Social housing as a platform for opportunity – My journey from Foyer resident to employee
As part of Social Housing Week, we’re highlighting how social housing can be a powerful platform for opportunity, improving life chances through education, skills, and pathways into employment.
Social housing is about more than just providing a place to live – it’s about unlocking potential, building confidence, and supporting people to achieve things they may never have thought possible. Today, we’re sharing a powerful story from Shane Martin, whose journey began as a young resident of Strand Foyer and has come full circle, returning more than 20 years later as a valued member of staff.
Shane’s blog
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 2 years and 3 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:
