High Sheriff of Surrey visits Step by Step
The High Sheriff of Surrey with Amanda Dubarry and John Devlin (right) and some of the young people from Step by Step
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The High Sheriff of Surrey, Mr Robert Douglas, CBE and Mrs Hilary Douglas visited Step by Step on November 10th to gain an insight into the work the charity does among homeless and disadvantaged young people in Aldershot and the surrounding area. The visit was of particular relevance to Mr Douglas, who has expressed a special interest in helping young people in the 16-25 age group, especially those who are disadvantaged in some way, to access education, training or employment during his year in office.
Mr and Mrs Douglas were given a comprehensive tour by Chief Executive Amanda Dubarry and John Devlin, one of Step by Step's directors, and visited each of the charity's services. They also inspected the Crimea Road site where a new, purpose-designed building housing all Step by Step's services under one roof is being constructed in partnership with Sentinel Housing Association.
A highlight of the visit was time spent at CyberShed, Step by Step's Information Technology suite, where the High Sheriff talked to Danny Wheaton, a Step by Step client. Danny told Mr Douglas about the support and help he'd received from the charity. “I've had a lot help putting together my CV and covering letter for my job applications, and help looking for apprenticeships,” he said. Danny also enthused about Daylight's (part of the Youth Development Service) encouragement to participate in physical activities. “It was great going snowboarding and we have just started a football team, too,” he said.
After the visit, the High Sheriff commented that he and Mrs Douglas had been very impressed by “the impact that Step by Step clearly has on the lives of its young people”. He invited Step by Step to apply for the High Sheriff Youth Award grant to help support the services they offer.
 
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