Residents at our Worthing Foyer gathered together to re-decorate an unused office space and turn it into a ‘Chill Room’. Amy Tsim, Inspire Coach, tells us more:
A few residents at Worthing Foyer, Jamie, Shy and Stephen, did a fantastic job in renovating an unused office space in the foyer. Input was gathered from all residents to decide a colour and theme – The residents decided they wanted a calm space, inspired by animals and nature.
Most items were sourced from charity shops and donations, which was important to the residents for environmental reasons (- as well as financial reasons). Residents learnt about project planning, painting and decorating, budgeting, putting together furniture, communication and social skills.
It was also made possible by a group of National Citizen Service (NCS) young people who raised money for Worthing Foyer.
I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing residents produce artwork to put up to the walls and hope the room will be put to good use.
Q&A with Jamie, one of the residents involved:
What made you want to get involved in this project?
So that residents have a safe space to talk and feel like they don’t need to be quiet and feel like they are being over-heard and listened in to, which can happen sometimes if we’re using the training room because it can be very busy with lots of people walking past.
What did you learn?
I’m good at painting and decorating. Learnt some budgeting from having a set amount of money to spend. Other residents are intrigued to use the room, before they weren’t interested.
What did you enjoy/ find fun about the project?
Not feeling pressured to finish the room within a tight time. It was nice to be able to take our time doing it. Painting.
What are you looking forward to?
More residents using the room and having a safe space. Can’t wait to see what the residents want to put on the walls in terms of art/creative works.
A little more about Worthing Foyer:
YMCA DownsLink Group runs Worthing Foyer, an affordable, high-quality accommodation option for young people in housing need aged 16-25 years. Our aim is to provide a safe, supportive and enabling environment in which young people can be helped to reach their full potential. We provide training and support with an overall goal of helping those young people reach independence.
Support
All residents are required to sign up to an individual support plan in order to help them achieve their goals and progress to independent living. We provide a range of training opportunities for our residents. We have close links with local colleges and training providers and signpost young people to appropriate services where they can gain experience and further develop their skills.
Facilities
The foyer consists of 27 bedsits, complete with ensuite facilities, separated into 2 or 3 bedroom flats.
