Foundations for Life centre opens - LandAid - Supporting a variety of homelessness projects in the UK

Aug

2009

Foundations for Life centre opens

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LandAid supporters joined young residents at Centrepoint Camberwell on Tuesday to mark the opening of its new Foundations for Life Centre.

This is one of five centres, established with an initial investment of more than £1million from LandAid, which will provide learning facilities, advice and support to homeless young people.

The Camberwell Foyer was the first purpose built foyer in the UK and provides accommodation for 80 young people, as well as supporting 150 more across South East London. The expanded facilities now serve young people from six south London boroughs: Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth, Sutton and Greenwich. Comprised of a new learning zone with IT suite, a healthy living centre and bespoke training rooms, the Foundations for Life Centre is staffed by specialist support workers ensuring the delivery of an extended range of programmes to help homeless young people secure a better future.

Mike Slade, President of LandAid said: “Seeing the first Foundations for Life Centres up and running shows the real difference the property industry can make to homeless young people by giving them the opportunities, skills and confidence to turn their lives round. Our thanks go to all those in the industry whose tremendous support and efforts have made this first important step possible.”

Seyi Obakin, Chief Executive of Centrepoint said: “Our partnership with the property industry has been made possible through LandAid. It is a ground breaking partnership that is enabling us to make a cogent and tangible difference to the life chances of vulnerable and homeless young people, one we are delighted will go from strength to strength, and one certainly deserving the support of the entire property industry. We are particularly pleased that one of our first Foundations for Life Centres is based in Camberwell, our first purpose built foyer.”

The other four Foundations for Life Centres are based in London at Centrepoint services at Bruce House (Westminster), Berwick Street and Greek Street (Soho) and Haberdashers House (Lewisham). Further centres will be rolled out nationally in phase two of the programme.