South Swindon MP Robert Buckland visited Swindon Foyer on Friday 27 January 2017 along with the Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr David Renard and Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr Oliver Donachie to meet the Foyer’s young residents and take part in a life skills workshop.
Swindon Foyer is set in the heart of Old Town in Swindon and supports some of the most disadvantaged young people in the community. It offers an integrated solution to housing, personal development and the training needs of its young residents. The foyer is run by Stonewater, one of the UK’s leading social housing providers.
As well as meeting the dedicated staff at the Foyer, Robert met a number of residents, who provided a tour of the building and its facilities. It was an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges young people face and to sit in on a life skills workshop where residents discussed positivity.
Swindon Foyer accommodates 57 young people aged between 16-25 years old. While staying at the Foyer, residents are supported to engage in employment, education and training opportunities, either on their own or as part of a group.
Sue Shirt, Executive Director – Housing at Stonewater said: “It was great to welcome Robert, David and Oliver to Swindon Foyer to see first-hand the important work that our team here at Swindon Foyer do on a daily basis. While it is only a small part of our overall business, Stonewater is immensely proud to provide these services and of the difference they can make to the lives of young people.
“I hope Robert, found the visit useful, and that they will continue to take an interest in the issues affecting young people, how Stonewater can help support their ambitions, and that we can work together to provide these vital services in the long term.”
Robert Buckland MP commented: ‘’Set in the heart of Old Town, this local project supports some of the most disadvantaged young people in our community by offering safe and supportive accommodation. During my visit, I enjoyed meeting with residents and staff and taking part in a life- skills, employment and education coaching workshop. I learned more about the types of support available to young people, which includes accessing employment, education, training, help with CVs, IT and cooking.
‘’I am glad that we have this facility here in Swindon, which provides vital support to those young and vulnerable people in our community who need it the most.’’