THE Stonham Bude Foyer, which works with a range of partners to offer young people a home and support and advice in accessing training and getting a job, staged an open day for people involved in setting up the exciting new project last Friday.

Representatives of a number of agencies and organisations, including local councillors and businesses involved in setting up the service, as well as local members of the public were welcomed to the opening.

The Bude project is the latest youth foyer to be opened in Cornwall. Staff work specifically with disadvantaged young people, in most cases aged 16-25, who are homeless or in housing need. A foyer is different from a hostel in that it provides opportunities and support for training, and access to learning and work. This can range from offering practical help with further education, employment and heath issues to filling in forms or making appointments with agencies.

Young people come to stay in foyers both through self-referral, and from referral via outside agencies, housing associations, probation service, etc. They also house care-leavers and young people can stay in the accommodation for up ton two years.

The aim of the foyer is to ensure that its residents make the best possible use of the opportunities available and each is planned to meet the particular needs of the area it serves.

The first foyer, which opened in Launceston in 2002, has been a great success. This was shortly followed by the opening of foyers in Padstow, Bodmin and Camelford last year. This latest venture at Bude provides six units of accommodation and aims to host a range of services for young people.

See this week's 'Post' for the full report.