OCCASIO House Foyer, the centre for young people in Harlow, has been voted top social housing development in the south east.

The foyer offers disadvantaged 16 to 24-year-olds temporary housing in a self-contained flat along with life skills training and health care all within the safe haven of the town centre building.

It aims to help disadvantaged youth to break free from the downward spiral of the no-home, no-job trap.

Presenting the award to East Thames Housing Group, the judges praised the teamwork between East Thames and public, private and voluntary bodies like the Young People's Information Centre, Harlow College, Harlow Council and Harlow Primary Care Trust who provide funding and expertise in the field of social housing development.

The award also recognised the design of the studio flats, the range of facilities offered to residents, the value of the scheme as a whole and its contribution to the community.

Network East Foyers, part of East Thames Housing Group, manages the foyer in close co-operation with local support agencies to provide integrated healthcare, education, job seeking and counselling.

As well as providing support staff, the foyer has an IT centre, information room, laundry, training suite and a cafe which is open to the public.

Valli van Zijl said: "The award is a tremendous tribute to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the Occasio House project from its inception. Although the Foyer is only a year old, there are clear signs that it is already helping our young people to get their lives together.

"Many of the residents have taken up work experience or found a place at college. We are confident it will be every bit as successful as our flagship scheme in Stratford."

June 14, 2002 10:00