Mayor catches up Step by Step
The Mayor of Rushmoor, Cllr. Brian Parker, accompanied by his wife Brenda, recently spent a morning getting to know more about Step by Step, the Aldershot-based charity which helps and supports over 500 homeless and disadvantaged young people every year. His visit also included inspecting work on the new building in Crimea Road which will bring all the charity's services into one purpose-designed building.
After an initial briefing from Step by Step's Chairman Mike Brown, and Amanda Dubarry, Chief Executive, Cllr. Parker visited many of the services the charity offers. He was particularly interested in the Step 1 Accommodation service, which provides emergency beds for homeless youngsters at Emmaus House in Arthur Street. Luke O'Neil, Deputy Foyer Manager, explained how young people at this stage - many of whom will have suffered physical and emotional abuse - are often very disillusioned and vulnerable. They are given one-to-one support to help them to settle down and adjust, with staff on duty at all times. As they progress through the accommodation services, they gain greater confidence and more independence, although support is always available when needed.
Cllr. and Mrs Parker next dropped into the Aldershot Institute, where Mark Methven, Foyer Manager and Charlotte Burley, Youth Development Services Co-ordinator, outlined Step by Step's Education and Employment programme, which aims to get young people into work, training or further education. They also described the First Steps programme, which helps young people to acquire the basic life skills they need to be able to progress and eventually live independently in the community. The Mayor also watched clients at CyberShed, Step by Step's IT suite, using computers to develop their CVs, apply for jobs and training places, and keep in touch with friends and family.
Just around the corner at Youth AIMS (Advice, Information, Mediation Service), Caroline Dixon, Project Manager, explained how the drop-in centre worked, and the wide range of issues they deal with for the young people, including employment, family and relationships, accommodation and health services.
The Mayor also inspected the charity's new building in Crimea Road which is nearing completion. It will accommodate 30 young people and house training services, meeting rooms and office space.
Cllr. Parker expressed sincere admiration for Step by Step. “I am delighted to have gained more understanding of the splendid work Step by Step does, not only for the breadth of the services they offer, but also the depth of care and support shown for these very vulnerable young people, who often have many inter-related problems to cope with. We are very proud to have Step by Step as part of our community and I look forward to the next stage of its development when the new building becomes operational.”
Step by Step is always on the look-out for enthusiastic volunteers to help it grow and achieve more for homeless and other disadvantaged young people. There are many ways in which volunteers can help by offering their time, talents, resources and experience. If you feel you might be able to help, please get in touch by telephoning 01252 312364 or by emailing volunteering@stepbystep.org.uk.
 
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