Different State Governments and service providers have examined the prospect of establishing a Foyer, generally based on the established network of over 100 foyers operating in the United Kingdom. Established in the early 1990’s, the UK network itself evolved from the French concept (where the word originated), which came about after WW2 as a means to assist young people particularly from rural areas, gain employment.

In the UK foyers take various forms ranging from a centralised building complex to clusters around a hub. Education and job readiness is a primary goal, with a number of foyers operating businesses to subsidise overall running costs, with in some cases - though not all - offering training to residents of the foyer. These businesses may include retail stores, cafes and training facilities offering computer or IT certificates to resides and/or the broader community.

New South Wales

Following NSW Housing delegation visit to the UK in the late 1990’s productive exchanges and site inspections have continued, with current management maintaining a focus upon progressing a positive and constructive Foyer Federation / Live N Learn Foundation relationship.

In 2003 and 2005 Live N Learn Development Manager, Paul Wade, visited foyers in France and the UK, while General Manager Aaron Maher delivered a paper at the Foyer Conference in Birmingham in 2007. Current Campus Manager Helen Gray worked at Belfast Foyer.

In 2005 the one of South Australia’s leading youth welfare services conducted a daylong workshop in association with the South Australian Government, proposing the development of a Foyer in Adelaide using the LNL model as their guide. UK Foyer Federation representatives also attended this event; the result being an invitation to Live N Learn to inspect the UK Foyer network. A result of many local LNL enquiries is due to the UK Foyer Federation recommending LNL to those from Australia making contact with it.

Foyer Visitations

1999 NSW Housing delegation visits Foyer Federation in London.

2003 Relais Accueil Foyer Paris, France visit by Paul Wade. With the Foyer movement originating in France, Paul met with French Foyer operations staff to gain a broader understanding of where they were taking the concept.

2003 Bruce House Foyer, London visit by Paul Wade.

2003 Bradford Foyer, Bradford (Northern England) visit by Paul Wade.

2003 Manchester Foyer (Northern England) visit by Paul Wade.

2005 Croydon Foyer, London visit by Paul Wade.

2005 Draper Foyer, London visit by Paul Wade.

2005 Aberdeen Foyer, (Scotland) visit by Paul Wade.

2007 Birmingham Foyer Practice Event, England. Aaron Maher accepted an invitation by the Foyer Federation to speak at the annual conference of Foyer operators.

2007 Coventry Foyer, West Midlands visit by Aaron Maher.

2007 Aberdeen Foyer, (Scotland) visit by Aaron Maher.

2007 Stratford Upon Avon Foyer management meetings by Aaron Maher.