Foxton - We are here

About Foxton

Foxton, a Preston-based charity, has been a cornerstone of the community for over 55 years. Founded in 1969 by Reverend Brian Foxton, it initially supported young people and adults in Avenham and Frenchwood.

Today, Foxton remains a vital community resource, offering youth clubs and various activities through the original Foxton Youth and Community Centre.

In 2024, young people secured £2.4m from the Youth Investment Fund to build a new centre, set to open in 2025.

Foxton provides essential services for vulnerable women, rough sleepers, and homeless individuals. The Women's Services team offers comprehensive support, including outreach efforts throughout the week. The drop-in service provides warmth, meals, health advice, and shower facilities.

The Homeless Day Centre on Fox Street offers daily support and outreach services, assisting 145 individuals in its first month. The Emergency Housing Project, launched in 2022, provides 14 en-suite rooms for rough sleepers. Additionally, Foxton operates a supported accommodation program with over 35 bed spaces across Preston.

Foxton has stayed true to its values for over 50 years, committed to supporting vulnerable groups and advocating for those in need.

Homeless services

Foxton plays a crucial role in addressing the deepening housing crisis in the UK and are dedicated to addressing homelessness and are open to collaborating with any partner to tackle the crisis.

Foxton's staff are trained in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, risk management, health and safety, food hygiene, and motivational interviewing.

Homeless day centre

Foxton's homeless day centre provide practical support five-days a week, through:

• A dedicated team, including a fantastic group of volunteers, supporting operations.
• Offering essential services for rough sleepers including access to food, showers, clothing, and a warm, safe place for individuals to receive help.
• GP's and other health services are available three days a week through Foxton's partnership with Park View Surgery. Also offering addiction support from Inspire, mental health assessments from LSCFT, and podiatry services from Forgotten Feet.

Off the street accommodation

Foxton provide off the street accommodation directly assists rough sleepers, providing them with a secure place to stay and support to transition to a more stable future:

• They manage a 14-bed emergency unit in collaboration with Hilldale Housing Association.
• The facility, which opened in July 2022, features 14 en-suite rooms with shared kitchen and laundry facilities.
• Stays ranged from 2 days to 20 months.

Supported housing

For longer-term solutions, Foxton offer housing in shared properties throughout the city, including four two-bedroom houses provided by Calico and funded under a special rough sleepers scheme, as well as 28 places in shared houses sourced from private landlords.

A team of four full-time staff members provides regular support visits to residents.

Women's services

Support for vulnerable women

Foxton provides crucial support to vulnerable women, including those who are homeless, rough sleepers, and individuals involved in sex work. Their services are trauma-informed and include assertive outreach efforts throughout the week, including weekends.

The outreach services offer advice, support, food, and sexual health services. Foxton also provides a drop-in service where women can get warm, have a meal, seek health and safety advice, and access shower facilities.

To enhance safety for women involved in sex work, they collaborate with the national UGLY Mugs reporting service.

In addition to outreach, they conduct one-on-one sessions and targeted group work during the day, offering referral routes to essential services such as domestic abuse support and assistance for modern slavery.

Foxton works closely with the Police, NHS, drug and alcohol services, public health, and Preston City Council to ensure comprehensive support for the women they assist.

Youth and community services

Foxton are committed to offering a wide range of services to young people in the Frenchwood and Avenham areas of Preston.

Catering for those aged 8 - 19 years, or up to 25 years for those with disabilities.

Through open access youth services, the Foxton operate youth groups in the evenings and run various youth programmes during the day. These programmes are designed to provide young people with fun activities, as well as guidance, mentorship and support.

During school holidays, the Foxton extend their services to include holiday programmes, ensuring that young people have access to engaging activities all year-round. They also offer one-on-one support, providing personalised guidance to help young people manage schoolwork, navigate challenges, or simply offer a listening ear.

To ensure inclusivity, they serve food at all their activities and strive to keep costs low or entirely free, making it easier for everyone to participate. They also organise trips and activities throughout the year, keeping the calendar packed with exciting opportunities for young people.