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In response to the increasing society need for technological skills, knowledge and IT awareness, Bristol Foyer was designed to help Bristol's 16-25 year-olds (specifically those unemployed, homeless or feeling excluded) learn and develop modern market and job skills.

The Bristol Foyer includes a state of the art IT and training facility combined with housing and social resources. The facility was officially opened on 11 September and is open to community groups within the URBAN area (not just URBAN, but all of Bristol!!!)

Situated at Bristol Bridge, the results of the project will be to have 150 trainees placed in employment and housing within its first 5 years.

This innovative and ambitious project aims to become the focal point for young people in Bristol with employment, training and accommodation needs.

The Bristol URBAN Programme has invested in the construction of the IT training centre. In establishing the project, a genuine partnership between public and private sector employers has fostered a commitment to creating real, economic and social development. Also, it is the only Foyer project in the UK to have actively involved young people, over 200, in the planning and implementation of the project.

In 'bricks and mortar' terms, the Foyer is an attractive, high quality, multi-use building. Many services and facilities will be provided and include:

• A fully equipped training, job search and counselling centre
• IT facilities with access to the Internet and wide range of learning and self development packages
• Accommodation for 51 young people in 3 bedroomed flats including provision for young people using wheelchairs
• Commercial space that will generate income and provide a real work environment for young people to gain experience and confidence
• Social/meeting rooms that can be used by other community groups in the URBAN area.

In 'young people' and training terms, the Foyer will provide 6 clear access and life-development steps for both residents and non-residents. Taking a flexible approach, each step and the support involved will be available at any stage along the route. This route comprises:

• Step 1 - Information1 on a whole range of training, housing, health, welfare rights and employment issues
• Step 2 - Vocational Guidance/ Counselling to help unlock the potential of each young person using the Foyer. A holistic approach will be used, creating mutual responsibility and integrating their emotional and personal needs with their specific training and employment needs.
• Step 3 - Key Skills Training in the core skills of numeracy, IT, self-learning, problem solving, working with others, literacy and English as a second language.
• Step 4 - Self-Confidence and Motivation Building by providing a safe and stimulating environment for young people to develop new interests and self-motivation through outdoor pursuits, drama/ arts, sports, exchanges, voluntary work etc
• Step 5 - Work Experience Opportunities created in-house and with employers offering a range of options such as 'shadowing', income generating projects and so on
• Step 6 - Employment which is the key goal in this exciting process of learning and self-development for the young people attending the Foyer.

"Bringing IT to the Community"

For more information contact  Martin Heuter Russell  Foyer Manager:

Tel:  (0117) 3177600

Fax:  (0117) 3177619

Address:
2A Victoria Street,
Bristol.
BS1 6DT

e-mail: martinh@bristolfoyer.org.uk

Other Projects Being Funded

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