Blog: My journey from Foyer resident to employee
Shane Martin began working as Foyer Night Assistant at Strand Foyer in December 2023, but his history with the Foyer began over 20 years ago. Here he tells us the story of his journey from being a resident of Strand Foyer to being appointed as a member of the Foyer’s staff team.
On 17th November 2003, at the age of 17, I became a resident of Strand Foyer. When I moved in, I didn’t have much in the way of qualifications and was also rather shy. With the help and support from the staff, I was able to come out of my comfort zone and start a journey. This journey would give me the opportunity to go on to study at Ulster University, achieve my certificate in Community Youth Studies and one day return to the Foyer as a full-time member of staff.
During my time at Strand Foyer, I got to do so many wonderful things and meet such amazing people. In January 2004, I was given the opportunity to go on my first ever foreign holiday, a ski trip to Bulgaria. This trip helped me meet some existing residents who, on returning, introduced me to others who would become lifelong friends.
Also in 2004, Strand Foyer got a new manager who discovered my interest in music and passion for playing the guitar and was able to organise lessons for me from a talented local musician who helped me learn so much. With my improved guitar skills, I was given the opportunity to play events at Stormont and even on local radio!
In the summer of 2006, I moved out of Strand Foyer to the flats on Clarendon Street. I still visited friends and staff in Strand Foyer, and I was glad I did as I was still able to take part in projects that were run in the Foyer, including numeracy and literacy classes to improve my maths and english skills.
In 2007, while paying a visit to Strand Foyer, I was asked to apply for the post of Resident Representative (Resident Rep), which was funded by the Big Lottery Fund. I was lucky enough to get the position and held it for three years.
During my time as Resident Rep, I moved on from the flats on Clarendon Street, but after a while my circumstances changed and I needed a place to live. I was lucky enough to move back into Strand Foyer in September 2009. In 2010, I left the position of Resident Rep but remained living in Strand Foyer where I continued to take part in different courses and other projects.
Within two years of leaving the post of Resident Rep, I was able to get my own OCN (Open College Networks) Levels 1, 2 & 3 in Youth Work. These qualifications were the stepping stones to my course at university – something I never thought possible. I strongly believe it would not have been possible if I hadn’t lived in Strand Foyer and been given so many opportunities.
In 2012, I moved out of Strand Foyer for the last time. I did my best to pop in over the years to say hello. However, becoming a parent and working full time, I found it difficult to find the time to visit. Even though I didn’t call in as often as I would have liked, I always had a love for the Foyer and its staff. When the new full-time position of Foyer Night Assistant came along just as my last job was ending, I knew it was a sign I had to apply.
I’ve been working in Strand Foyer now for seven months and it’s a job I love doing. It’s a place I love, with people I love.
For more information about Strand Foyer, phone the Foyer on 028 7128 1155 or click on the link below:
