Frequently asked questions:

What is supported housing?
It is somewhere for people to live who need help. There are staff available to assist
with filling in a variety of forms associated with living independently.

What is a Foyer?
A Foyer is not just a place to live, it is a place that helps young people to achieve
the goals they have in life. This could range from looking at education, training and
employment options to how they are going to live independently in the future.
Foyers are for 16-25 year old people.

How long can I live at the Foyer?
The maximum period for staying at the Foyer is about 2 years, although you would
have help in finding somewhere else to live and wouldn't just be asked to leave!
Some young people stay for much less than that, others leave and come back in the
future for a second stay!

Where can I find out more information about Foyers?
Have a look at the Foyer website
www.foyer.net

Is is a secure place to live?
As with any community, there will be times when disagreements occur.
The Foyer has many security aspects to it including full CCTV coverage and 24 hour
staffing to help provide a safe and secure home. Incidents are rare,
most of the time the Foyer is a calm and pleasant place to live.

Is the Foyer like a hostel?
No, the foyer is a place for young people to engage in activities with support and
take up training opportunities.

I have heard there are rules at the Foyer like a hostel!
There are rules, as there are in all areas of life! These are to ensure the safety and
security of the residents, the staff and the building.

Do you have to be in at a certain time?
No, there are no set times for people to come and go, we do however encourage people to live in a manner that would fit with working or training during the daytime.We ask that you respect other residents that have an early start in the morning.

How much does it cost to live at the Foyer?
Cluster rooms are £169.61 per week, there are no service bills such as electricity,
water or gas to pay for. For someone on full entitlement, Housing Benefit would cover most of the rent. Move on accommodation flats are £90.30 per week, these are self contained and service bills (gas, electric, council tax etc) need to be paid for separately.
If you are in employment, Housing Benefit covers less of the rent depending on your income

Are visitors allowed?
Yes, but there are rules about how many can be visiting at any one time and how many nights they can stay. Young people under 16 are not allowed in the accommodation area at any time unless they are authorised by staff.

How do I apply to live at the Foyer?
You can fill in an application form and return it to the Foyer. You will be invited for an
Initial Assessment which is an informal interview with a Support Worker to find out a bit more information about you.
You will be asked for permission to seek information from a referring agency such as
Connexions, Youth Offending team, Probation etc.
Once completed, your application goes to a letting's panel involving a number of other agencies who will consider if the Foyer is an appropriate place for you to stay.

I will be given accommodation because I am homeless won't I?
Not necessarily, the letting panel consider the level of support you require and the action you have taken to help yourself progress with your own development.

If I have been in trouble with the police, will I be given accommodation?
It depends on what kind of involvement you have had in the past and how long
ago it was.

I don't want the support that is offered can I still have accommodation?
Living at the Foyer may not suit you at this time, if your circumstances change,
you may feel you would like to use the support to help you. Until then, we would
suggest somewhere else to live.