Manchester Foyer, a leading provider of housing and support services for young people in Manchester, is celebrating its 25th anniversary today.
The Foyer will mark this milestone with a special event featuring guest speakers, including Councillors Bev Craig and Gavin White, as well as MSV Housing CEO Charlie Norman.
Since opening its doors in 1998, Manchester Foyer has provided a safe and supportive environment for over 1,000 young people. Many come from challenging backgrounds and have experienced difficulties early in life, such as family breakdowns, abusive environments, mental health issues, or substance abuse. The Foyer is committed to providing them with the support they need to achieve their full potential and live independent, happy, and fulfilling lives.
Adam, a young person living at Manchester Foyer, recently completed a Graphic & Digital Design course at College with Distinctions. He credits his success to the support he has received from the Foyer. "I love it at Manchester Foyer," he said. "It's amazing, and it's been mint living here. It feels like a more mature setting, and I have so much freedom. The support workers have been incredibly helpful, and I wouldn't have been able to get into University if it wasn't for The Lodge and Manchester Foyer."
Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, and Executive Member for Housing and Development, Cllr Gavin White, joined MSV Housing’s CEO, Charlie Norman, to celebrate this milestone by launching the Foyer's Winter Wellbeing Campaign and officially unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Leader of the Council Cllr Bev Craig said:
“This isn’t just an anniversary of 25 years of this accommodation – it's a celebration of more than 1,000 young people being given the support they need to succeed at a critical time in their lives.
“When it opened in 1998, the Foyer was an innovation, hooked on the simple idea that we now know is essential – that good quality, well managed housing is the very foundation for our residents to live a prosperous, happy life and a cornerstone for their wellbeing in all their other endeavours.
“The Foyer has taken young people from disadvantaged and challenging backgrounds and sets them off on a new path and the start of a long and healthy life. That is a priceless service and I am so proud of what it has achieved for young people in our city.”
The Foyer has a proven track record of helping residents achieve their goals. This year alone, over 52 young people have gained qualifications, 14 secured employment and 13 young people went on to study at Universities around the UK; from London, Leeds, Huddersfield, York, Birmingham, Manchester to Aberystwyth and New York, and three young people started Volunteering.
In addition to its regular services, Manchester Foyer is also gearing up for its annual Winter Welfare campaign, which focuses on providing support to residents during the cold winter months. This year's campaign will include winter activities, cooking demonstrations, the provision of winter care packages, and advice on managing winter bills and staying healthy.
"Manchester Foyer provides much-needed new homes and support to help even more young people aspire and achieve their goals in life," said Charlie Norman, CEO of MSV Housing.
"We would like to thank Councillors Bev Craig and Gavin White for joining us to mark this occasion and for sharing their support. We work closely with our partners at Children's Services and Manchester City Council to achieve a shared vision and help young people who experience homelessness and complex issues achieve their full potential and independence."
About Manchester Foyer
Manchester Foyer provides 61 self-contained flats for people aged between 16 – 25 years old. In 2022, they were re-accredited by the Foyer Federation as Operationally Strong/Strategically Strong – the highest Grade the Foyer Federation award.
Manchester Foyer is one of two Foyers based in Hulme and Blackburn owned and ran by Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group (MSV). Read more here. Earlier this year, MSV also opened The Lodge – a disused student accommodation block in Hulme to incorporate 7 stylish shared living and kitchen spaces and 30 en-suite bedrooms. Demand for supported accommodation is steadily rising, and the project is part of the Children's Services Reform Partnership Programme, established by Manchester City Council to develop a range of provisions for the over 16s in partnership with ethical providers.
The scheme also aligns with the Greater Manchester Care Leavers Pledge, which has been signed by Local Authorities and Housing Providers across Greater Manchester (GMCA and GMHP).
