is grateful for the support the Department for Social Development has given the Foyers in Northern Ireland and I hope this relationship can develop further in the future."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Foyer concept was first established in France in 1951. It is best described as an integrated approach to meeting the needs of young people during their transition from dependence to independence by linking affordable accommodation to training and employment.
The Foyer Federation supports 130 Foyers across the UK providing accommodation integrated with education and training opportunities for ten thousand 16 - 25 year-olds in housing need each year.
Foyers deliver an holistic life-long learning programme which, on a one-to-one basis, enables each young person to achieve the self-confidence and skills they need to go on to further education, training or employment. For more information please visit www.foyer.net or contact Sophie Livingstone on 020 7430 2212 or 07967 104695 or email Sophie@foyer.net.
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