Wigan Foyer is 'dream come true' for young residents

Wigan Foyer is 'dream come true' for young residents

Alice and Abi are settling in to their new life at The Foyer

A brand-new purpose-built Foyer designed to give residents a safe place to call home has been descried as a 'dream come true'.

Young residents have spoken of their hopes for the future after moving into Lock 20 in Wigan, which replaces the former Coops Foyer on Boundary Street.

The £7.1m modern facility run by Your Housing Group (YHG), and supported by Wigan Council, Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, gives those aged 16-25 years old who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless, a fresh start in life.

Featuring 38 one-bedroom apartments, 14 extra apartments than the former Coops Foyer, Lock 20 houses a residents’ lounge, a gym, games room, training kitchen and breakout spaces.

For 17-year-old Alice, from Wigan, Lock 20 has made a 'massive impact' on her life and has given her a chance to learn new cooking skills.

She said: “I was in a very tough situation, I was bounced from home to home, it wasn’t the greatest and it wasn’t secure.

“It’s not something a 17 year old should have to deal with, but coming here, it gives you that sense of security - my life was so different six months ago.

“All these facilities that we have, it takes away from the feeling of loneliness.”

Residents stay for a maximum period of two years with the aim of reaching their goals - which could include a home of their own or employment.

Lock 20 also features emergency accommodation for young people at immediate risk of homelessness, or rough sleeping, which forms part of the council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030.

During a recent visit to Lock 20, Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet member for housing and welfare, and chair of Wigan Borough Homelessness Partnership Board, said: “This is a fantastic facility which the council are very proud to support with on-going revenue funding.

“Lock 20 not only gives young people a safe place to call home, but it’s also somewhere to build confidence, focus on their strengths and long-term goals.

“It was great to listen to some of the residents’ stories and the difference it is already having, and I am looking forward to seeing how they continue to progress as they prepare for a positive future.”

For Abi, 19, Lock 20 has given her a newfound sense of independence.

She said: “You don’t realise how much independence you have until you’re actually here and it does shock you, but it gets you ready for when you’re at that place where you can eventually move out.”

The facility has Your Housing Group staff on site 24-7, who work with residents to build their wellbeing and life skills, as well as giving them access to education, training and employment opportunities.

Jacque Allen, chief executive of Your Housing Group, said: “Lock 20 is a project we are incredibly proud of. This purpose-built foyer will be one of, if not the best, of its kind in the country, providing a safe and supportive place for young people to live, and giving them the stability they need to move forward with confidence.

"We’re extremely grateful to Wigan Council and Homes England for their support and shared ambition to make this happen. Working together, we’ve created a place that will genuinely change lives for years to come.”