Big interview: The early interventionist - Jane Slowey, chief executive, The Foyer Federation

"Each Foyer is different, so the best way to learn about the movement is to see as many as possible," she says. The Foyer movement developed in the early 1990s, when it was realised that existing ways of supporting homeless young people were not enough. "Foyers are about more than putting a roof over a young person's head," says Slowey. "They're about providing access to holistic support, training and education."

About 100 organisations, including YMCAs and numerous local projects, are accredited Foyers and 30 are currently going through the accreditation process. Together they help 10,000 16- to 25-year-olds every year.

This week, the organisation is moving into a new phase with the launch of its Safe Moves project. Safe Moves, an early intervention homelessness prevention scheme, has been piloted for the past 18 months and starts rolling out nationally this week. The scheme will enable local authorities and other agencies to work with Foyers to offer local support to young people at risk of homelessness. Peer mentoring, life skills and family mediation will be part of the scheme.