Young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity took centre stage at the official opening of our new Lock 20 Foyer in Wigan, speaking passionately and eloquently about the challenges facing their generation.
Senior leaders from housing, local government and partner organisations gathered to celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art supported housing scheme, which is already providing young people with safe accommodation and the support they need to build independent, successful futures.
The event began with sincere speeches from Bev Messinger, our Chair of the Board, Jacque Allen, our Chief Executive, Kate Collins, Head of Affordable Housing Delivery at Homes England, and Joel Lewis, Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation.
Their speeches highlighted the importance of investing in supported housing and creating opportunities for young people to thrive, before guests marked the occasion with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
However, it was the young residents from Lock 20 themselves who made the biggest impression on the day.
Following the opening ceremony, residents from Lock 20 Foyer joined young people from across our three other foyers and residents from Mosscare St Vincent's foyers for a thought-provoking discussion focused on the realities facing young people today.
Chaired by Dan Whelan from Place North West, the panel featured Jacque Allen, Joel Lewis, Charlotte Norman, Chief Executive of MSV, and Councillor Susan Gambles, Cabinet Member for Housing at Wigan Council.
Young people challenged the panel with thoughtful questions and personal reflections on issues including the cost-of-living crisis, access to education and employment opportunities, mental health and the barriers many young people face when trying to build stable futures.
A clear message emerged throughout the event: more support is needed for supported housing, and high-quality schemes such as Lock 20 Foyer demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together with young people at the heart of decision-making.
Guests repeatedly praised the quality of the development, with many describing Lock 20 as one of the finest examples of a modern foyer anywhere in the country.
Speaking at the event, Jacque Allen, our Chief Executive, said:
"Today was about celebrating a fantastic new building, but more importantly it was about listening to the voices of the young people who will call Lock 20 home.
"Their resilience and ambition shone through today. The challenges facing young people are significant, but when housing providers, local authorities and partners come together, we can do the work needed to improve support and opportunities."
And the celebrations continued... Everyone enjoyed iced drinks, chimney cakes and freshly cooked pizza, with live music and singing from two of our residents. There was plenty to keep everyone entertained too, including a magician, caricature artist, fairground stalls, photo booth, yoga sessions and more! The sunshine stuck around all day and there was a real buzz around Lock 20, with smiles, laughter and something going on everywhere you looked.
Most importantly, our residents loved it.
The opening of Lock 20 was more than just a celebration of a new building; it was a celebration of the opportunities, support and brighter futures that the foyer will help create for years to come.