Search for
 
 
 
 
News
 
 
Natasha Kaplinsky and Communities Minister launch new media centre in Brighton
 

Television presenter Natasha Kaplinsky and Communities Minister Iain Wright launched a new high-tech media centre for young homeless people at Sanctuary Housing’s Brighton & Hove Foyer on Tuesday.

The centre, which is one of ten to be launched by the Foyer Federation at Foyers across the country is part of £350,000 project, which was designed to provide training, experience and real work opportunities for homeless and disadvantaged young people.

Many residents at the Foyer have already used the equipment, including mixing decks, computers and electronic musical instruments, to create their own music and films.

Resident Jason Rhodes, who now works as an assistant at Brighton Institute of Modern Music, recorded and produced his own CD, which was featured recently in the Brighton Festival.

He said: “The media centre has helped me to take the first steps towards a career in music. I have learnt and gained more with the media centre than I thought possible. Thanks to the Foyer media suite I have learned about producing, arranging and recording of a professional sounding CD.”

...designed to provide training, experience and real work opportunities for homeless and disadvantaged young people.

Mr Wright said: “The Foyer media centres will give real opportunities to young people like Jason to develop new skills, a route into employment and ultimately, sustained independent living.

“Today’s launch is part of our £90million hostels improvement programme which is transforming hostels across the country from places that provide a bed for the night and a meal to places of change which give homeless people access to the training and support they need to move on with their lives.”

BBC staff will be sent on placements to the media centres where they will provide training, mentoring and practical tips to young people on how to succeed in the media industry.

Newsreader Ms Kaplinsky, who was born in Brighton, said: "I'm so pleased to be part of the launch of the Foyer media centres. Working in the media industry, I know that this exciting world will attract the interest of young people. Foyer residents have often seen more of life than most people twice their age so I’m sure an outlet for their creativity is going to produce startling results.”

Chair of Brighton & Hove Foyer Elizabeth Cameron said: “We are very proud of all the achievements of our residents and are particularly thrilled that the media centre adds to our increasing portfolio of opportunities for residents. The media centre is very important to the continued growth and success of the foyer because it will help us achieve our aim to integrate our work with that of the wider community.”

26 July 2007

 
Sanctuary Housing Group
 
 
Work with us
Work With Us
View our latest jobs
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sanctuary Housing Association is a registered social landlord (Housing Corporation No. L0247), and is an exempt charity under the Charities Act 1993 (Industrial & Provident Society No. 19059R).