Supported accommodation for Wigan’s young people opens its doors
A new supported housing scheme for young people in Wigan has officially opened, with residents, housing leaders and the council marking the launch of Lock 20 Foyer. Developed and operated by Your Housing Group (YHG), the foyer is already providing safe accommodation alongside structured help with education, training, wellbeing and the skills needed for independent living.
Speaking at the opening, YHG’s chief executive Jacque Allen praised the determination shown by residents who have experienced homelessness or instability.
“Their resilience and ambition shone through today. The challenges facing young people are significant, but when housing providers, local authorities and partners come together, we can do the work needed to improve support and opportunities.”
What a foyer offers
A foyer is designed for 16–25-year-olds who need additional support as they move towards independence. Residents typically combine safe, affordable accommodation with tailored plans that can include education or training access, help securing work, and practical guidance on budgeting, tenancy management and health. Lock 20 Foyer follows this model, with on‑site support aimed at building confidence and stability.
The opening event brought together a wide range of partners. Formal remarks were delivered by Bev Messinger (chair of the board at YHG), Jacque Allen, Kate Collins (head of affordable housing delivery at Homes England) and Joel Lewis (chief executive of the Foyer Federation). A ribbon-cutting marked the occasion, but it was the contributions from young residents that set the tone, as they described the barriers they face and what a secure base can mean for their futures.
Panel explores local challenges
A panel discussion, chaired by Dan Whelan of Place North West, featured young people from Lock 20 and other foyer schemes, alongside sector leaders including Ms Allen, Mr Lewis, Charlotte Norman (chief executive of Mosscare St Vincent’s) and Councillor Susan Gambles, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for housing. The conversation ranged across the cost of living, access to education and employment, mental health, and the wider obstacles to achieving a stable home and career. A recurring theme was the need to strengthen support so young people can make sustained progress.
Why this matters for Wigan
While the foyer model is not new, its arrival in Wigan represents a practical expansion of local options for young adults who are at risk of homelessness or who need wraparound help to live independently. By combining housing with structured pathways into learning, work and wellbeing, the approach aims to reduce repeat homelessness and improve long‑term outcomes. The presence of council leadership at the opening underlines the local authority’s role in convening partners and aligning housing with support services.
Residents’ voices at the launch highlighted that secure accommodation is only one part of the equation; the chance to build skills, continue education and address health needs is equally critical. Lock 20 Foyer’s early residents are already engaging with that offer, supported by staff and partner organisations connected through YHG, the Foyer Federation and Homes England.
Who’s involved
| Name | Role / Organisation |
|---|---|
| Bev Messinger | Chair of the Board, Your Housing Group |
| Jacque Allen | Chief Executive, Your Housing Group |
| Kate Collins | Head of Affordable Housing Delivery, Homes England |
| Joel Lewis | Chief Executive, Foyer Federation |
| Charlotte Norman | Chief Executive, Mosscare St Vincent’s |
| Cllr Susan Gambles | Cabinet Member for Housing, Wigan Council |
| Dan Whelan | Chair (panel), Place North West |
Next steps and community impact
As the scheme beds in, the focus will be on how Lock 20’s integrated support can help more young people in Wigan move from short‑term crisis into sustained independence. The opening showcased collaboration between a registered provider, local government and sector bodies, and the contributions from residents made clear what difference a safe base and structured opportunities can make. The strength of that partnership will be central to the foyer’s impact in the months ahead.
- Lock 20 Foyer provides safe accommodation with support for 16–25-year-olds.
- Partners involved include Your Housing Group, Homes England, the Foyer Federation, Mosscare St Vincent’s and Wigan Council.
- Key issues discussed at the launch: cost of living, education and jobs, and mental health.
