Did you know homelessness for 16/17 year olds in Aberdeen has gone up 50% in the last year?

Often a young person arrives with very little, sometimes just the clothes they're standing up in, perhaps a carrier bag with a few belongings. They've been through a difficult time and its often their first time living alone. This can be very daunting and we ensure they feel comfortable, warm and safe - ready to have the best start at the Foyer.

We want to provide each young person with a Winter Pack containing things like food items, warm clothes, cosy bedding, PJs, basic cleaning products and toiletries - things most of us take for granted, but a young person would really welcome and wouldn't have the money to buy.

Would you consider making a donation? With your help we can help more people like:-

DJ (17): I used to live with my Dad in a one bedroom flat. When he died I was really struggling. I was sofa surfing, self harming and drinking too much. The first week I was in my flat at the Foyer I developed an action plan where I included all the things I needed help with to become more confident and independent. I learned how to budget (I was in debt), learned how to use appliances and addressed my issues with time keeping. I have learned how to complete housing forms and council tax forms and have applied for permanent housing. I'm learning how to cook from fresh and am trying to be more healthy. Sessions with the Foyer counsellor are really helping. All in all since I moved to the Foyer my confidence has grown. I'm able to do most tasks like finding out where to get support to stop smoking, looking for a job or even something as basic as talking on the phone to a stranger. So far my time at the Foyer has been fantastic and I'm a happier. I'm ready to do some training and get a job!

AM (18): I was sleeping rough because I had nowhere to stay. I slept in car parks or in a garage because at least it was dry. I have problems because I have learning difficulties and my family have difficulties too. I was using drugs which some people had shown me how to do. It made me feel more like everyone else, like one of the crowd. It got really cold as the winter started and someone told me that I could go to the homeless department at Aberdeen City Council. They sent me to the Foyer. For the first time in ages I had somewhere safe and warm to stay. They did lots of things with me like cooking and cleaning. They also helped me to understand that I couldn't live there if I kept using drugs. They helped me to realise that I used drugs because other people influenced me too much. I am working really hard now to sort things out and my hope is to go to College.