On – Route Foyer brings young people together through community engagement.

In August 2011 the Foyer nominated 7 young people for the Dudley Youth Award in the group category of Community Charity & Voluntary Work. We feel the young person deserve recognition for the work they have done during the past two years for actively developing services on the Foyer and within the community the group overcame many of their own barriers and develop their confidence to benefit other young people.

The group consulted and promoted the views of other young people on the Foyer when leading a number funding bids for sustainable projects and activities on the Foyer. Some of these young people have now moved on into permanent independent living however there efforts   will continue to benefit young people for years to come. Moreover the group have boosted the confidence, inspired and supported other young people to join them towards making difference for themselves and others on the Foyer and in the wider community.

The Foyer IT suite continues to benefit young people in their college work, research, job search, developing IT skills and social use. The vegetable garden and their working partnership with community based project Hillside Herbs also the chicken project are continuing to develop the young people’s confidence and skills. The produce has become a significant resource for the Foyers healthy eating and nutrition cooking programme and created a valuable social and recreational activity.

As active members of the Foyer Health and Wellbeing Programme the young people have attended various community engagements, delivering interactive stalls both regionally and nationally, making a positive contribution towards raising young people’s awareness of holistic approaches towards improving their health and wellbeing.