The newly appointed MP for Camborne and Redruth,George Eustice, was very impressed by the refurbishment of Carn Brea’s Foyer to provide shared and self-contained accommodation for young people.
George Eustice was invited to have a tour around the recently renovated Foyer, along with other guests, guided by residents who talked about what it’s like to live there and the positive changes it has made to their lives.
Carn Brea Foyer is one of Devon & Cornwall Housing's eight Foyers which provide accommodation for young people considered to be at risk and in need of support.
The Foyer was originally used as temporary accommodation for homeless families, but today the accommodation has been divided up between shared flats, for those with less experience of life skills, and self-contained flats, which provide the next step to independent living while still having support from specialised staff.
Foyers have been instrumental for young people, aged 16 – 25, who come from a variety of backgrounds and are looking for help in taking that first step towards independent living. A young person can be referred to one of our Foyers by the local authority, other agencies or direct from the young people themselves.
Suzette Crossman, Foyer Manager said: “A young person has a hard enough life with day-to-day challenges without having to worry about where they live. The project gives young people an opportunity to have supported accommodation for up to 2 years enabling them to improve their life skills.
“We have individual support programmes tailored to young peoples’ needs which can include education, training, employment support and advice and guidance. We are able to provide a high level service by using a multi-agency approach in conjunction with other community organisations, such as the White Gold Project and Connexions. Residents can get involved with a variety of activities such as boxing, running and art.
“Also our residents are going out of their way to get involved with the local community. We are inviting neighbours to come in and see what we do to increase neighbourhood integration”.
Independent Futures is Devon & Cornwall Housing's subsidiary that provides all our care and support services.
They look after care and support for elderly people, women at risk, young people, and people with mental health issues. Independent Futures also now include the care & repair service.
Kathy Gilmore, Independent Futures Managing Director said: “We are constantly trying to improve the way services are provided to the more vulnerable people in society, including younger people at the Foyers. Independent Futures improves the effectiveness of services bringing benefits to the people who really matter, our customers.”
