MICHAEL Boniface is clearly bursting with pride as he announces that he starts a ‘proper’ job at the new Premier Inn in Dorchester this week and he stresses that it is all down to the Foyer in Bridport.

Michael, 21, from Weymouth, admits he was drifting and flirting with alcohol and drugs when he arrived at the Foyer last November.

“I had never been in trouble with the police, but I had made some stupid choices of my own and I was at a loose end.” he said.

“I had no motivation to do anything at all. I was just floating.

“But this week I start as part of the housekeeping team at the Premier Inn.

“I have been helped to get a bus pass and they are helping me to sort out my provisional licence, so I can learn to drive.

“The staff here have taught me you just can’t go on in life without paying your bills.

“They have helped me build up my confidence and now I can work from that.

Michael says he first heard about big changes at the Foyer about two weeks ago.

“It does feel like it has just been dropped on us.

“It is crazy to move us into houses.

“ We are here because we need this kind of help and I feel safe here.

“Some people in town don’t like us and say we are druggies or criminals, but people are sometimes left at the bottom of the pile and there is no one to help.

“I would like to thank the staff here so much.

“They help us to look after ourselves, even about cutting our toenails or cleaning our teeth properly.”

Fellow resident Dan Bentley, 22 from Sherborne said he thought the residential, supervised aspect of the Foyer was the right way to be dealing with people in their situation.

RESIDENTS WILL BENEFIT, SAY COUNCIL

Residents at The Foyer in Bridport are set to benefit from a move to smaller housing units this spring, a spokesman for Dorset County Council said.

The move follows an extensive review of residential services for vulnerable young people in Bridport, and Dorset County Council is working with Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) to provide accommodation that better suits the needs of the residents at the home.

All stakeholders, including the people who live there, are fully involved in developing the plans, which will see a move to more independent living in smaller, more suitable housing units.

By reshaping the service, the council plans to extend the number of places available for vulnerable young people across West Dorset. As well as increasing the number of housing units in Bridport, the scheme will also provide additional accommodation in Dorchester and Weymouth. The council will continue to fund the service, which will be run by BCHA.

BCHA PLEDGEs SMOOTH TRANSITION

“BCHA are delighted to have been commissioned to deliver supported housing for vulnerable young people across West Dorset. The service model will see an increased number of housing units within Bridport, provided within smaller units of accommodation which are more suited to the current needs of young people, while promoting more independent living.

“During the transition period we will be communicating and consulting with current residents and staff of The Foyer, and the local community.

“Our priority during this process is to ensure a smooth transition period for everyone involved throughout these changes.”

BCHA is consulting with all staff affected by the change of contract.