A pre-Christmas awards ceremony is being planned to mark the success and achievements of the Cork Foyer - the City Council’s innovative project to support young people who have found themselves homeless or at risk of being homeless. Located at the former Assumption Convent in Blackpool, the project has received a major accolade in the form of Accreditation by the UK Foyer Movement.

Cork Foyer opened its doors in March 2006 delivering a long-standing objective of the City Council and the Cork Homeless Forum. From its inception the Project has worked tirelessly towards achieving “Accredited Status”, and thus meet the high service standards set by the Movement.  Cork City Council can rightly take pride in becoming the first Foyer to achieve this status outside of the UK and for being highly commended in doing so - the Foyer achieved joint second highest score ever recorded under the current accreditation system. The Foyer Federation Validator reported; “To have got the Foyer to this stage in such a short period……………is extremely impressive”.

The manner in which the Foyer has involved partner organisations in the delivery of its services also received special acknowledgement. In-house training programmes are delivered to residents through the City of Cork VEC, FAS and organisations such as ABLES and YMCA.  

The operation of the Foyer is steered by a Board of Management which includes residents of the facility, Community representatives, as well as the various State Agencies. Housing Director of Services at City Hall, Mr. Stephen Kearney, paid tribute to the Board Members and indeed to all those who have contributed so generously of their time and resources in the success of the venture.  

“I would especially like to express my heart-felt appreciation and congratulations to the Foyer Manager, Barry Waddingham and his staff”, said Mr. Kearney. “They can rightly take great pride in the expertise, skills, dedication and commitment that they have shown in delivering life-changing opportunities and skills to the young residents of the Foyer.”