Station Foyer is the first and only foyer for refugees in the UK, and is owned and managed by Refugee Support (previously known as Refugee Housing Association). Since opening in January 2005, the scheme has supported over 300 refugees in gaining qualifications and living independently, and recently achieved Foyer Federation accreditation.
Young and vulnerable refugees who are new to the UK face barriers of language and culture, and, without support in gaining access to education and accommodation, are in danger of slipping into homelessness. A national survey carried out by Refugee Support in 2003 highlighted a demand among its service users for more educational opportunities, advice about jobs and suitable careers, and access to computers.
Refugee Support responded by developing the Station Foyer, a stable and secure community in which young people, aged 18-35, can support one another and achieve independence. The Foyer helps its residents, as well as others with identified needs living elsewhere in the community, to find employment, training or education, and encourages active participation though volunteering and local community activities.
Station Foyer has increased the upper age of the client group it serves from 25 years to 35 years. Many refugees have undergone traumatic and disorientating experiences, such as displacement from their home country, torture and separation from their family or support networks. Refugee Support realised that the needs and difficulties of a 35-year-old refugee would, in some cases, be comparable to a 25-year-old British homeless person.
Akram came to the UK from Eritrea in November 2004 and moved to the Station Foyer in April 2005. He quickly took a leading role at the Foyer in supporting other service users, joined an A level ESOL class, and went on to achieve official certification as an interpreter. Thanks to the support he received at the Foyer, Akram is now living independently.
"As well as completing a range of courses during my time at Station Foyer, living there helped me to become part of community life," explains Akram. "It was like being surrounded by family and, even now I've moved on, I know I can still go to the Foyer for guidance and support. I'm now working and studying for an access course in Science and Dentistry, yet I still try to make time to act as an interpreter at the Foyer to give something back in return for the help I received."
Service users can work towards completing nationally recognised qualifications delivered by local accredited training providers and Refugee Support's qualified staff. Partnership working has been vital to the success of Station Foyer and the contribution of partners delivering education, training and employment services has proved invaluable. A range of courses including information technology, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), driving test theory, citizenship and basic skills are now offered by the Foyer.
Sharon Brown, Service Manager at Refugee Support says: "Station Foyer combines the specialist expertise of Refugee Support in supporting refugees and asylum seekers, with the support of specialist educators and other partners. We're proud to be delivering a service that helps refugees to learn about and integrate with the local community and has already improved the lives and prospects of over 300 refugees."
The commitment of Station Foyer's specialist team, which resulted in the achievement of Foyer Federation accreditation and Beacon Status, has been recognised with a Refugee Support Local Achievement Award.
Refugee Support now aims to replicate its successful refugee foyer model in other local authority areas, and hopes to provide more vulnerable refugees with accommodation, education and the skills to integrate into life in the UK.
Foyer in Focus is contributed by the Foyer Federation. For further information, contact Louise Meincke, Policy and Communications Officer: louise@foyer.net; tel. 020 7430 2212.
