WORCESTER YMCA has marked the first anniversary of the Worcester Foyer initiative by officially opening new purpose-built facilities.

Celebrations were two-fold after staff were informed they had been granted Foyer Federation accreditation, a vote of confidence in the past 12 months' performance.

The Foyer initiative aims to help 16 to 25-year-old single homeless people get back on their feet with a personal development programme encompassing further and higher education goals.

The 21-bedroom building now provides accommodation and support facilities for disadvantaged youths while providing links to a co-ordinated programme of training, development and work opportunities.

The opening at the Henwick Road site was attended by students from Worcester College of Technology and Worcester Sixth Form College.

YMCA director Bernard Kelly could not be happier with the hostel's success.

"It shows we're hitting the mark, and getting it right," he said.

"To obtain accreditation for such a young Foyer is a special tribute to the staff who have worked with enthusiasm and professionalism.

"We've achieved a great deal in the first 12 months of operation.

"Due to the foresight and fund-raising diligence of the YMCA board of management and donations from various supporting charities and benefactors, Worcester has been able to join the network of 109 Foyers in the UK dealing with the problem of 'No job, no home = no hope'."