First TAFE Youth Foyer opens in Melbourne's south east

An innovative service which provides accommodation and education opportunities for young people who want to study but can't live at home was today opened by the Victorian Minister for Housing, the Hon Wendy Lovell MLC and the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Hon Peter Hall MLC.

Tony Nicholson, Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, said the TAFE Youth Foyers are the first of their kind in Victoria and the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Hanover were proud to be working with the Victorian Government on this bold new initiative.

"The Brotherhood of St Laurence, Hanover Welfare Services and Holmesglen Institute of TAFE have collaborated with the Victorian Government to open the first of these Education First Youth Foyers in Victoria," Mr Nicholson said.

"Housing up to 40 young people, the Holmesglen Youth Foyer will provide accommodation for up to two years for young people who want to study but can't live at home.

"The Foyer will enable local young people access to education, and the support they need to develop skills, become employed and build productive lives," he said.

Hanover Chief Executive Tony Keenan said the Education First Youth Foyers are changing the way services are delivered.

"This is a major reform that puts learning and skills as the key pathway out of homelessness and disadvantage for young people. In exchange for secure accommodation, the young people agree to stay engaged in education.

"All students in the Foyer complete a Certificate in Independence at TAFE, so that their first contact is with education. Rather than them talking about their 'disadvantage' and their problems, we're working with young people to help build on their strengths and reach their aspirations." Tony Keenan and Tony Nicholson said that the opening was held during Homeless Persons Week, an important week aimed at raising awareness of the experiences of people who are homeless in Australia.

"More than 4,000 Victorians aged 15-19 experience homelessness on any given night. Without support, they are at risk of experiencing long-term homelessness and unemployment. We know that with the right support and an important focus on education and employment, we can ensure these young people can have a bright future.

"The official opening was held at the Holmesglen Foyer today and featured performances by young people living in the Foyer, speeches from Victorian government ministers, partner agencies and students.

It was attended by government representatives, community sector leaders, the CEO from Holmesglen, City of Monash Mayor, young people living in the Foyer, media and staff from Hanover and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

The Holmesglen Youth Foyer is the first of three Victorian Government funded Foyers, with the second scheduled to be opened at Kangan Institute's Broadmeadows campus and the third at GOTAFE in Shepparton.