Living at Karibu

Since the first Foyers in the UK opened in 1992, the expansion of the movement has been astonishingly rapid. So much so, that the number has risen to 120 Foyers across the UK, all of which are signed up to the Foyer Accreditation Scheme, with more in development. The diversity of the network is one of its strengths, but all Foyers have certain characteristics in common, namely the integration of accommodation and support services for disadvantaged young people.

Karibu Foyer provides:

• A stable and secure community in which young people can support one another and achieve independence;

 

• Help with finding appropriate employment, training or education to make this possible;

 

• Training in basic skills and independent living skills;

 

• Help with finding permanent accommodation and ongoing support when the young person has left the Foyer.

The Foyer concept has always included the provision within the Foyer of facilities for the wider community, partly to help to re-integrate young people into their communities, partly for economic reasons, and also to win the communities support for the Foyer project.

 

What is the accommodation like?

Karibu Foyer is purpose built and is under three years old. All rooms are fully furnished with additional laundry room, communal lounge (with internet access) and  training room.

 
How does the foyer prepare me for independent living?

Everyone coming into the Foyer has a support worker. They will work with you to find out what your long term goals are, and how to achieve them. The Foyer works closely with careers services and training agencies. If you get a place at Karibu Foyer, you will have to sign up to an education programme based on the skills you already have and the type of job you are interested in. If you refuse to get involved you won’t get a place.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Foyer you need:

 

• To be aged 16-25.

 

• To be in housing need as defined by the local authority.

 

• To be in training in Nottingham and unable to live with your family.

 

• To have a local connection with the area.

 

• To have a commitment to work towards independent living.

 

• To have support needs that we are able to meet.

 

How do I get a place?

Referrals are accepted from the Homelessness Gateway – please

telephone 0115 915 3000. Our aim is to interview and make a decision within 24 hours (subject to the young client’s availability). 
 

If I do get in, what rights do I have?

If you are offered a place at Karibu Foyer the staff will work very hard with you to ensure that you maintain your tenancy.  You can however, be evicted if for example:-

 

• You don’t pay your rent

 

• Don’t follow your training programme

 

• Cause a nuisance to other residents

 

• Break the house rules

 

What else does the foyer offer?

• The opportunity to make new friends 

 

• The chance to have a say about how the foyer is run and what you want to see happening.

 

• Trips away

 

• Emotional support

 

• Activities e.g. football, golf, tennis, art, cookery, music

  

How much will it cost?

The rent for a room in a cluster flat is £29.23 if you are on benefits or low income. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

 

Your support worker will help you claim and check whether you can get any other benefits. 
 
What our residents say

 

•  “Since moving into the foyer I have made loads of new friends. It has enabled me to go back to college and hopefully do a job that I will enjoy.  The foyer feels like home”. 

•  
   “It’s good to have the computers and free access to the net to keep in touch with your friends”. 
   

Not sure if the foyer is for you?

You are welcome to drop in, have a look round and chat to the staff who will be happy to answer any queries you have, or give us a call on (0115) 911 0770.

 

Karibu Foyer, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7JN