How Foyers work
The Foyer approach.
It’s not just about what you do. It’s about how you do it.
Foyers believe in providing more than just a place to stay. They offer a transformative experience for young people on their journey to independence.
Foyers offer stable accommodation in a supportive, communal living environment. Young people receive personalised attention, mentoring, coaching and access to opportunities.
By tapping into the goals and ambitions of each individual, Foyers believe in fostering independence and growing young people’s power, ensuring that every young person has the chance to build a better future for themselves.
Foyers share a commitment to Advantaged Thinking, demonstrating this through the way they talk about, understand, work with, invest in, believe in and involve young people, and challenge others to do the same.
How Foyers operate
Most Foyers are run by national or regional housing associations or local charities. They are often funded through a blend of rental income and a housing related support contract with the local authority, although some have a more diverse income blend that includes grants, earned income, corporate partnerships and minor donations.
Referrals into Foyers can vary based on location and the requirements of the local authority. A number of Foyers within our network take direct applications but others may need a referral from the local authority.
Most of the Foyers have an age restriction of 16-25 but there are some that only take over 18s and others that take over 25s too – it’s always best to call the Foyer to find out their eligibility requirements.
The impact of Foyers
The Foyer Federation worked closely with local Foyers and young people to understand the journey that young people go on when they enter a Foyer.
Our asset-based Theory of Change for Foyers was designed with young people in partnership with the University of Cumbria, focusing on the seven key areas young people told us they want to progress:
- Housing
- Finance
- Learning
- Employment
- Health
- Social skills
- Personal development
Within our quality development work with Foyers, we use this Theory of Change to frame the offer to young people and understand its impact.
