News
We were delighted to receive a visit from HRH The Countess of Wessex. Her Royal Highness met staff at our Aldershot Foyer to hear about the work we do with local young people and to mark the launch of our Step by Step Fostering project.
Upon arriving at our purpose-built accommodation (this year celebrating its 10th anniversary), The Countess was received by Nigel Atkinson, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. She then proceeded to meet Step by Step CEO Debbie Moreton and key members of the team.
After touring the building and hearing about each of the services we offer, Her Royal Highness met young people who live with us and they shared their stories of homelessness and receiving support from Step by Step. She also spoke to volunteers about their experience in assisting us in our mission.
The Royal visit was set to coincide with the launching of our Independent Fostering Agency project. This will see us establishing Step by Step Fostering Limited as an independent company. This will allow us to reach more young people in need, with profits fed back to Step by Step to support our other services.
Her Royal Highness was able to hear from the young people about many of the challenges they face.
Debbie Moreton commented: “It was truly an honour to receive The Countess of Wessex. It was fantastic for us to share our work and for young people to share their experiences. The launch of our Independent Fostering Agency is an exciting development for Step by Step and Her Royal Highness’s visit was the perfect way to celebrate the launch”.
We welcome the PM's announcement. The funding matters, the urgency matters, and a government willing to say plainly that no one should sleep in a doorway is good news.
But if we are serious about ending rough sleeping, we cannot only wait until someone is already on the streets. We have to stop them getting there in the first place.
