News

  home : news & information : news : Sponsored Questers step outside for the homeless

Local charity supporters step outside for the homeless

Over 45 energetic supporters of Step by Step, the Aldershot-based charity which supports homeless young people, took up the challenge of 'The Quest' to enjoy a brisk walk and a cream tea in the knowledge that they had helped some of the area's most vulnerable members.

The walkers, including families and children, had persuaded friends and family to sponsor them to undertake a three or six mile walk through Farnham Park on what turned out to be a gloriously sunny autumn afternoon. Directed around the route by marshals who were either Step by Step clients, volunteers or employees, some of the younger participants dressed as knights and princesses, even finding treasure at the end of the walk. As a reward for their efforts everyone enjoyed a generous cream tea in the stunning Great Hall of Farnham Castle.

Step by Step were very pleased with the event which, with money still coming in, looks set to raise over £600 for the charity's work providing accommodation and training for young people who find themselves without a home or disadvantaged in some other way.

“We were keen to organise another fundraising event following on from the success of “Come Fly with me” at the Aviator Hotel in May,” said Annette Althen from the Fundraising Department. “We were delighted that all the walkers had such a good time - and the leftover scones went down very well with our residents back in Aldershot!”

Step by Step does not simply provide a bed for the night: its aim is to help young people to escape from the downward spiral of low self-esteem, antisocial behaviour, substance abuse and depression which can result from homelessness. As well as providing basic accommodation, the charity provides training to help clients overcome the barriers preventing them from progressing into education, employment or training. Training options offered by the charity's Youth Development service include computer skills, interview techniques, help with job applications and work experience. In the past year the Employment & Education service has helped almost half of their clients to find a job, college or training place.

To help this vital work to continue, plenty more highly enjoyable fundraising events are being planned, including a traditional Burns' Night at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy on Saturday, 29th January. If you would like to hear about Step by Step’s upcoming events contact the Fundraising Department on 01252 327317 or email fundraising@stepbystep.org.uk.

©2010 Step by Step Partnership Ltd   :   Reg. Charity No. 900308    :   Company No. 2431825