– If it hadn’t been for the housing offer through Foyer, I would have probably still struggled a lot with depression, says Buarøy to news. The term “Foyer” originates from France. After the First World War, many young people struggled to adapt to life. The problem led to the creation of so-called “Foyers”. Very simply explained; a housing offer with a helping hand. Through Foyer, Thea had a coordinator who helped her with things like cleaning, paying bills and cooking. Photo: Sofie Retterstøl Olaisen / news Since then, a number of countries have tried out a variant of the model, and 10 years ago the offer came to Norway with Bodø as the first municipality. Several other municipalities are now also following suit. Help to be – No one did anything for me, but I got the push I needed. I got help for what I needed without it being too much, says Thea. The former Foyer youth is now a student and will become a lecturer. She moved into a Foyer apartment in the summer of 2017 and believes that the relatively banal help she received was very important. – You get your own place to live. You are in control. But you also have a contact person who can help you with everything from cooking to paying bills. Foyer in Bodø municipality has 11 apartments that young people between 16 and 25 can rent. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news Thea says that she comes from a stable family where everyone is happy with each other. But when she was entering adulthood, her parents moved to the opposite side of the world for work. She did not join because she had been given an apprenticeship in Bodø. Beyond that, Thea does not want to say much about her background for private reasons. – I was supposed to live alone, but struggled to live. Foyer gave me the help I needed without it being too much. Do you think the transition to adulthood is or was difficult? No, I can do everything you should be able to do! Yes, some things are a bit difficult Everything is difficult about growing up Show result Have a good time now and in the future But how do Foyer homes actually work? Subject leader Janne Sofie Joakimsen explains that Bodø municipality registered more and more homeless people back in 2011. – They randomly stayed with acquaintances, in boarding houses or with people they shouldn’t be staying with. They needed more adult support and follow-up to progress. Subject leader Janne Sofie Joakimsen says that the young people did not like the gray wall. That is why it was painted. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news Bodø went to Scotland and Aberdeen to learn. They had created Foyer homes. Together with Husbanken, the State Administrator and the University of Bodø, it was decided that they should try something similar in Norway. In 2014, the offer opened for young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Everyone in the target group can apply for a place, but it is desirable that the applicants have a job or some form of permanent daytime activity. Those selected get to rent a home. But the most important thing: They also receive follow-up from a coordinator employed by Bodø municipality. – We will help young people to become independent adults. They must be well in the present, and in the future, says Joakimsen. Shopping list, laundry and daily tasks One of those who has helped many is Monica Johnsløv Antonsen. She is a coordinator in Foyer and has been involved since its inception in 2014. – The practical help we give to the young people is about learning to live. Being alone in your own home. Keep it clean and have well-being around you, says Antonsen and adds: – Turn the apartment into a home. Monica Johnsløv Antonsen has followed many young people in the transition to adulthood. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news She mentions several concrete examples of things they help them with: Laundry Shopping lists and budgets Cooking food Paying bills – We also want them to have a daily activity such as work, practice or school. In addition, we spend a lot of time working with the cognitive, i.e. their own inner journey. Where are they in life and what is the goal? The young people meet the coordinator at least once a week. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news – You have been here for 10 years. What do you find rewarding about Foyer? – To meet young people who are about to start the rest of their lives. They are all different and have different challenges, Antonsen replies. – I have laughed, cried and worked a lot. But looking ahead and working together with them towards one day being so independent that we can thank them with a smile is rewarding. Thea Buarøy is shopping for a present for her boyfriend. A gift she knows she can afford because she has control over her own finances. Photo: Sofie Retterstøl Olaisen / news Was inspired by Bodø As I said, several municipalities have now done like Bodø municipality. Including Harstad and Sortland. But first out was Mo i Rana. Anne Katrine Skar Gabrielsen, head of the children and family department, says that they were inspired by Bodø’s offer. – We see it as very positive. There will be a very good relationship between those who work there and the young people, she says. Now they will further develop their offer, so that they also get an offer for families with children. It is also established in Bodø. This apartment in Bodø can be used by families. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news Gabrielsen says that they take in young people through child protection. Since 15-year-olds sometimes live in the homes, they have strict criteria. Among other things, they do not take in young people with major drug problems. In addition, the organization requires that the young people have a job, studies or another type of day care. – There are various reasons why they need the offer. Some have lived in foster homes and are moving out into their own home. Others have circumstances at home that make it difficult to live there, says Gabrielsen. Want to make a difference to others Thea Buarøy moved out of the Foyer apartment in March 2020. Even in the middle of the corona pandemic, she was ready to take the step fully into normal adult life. – I went from being an apprentice to taking a supplementary course at upper secondary school. Now I study at the university. She has no doubt that the coordinators have been the big difference in her life. They are present, but not too intrusive. – I’m probably not the typical person people think has needed this kind of help, but it was very important. It was very good to have such a person in my life. Thea Buarøy believes Foyer has been decisive for her future. Photo: Sofie Retterstøl Olaisen / news – Where would your life have been without Foyer? – I had a lot of debt. I also don’t think I would have gone to a psychologist or doctor when I needed to. Now I can realize myself when I need to, and therefore I no longer need to live there. She adds: – I didn’t know how much there was that I didn’t know. En Foyer’s vision is to be a door opener for unimagined possibilities. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news The lecturer student also does not think the career choice would have been the same without Foyer. – They did a lot for me, which has inspired me. Now I really want to work with people. Helping young people who need support. Published 07/07/2024, at 21.36
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Bodø municipality has had Foyer for 10 years – several municipalities are following suit – news Nordland
