Young people who have improved their lives with the help of Ludlow Foyer have been treated to a celebratory dinner.
The group of eight, along with staff from the project, marked their successes with an event at the town’s Charlton Arms.
Ludlow Foyer, in Portcullis Lane, is a 15-bed residential centre that provides a supportive environment to support and assist young people in moving towards independent lives.
It is part of a network of 130 such centres accredited by the Foyer Federation across the UK and is supported by South Shropshire Housing Association.
Six of the successful young people at the Achievers Dinner had completed a City and Guilds Learning Power Award; a course run by the Foyer that puts all of the training and experience attained by the young people into one qualification.
A number of skills are on offer as part of individual training plans, ranging from basic food hygiene to nail art, as well as leisure opportunities such as gym membership, swimming, walking, group work and the chance to demonstrate initiative and produce individual work.
The course averages 150 guided learning hours per person, meaning that anyone completing it can be proud of a great personal achievement.
However, the Foyer is not only about qualifications, but also assists young people in setting up their own lives for the future. Sam Wedell was one such success, having found employment and training as a security engineer, which he has now maintained for more than a year.
Another, Liam Mole, has achieved entry to Colec Harlech, in North Wales, where he will be on an access course for media and graphic design.
Liam said: “It was nice to be acknowledged for my achievements.”
Paul Sutton, managing director of South Shropshire Housing Association, a partner in Ludlow Foyer, said: “This is one of the most valuable projects we support and it is extremely pleasing to see the achievements of these young people who will go on to be valuable contributors to the community thanks to the help and support they have received as well as their own hard work. We congratulate them all.”