April 10, 2024
Staff and residents of Braintree Foyer recently gathered for a work party aimed at improving their living space and skill development as part of the Youth Power Programme. The event, held at the foyer, showcased their dedication to enhancing their environment and team building.
The work party focused on practical tasks such as painting and decorating, with resident contributing their skills towards common goals. The atmosphere was one of cooperation, reflecting the strong sense of community within Braintree Foyer.
This event is a prime example of the residents and the staff at Braintree working together to create an environment that is welcoming to all.
Mark Watson, Foyer Manager said: "Youth Power is a three year project funded by the Blagrave Trust aiming to build leadership potential in young people and give power to young people. For us it has been about sharing power with young and working in partnership with them. The work party captured in the film is not a one off event but part of a programme where staff and residents work together to improve the foyer.
Our residents are not passive recipients of a service they are active partners who are involved in organising the foyer programme. From delivering AQA's with us to organising Braintree's First ever Pride Event. Residents know they can come to us with an idea and we will back it but they also know it is a something for something deal and they will have to put a lot of time and effort in to realise their project idea. Our residents have recently set up a fishing club, elected their officers and are applying for a bank account so that they can bid for some funding.
When Vicky visited us a month or so ago she was roped in to help the group with it's constitution and offer guidance and support. I think she was really impressed with how much work they had put into their project.
This for us is a classic example of Youth Power in action. The same has happened with our LGBT Group who last week appointed officers and will be happening with our Football Team and Gym Users group. The Youth Power project has helped us to create a generation of social entrepreneurs."
Brand and Culture Video, known for its work with Braintree Foyer, remarked, “At Brand and Culture Videos, we champion organisations incorporating smartphone video into their marketing and comms strategy. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Braintree Foyer on multiple training and production projects. When Mark mentioned the goals of the working party, we knew it had enormous potential for its own video story.
Utilising iPhone 15s to capture the content, we have shot and edited a short film that showcases many of the participants’ voices while capturing the sense of community spirit and activity that comes with a working party. We hope that this aids Salvation Army Homes in demonstrating and evidencing some of the valuable work that goes into every Foyer across the country.
Thank you to all the residents and staff at Braintree Foyer and to all the young people at Braintree Foyer who have participated in the Foyer Federation Youth Power Programme which was funded by the Blagrave Trust.
