Media centres launched to help homeless youths

A network of ten media training centres, which aim to give hundreds of young homeless people the skills to take up jobs in the media and music industries, have been launched by Communities Minister Iain Wright.

The media centres, based in hostels for young homeless people run by the Foyer Federation, will give residents the opportunity to develop skills ranging from cinematography, radio and music production.

Using media production facilities, the Foyers are working in conjunction with media training providers, broadcasters and production companies to develop a training programme of lasting value to young people.

BBC Training & Development is sending staff on placements to the media centres to give training, mentoring and practical tips to young people on how to get in and ahead in the media industry.

The ten centres will be based in Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton & Hove, Exeter, East London, Plymouth, Ravenhead, Sunderland and Yeovil.

Communities and local government have funded the Foyer Foundation £350,000 to set up the media centres as part of its £90 million hostels improvement programme.

Mr Wright said that the centres would give "real opportunities" to young people to "develop new skills, a route into employment and, ultimately, sustained independent living".

He said: "Today's launch is part of our £90 million hostels improvement programme which is transforming hostels across the country from places that provide a bed for the night and a meal to places of change which give homeless people access to the training and support they need to move on with their lives."

BBC new presenter and former 'Strictly Come Dancing' star Natasha Kaplinsky joined the Communities Minister at the launch. She said: "I'm so pleased to be part of the launch of the Foyer media centres. Working in the media industry, I know that this exciting world will attract the interest of young people. Foyer residents have often seen more of life than most young people twice their age so to give an outlet for their creativity is going to produce startling results I'm sure."

Since launching in 1992, the UK Foyer network has grown to over 130 local Foyers supporting more than 10,000 homeless 16 - 25-year-olds each year.

They enable young people at risk to escape the 'no home-no job-no home' cycle by delivering a holistic service that integrates accommodation with training, job search, personal support and motivation.

(KMcA/SP)