Posted 16.04.14
A play staged at the National Theatre has shone light on the lives of young people living at East Thames Focus E15 foyer and sparked a debate about youth services.
The play, entitled Home, follows the lives of young people who find themselves living in the foyer.
Policy makers and housing industry professionals were invited to a special performance of the play, where they came face to face with the residents who inspired its characters, as well as young people living at the foyer today.
After watching the play, the floor was opened up to a debate to discuss the future of foyers and hostels. Many young people put forward their case as to why foyers are a life line for many and why there needs to be continued support for vulnerable young people needing housing.
Senior Advisor, Richard Benstead from the Cabinet Office, said:
"This play is relevant to the experiences of young people across the country.
"Policy makers with responsibility for tackling the issues addressed would gain an interesting and important perspective from seeing this play. It shows the issues that some young people have to face, as well as the significance of services like the foyer.
"This play helps the voices of young people to be heard. It is a very heartfelt and personal story which drew me in right from the beginning."
The foyer residents and staff members from Focus E15 were heavily involved in the development of the script and felt the play was a good way to break down negative stereotypes of being homeless or a single parent.
