Foyer Oxford servey finds overwhelming support for youth service facility

A THIRD annual survey in Leederville has revealed 75 per cent strongly supported youth support facility Foyer Oxford.

The organisation, which held the survey, provides housing, support and education access for people between 16 and 23 years who do not have stable accommodation.

More than 125 people and 60 businesses were surveyed, with 95 per cent of people regarding the project as an important service and 2 per cent unsupportive.

Residents Juliana Clarke (18) and Kiana Tooby (17) found sanctuary at the facility late last year after not being able to find a place to live in Fremantle.

“Coming from couch surfing and going from house to house to a stable home is great,” Ms Clarke said.

“It gives me independence, having a rent inspection and knowing you can’t damage things makes you more aware that you have to look after things and getting used to living by ourselves, paying rent so when we are out of here we can do that.”

Ms Tooby said she felt safer at Foyer Oxford and she got along with everyone there.

Foyer Oxford manager Jethro Sercombe said it was critical large scale youth facilities sat harmoniously among ratepayers and businesses.

“Sometimes local people might have concerns about services such as these in residential precincts, or fears and doubts about who we are and what we do, so we worked closely with the neighbourhood to allay those concerns and to become accepted as part of the character of the area,” he said.

“The results are very gratifying for both the staff who work here and the young people who live here.”

Last year, 93 percent of the young people who left Foyer Oxford went into long-term accommodation.

Survey results

� 95 per cent of people regarded the project as an important service for the WA community to provide

� 85 per cent of people said they supported Foyer Oxford’s location in Leederville

� 75 per cent strongly supportive

� 2 per cent were unsupportive

� Support has increased among both businesses and locals

� More than two thirds of local residents believe Foyer Oxford has had a positive impact