The Shanly Foundation has pledged to become a more involved donor to the Amber Foundation after representatives from Amber visited the Shanly Foundation office in Beaconsfield. This reflects the Foundation’s aim to take a move involved interest this year in working with organisations working in the homeless sector.
Amber supports homeless and unemployed 16-30 year-olds by offering them a supported housing environment. Individuals share their new home with a community of around 30 others and are offered a variety of personal support (such as counselling, drug rehabilitation and practical life skills) and employment support (such as work experience, training courses and CV writing). Furthermore, Amber emphasises team working and creativity and encourages volunteering and community engagement.
Dan, a previous beneficiary of the Amber Foundation, came along with the representatives when they visited Shanly Homes. He talked about his own experiences and how Amber had helped him through a difficult time in his life. Dan spent just over a year at an Amber centre and left to take up a job in a care home and accommodation in a house share; he still stays in contact with the friends he made whilst at Amber.
Following this meeting, the board of trustees have decided to make a significant donation to Amber for the next three years.