Braintree Foyer welcomes a new face this week - Tyneside-born Terry Armstrong.

Terry, 53, is new training co-ordinator at the housing and training scheme for young people aged between 16 and 25.

After 22 years in the RAF as an aircraft technician, Terry believes in practical solutions to problems.

He is already bringing in schemes to help the Foyer's 30 or so young people make the most of further education and career opportunities.

Interview technique role play, topical debates, first aid courses, sports challenges, drama workshops and hands-on projects in the community are just some of the initiatives Terry is spearheading.

"Our task at the Foyer is to support young people by housing them and helping them towards further education and a career," he said.

"I see my role as helping them retain their dreams and to tell them that they can make them happen. There are enough people in society saying no to them, I am here to say yes.

"The system is sometimes daunting for young people and I want to show them ways that the system can work to their benefit.

"Young people can be very sure of themselves, but they are not sure of the system and it can trip them up."

Since leaving the RAF Terry has made his career in training, working with the long term unemployed and women returners, although he says he feels a special rapport with young people.

"I remember how I felt at 17, that I owned the world and everything was possible.

"Many of the young people here have had a few hard knocks and I want to give them that feeling back, to help them go where they want to go and be what they want to be."

Terry is now busy forging links with the local community, with the district council, Braintree College, Prince's Trust Volunteers, Witham Technology Centre and the local police.

"I feel that Braintree as a community is trying its best to look after itself and actively look at improvements.

"It doesn't just pay lip service to these things. There are a lot of things being done for the elderly and for young people too.

"I want to show Braintree what the Foyer does and to make sure that the community knows that we are here to help local young people put something back into society."

With his wife, Margaret, Terry is in the process of buying a house in the town.

Their daughter, Nicola, is a staff nurse in the casualty department of Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.

He is looking forward to the challenge of working hands-on with Foyer residents, taking part in sports tournaments, training days and social events.

"I am a great believer in practical solutions to problems," Terry explained.

"Young people want to do things today, not tomorrow.

I am encouraging them to do things today and at the same time be looking towards their future."

Terry Armstrong - the Foyer's new training co-ordinator.

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