01325 462452A Safe Place to Stay
Tees Valley YMCA gives homeless young people a safe, warm place to stay, as well as support to help them stay off the streets for good. We accommodate for 31 young people every night, resulting in 11,315 bed nights every year!
The Foyer
Located in Middleton Street, Darlington, Tees Valley YMCA runs a 31 bed Foyer for young people aged 16 - 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Since opening in 1993 the Foyer has built up an enviable reputation, working with some of the most vulnerable young people within our community, many having multiple or complex needs.
If accepted by the YMCA the young person can expect to be offered their own selfcontained flat on an Assured Short-Hold Tenancy for 12 months, this is the highest form of tenancy the YMCA can offer and meets the young person's primary need for shelter and security. In addition the young person will be appointed a Key Worker who will work with them to maintain their tenancy, to identify and address, through an agreed support plan, any secondary needs they may have and prepare them to move on.
The Key Worker will continue to work in the community with the young person for up to six weeks to ensure a smooth transition to independent living with floating support.
Referrals
All referrals to the Foyer must be made through the Darlington Borough Council's Key Point of Access (KPA) which is jointly administered by DBC's Housing Options Team and First Stop Darlington.
Additional Opportunities Available at the Foyer
We deliver individual support packages of learning and support to residents which, focus on rebuilding a young person's confidence and helping them to increase their self-esteem.
Training offered can be informal or accredited and our young people have access to our Options Programme which delivers ICT, Volunteering, Literacy and Numeracy Skills. Other services offered at the Foyer include:
- C-card amd Chlamydia screening
- LGBT Liaison Worker
- Advice Support and Guidance
- Independent Living Skills
- 24hr Interne
