The Foyer

The Portsmouth Foyer was established in 1996 by Portsmouth Housing Association. As a member of The Foyer Federation it provides accommodation for up to 108 residents within the age range of 16 - 25 years old.
 
The residents are of mixed sex and are drawn from groups such as Homeless, Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Emergency placements.
 
The purpose of the Portsmouth Foyer is to provide residence with accommodation within a safe environment in which they can access support and training that will eventually enable them to move onto independent living.
 
In March 2003, the position of a Health Development worker was created to identify the health concerns and needs of The Foyer residents and to implement programmes of health promoting initiatives that would address these needs. The position was jointly funded until March 2006. From March 2006, the Project will solely be funded by Primary Care Trust (PCT).
 
The overall aims of the Project were:

• To address the health concerns of The Foyer residents and to hear about their concerns in a manner that would be "young people" friendly.
• To facilitate access to local health services and to work in an empowering way.
• To identify training needs in the general health issues of The Foyer staff and to facilitate training either directly or indirectly.
• To link The Foyer staff and residents into local health programmes and services.
• To investigate the barriers to services experienced by residents and recommend strategies that would overcome these barriers.

The Project supports and provides a weekly drop-in 4 - 8 pm on Wednesday. This is an opportunity for the individuals to share any issues that they may have such as, Dentistry, Pregnancy issues, Safe Sex, GP's, relationships, drugs, alcohol and self harm.
 
In addition to this, the residents participate in a rolling training programme at The Foyer called "Get Real" where they participate in health related topics and workshops. The residents start the day with Breakfast Club, so healthy eating options and information can be obtained and the young people go on to learn about a number of health related issues including smoking, drug taken, personal and social development.
 
We also encourage outside Agencies to facilitate some training at The Foyer, such as, "Sex Sense", Cranstoun, DAIS and Smoking Cessation groups.
 
Should you require any further information ring Dee at The Foyer: 07738 147 799 or see the Foyer Website.