Page 34 - link magazine

34 The Link Magazine • March 2002
A home from home, with a lot more
Making the transition from home Rooms are designed around ing room with computer suite, build up confidence and I'm writ-
to adult life is not easy at the best communal kitchens which resi- laundry and garden. Eight bedsits ing a new CV to apply for jobs.
of times and it can be very diffi- dents have to keep clean and tidy are adapted for people with physi- Another good thing is that there
cult for some young people. and there is a common room, train- cal disabilities who can be up to 30 are social activities you can join in
But the Foyer project in Swin- years old. with if you want. You wouldn't
don provides a positive opportu- Temporary Foyer manager get that if you were living in a
nity for singles aged 16 to 25 to Moura Feeny said the project helps block of flats somewhere."
make their way forward. Situated young people to take charge of
in a converted building on Bath their lives, make informed choices
Road, opposite the museum in Old and move towards independence. a4
Town, with a new extension to the "Potential residents can approach
rear, the Foyer offers ensuite bed- us directly or be referred by hous-
sits for up to sixty young people ing departments in Swindon and
who are committed to, or already nearby local authorities which sup-
in, training, education or employ- port the project. They are inter-
ment. viewed about their housing needs
Kelly Hyde in her room with Fiona and we explain the conditions of
Dunford, standing ' living at the Foyer. They also have
to provide references. At a second
F sion I I training and employment oppor- from left Michael, Mohammed
interview we focus on education,
Working in the IT resources room,
tunities and work out a personal
development plan together."
Hussein, Sam, Shaun
Residents at the Foyer like the
Exten '' s
o Conersions independence of having their own Training access worker Fiona
rooms whilst having somebody to Dunford, who is funded by the
Garage Conversions turn to if needs be. Wayne Fields, Learning Skills Council, said her
20, said he had been living on the job was to guide residents in their
Free quotations streets and in hostels when he was training needs and help them into
Best possible prices seventeen. "I got mixed up with work. "In the Foyer we run basic
the wrong people a few years ago, skills courses in small groups and
Many local references ` but living in the Foyer for the last we have a suite of computers to
six months has been good. Having learn IT skills and prepare CVs. If
Phone now for helpful friendly advice staff who understand and you can a resident plans to take a college
talk to privately is helpful; I've course, or start a job, I'll help them
Tel: 01193 635000 been able to get my life together." work out what they need before-
Lee Bates, 17, said the interview
hand and get them going, for ex-
had been quite tough. "They ample with transport. We also or-
wanted to know a lot before I got a ganise life skills groups in-house
place. Fiona the training worker is such as a weekly cooking group.
KINGFISHER helping me get on a Learning Gate- sibility and self-confidence, as well
"Our aim is to encourage respon-
way programme."
Jenny, 19, said she had left home as a sense of achievement so that
WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES with nowhere to go. She heard residents are prepared for inde-
about the Foyer and was inter- pendent living beyond the Foyer."
viewed for a place in the Autumn. Young people can live at the
THE CLEAR CHOICE "You can have independence and Foyer for up to two years. As peo-
live your own life, but there is al- ple are always moving on, there
FOR QUALITY, ways somebody around if you are usually spaces for 16 to 25 year
olds with housing needs.
need help. I've got GCSEs and
To find out more call 531679, or
VALUE SECURITY ITY GNVQs and worked for the In- Town.
land Revenue for a time. Now I'm
drop into 17 - 21 Bath Road, Old
doing some volunteer work to
Full Range of PVC-U
and Aluminium Products Workers team up in the west
Various Colours Two new youth workers have joined Swindon Council's community
;rl► ^►
Competitive Finance Options+ education team based at the Link Centre.
(written details on request) Nowill f - I i-'
• 10 Year Guarantee I Fran Sampson has been a youth ing for volunteers to assist him run
worker around the town since 1994, sessions. Sanjay can be contacted
Visitors are always welcome —.._ : most recently at Highworth. She on 465466.
Open 6 days a week
Mon to Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm has responsibility for street work, Hopes for skate park in March
Saturday 8.00am - 12.30pm building relationships with young The ramps built in December have
people where they meet and pro- been RoSPA inspected as safe, but
FOR FREE _ viding support and information. need a few adjustments. A storage
LOCAL ADVICE Sanjay Mistry box has been deliv-
17
AND ESTIMATES western Way arrives from a so- ered to the Link Cen-
•
r
weste n Way cial inclusion tre coach park.
project run by Originally sup-
• ROdb°^r
Raleigh Interna- posed to open in
tional in Liver- January, Linkyouth
UNIT 7, BARNFIELD ROAD, GREAT WESTERN WAY, WE ARE pool. He has the workers hope to
SWINDON SN2 2DJ HERE task of opening have them in use by
r .fiTi I youth clubs in the the end of March.
area and is look- Left, Fran and Sanjay