Young residents in a housing association’s four foyer schemes were celebrated at The Galactic Awards on Friday 14th April, recognising their determination, perseverance, and willingness to give themselves a great start to adult life.

The awards were held at Your Housing Group’s head office in Warrington, Youggle House. Residents arrived in limousines and entered Youggle House on a red carpet. Before the awards, the residents and guests enjoyed entertainment from a live band, a photobooth, and stone-baked pizza and gourmet burgers.

Five awards were handed out recognising the young people who have shown particular progress over the last twelve months, and local partners who have helped support the Foyers. The categories were:

  • Reach for the Stars: young people who have achieved personal milestones by demonstrating perseverance and determination.
  • The Big Bang: young people who have positively impacted their scheme, peers, or communities.
  • The Sky’s The Limit: recognises a young person’s ability to live independently, highlighting the progress made from the beginning of their foyer journey.
  • Solar Eclipse: recognises a young person who deserves special recognition for their achievements and progress overall.
  • Infinity: dedicated to a service or partnership that go above and beyond to support our schemes.

The foyers offer temporary supported accommodation specifically designed for young people aged between 16 and 25 years old. They provide a safe, nurturing place for young people experiencing homelessness to live, learn and flourish.

Andy Ward, young people services manager for YHG, says; “We care so much about every single one of our residents. Many of the young people come to live with us when they have been experiencing homelessness for some time, and our foyers, with the support of excellent partners, give them a chance to excel. Through the Foyer Federation’s Advantaged Thinking approach, we can help them gain new skills, whilst living in a safe and friendly environment, giving them the chance to build confidence and self-belief for the next stage of their lives. We are so proud of them all.”

There are four foyers: Verve Place in Warrington, Coops Foyer in Wigan, Ravenhead Foyer in St Helens, and Bridge Foyer in Chester. The aim of these supported housing schemes is to give young people purpose, whilst teaching them the skills they need to progress to further education or employment.

Speaking to residents at the Galactic Award, Your Housing Group’s CEO Jacque Allen praised their achievements saying “having spent some time reading the nominations for each of these categories I am blown away with the strength and resilience each and every one of you have shown. We may be handing out awards today, but in truth each and every one of you are winners in my eyes. Congratulations to you all for the work you do to create opportunities for yourselves.”

Partners and staff from all four foyers, as well as the nominated young people, were in attendance for the celebration.

Categories and winners

Award: Reach For The Stars

This award goes to the young people who have achieved personal milestones by demonstrating perseverance and determination.

BRIDGE FOYER WINNER: Jinx Hooper

COOPS FOYER WINNER: Devon Zaid

RAVENHEAD FOYER WINNER: Connor Wood

VERVE PLACE WINNER: Blake Riley

 

Award: Big Bang

This award goes to the young people who have positively impacted their scheme, peers, or communities.

VERVE PLACE WINNER: Ellie Davies

RAVENHEAD FOYER WINNER: Chloe Long

COOPS FOYER WINNER: Luna Ashcroft

BRIDGE FOYER WINNER: Faith Toms

 

Award: The Sky’s The Limit

This award reflects a young person’s ability to live independently, highlighting the progress made from the beginning of their foyer journey.

VERVE PLACE WINNER: Zuzanna Kowslowska

RAVENHEAD FOYER WINNER: Caitlin Holden

COOPS FOYER WINNER: Soheil Abdollahi

BRIDGE FOYER WINNER: Morgan Lea King

 

Award: Solar Eclipse

This award recognised a young person who deserves special recognition for their achievements and progress overall.

RAVENHEAD FOYER WINNER: Sam Rooney

VERVE PLACE WINNER: Jay Asbury-Luck

COOPS FOYER WINNER: Jade Tyman

BRIDGE FOYER WINNER: Elle May Irvine

 

Award: Infinity Award: Best local partner.

As a family of Foyers, we strive towards providing a holistic service for each young person we house. This award recognises the important role our partner agencies play in helping us to create special opportunities for our young people.

RAVENHEAD FOYER WINNER: Christie Knox (WISH)

VERVE PLACE WINNER: Think Therapy and WYZ Partnership

COOPS FOYER WINNER: Truth Hair and Beauty

BRIDGE FOYER WINNER: Josie (DWP)