A fresh start for young people in crisis.
The Amber Foundation is an independent charity that supports homeless and unemployed young people in crisis to turn their lives around.
Every year around 83,000 young people experience homelessness and more than 150,000 seek help. Young people become homeless for many reasons; family breakdown, drug and alcohol problems, leaving care, losing a job and once homeless, it can be very difficult to find work, secure accommodation and get back on your feet.
Amber makes a difference. Each year we work with 200+ young people (aged 17-30) at our residential centres in Devon, Surrey and Wiltshire and help them rebuild their lives. We do this by:
Offering a temporary, safe place to live, away from negative peer pressure
Delivering person centred support and training designed to provide the motivation and encouragement young people need to re-evaluate their lives and plan for a more positive future
Working in teams to build their self-confidence and well being, focus on their strengths and interests, and set key objectives that will enable them to move on successfully
Amber provides a supported housing environment that's a little bit different. Not just training and support to address specific issues but new experiences and opportunities that raise aspiration and challenge residents to take responsibility for their lives.
We offer:
Structure, routine and boundaries
Life skills such as cooking, cleaning, tenancy and financial management
Core educational skills and practical qualifications
Peer support and access to counselling
Creative projects involving art, crafts, music, film, drama
Sport and exercise
Giving back, community engagement and volunteering
Work experience, CV writing and mock interviews
Support to move on to education, employment and safe accommodation
Amber was established in 1995 and we've worked with over 3500 young people.
In the last 5 years 80% of residents have moved into education, employment, voluntary work or have achieved a major life goal.
Quote from an Amber Resident
"Amber gives you the one thing in life that everybody needs regardless of their background, hope. Hope and opportunity."