Step by Step’s 2026–2029 strategy sets out an ambitious plan for change, empowering young people, strengthening communities, and building lasting impact through five transformative pillars.
At Step by Step, we do more than provide support. We champion potential, walk alongside young people when no one else will, and believe passionately and without hesitation that every young person deserves the chance to thrive.
We are living in a time of deep challenge. Youth homelessness is rising. One in four care leavers faces homelessness. Mental health needs are increasing, and too many young people are falling through the cracks, unsupported and unheard.
This is not a time for small ambitions. It is a time for bold vision, shared courage, and lasting change.
Our 2026–2029 strategy is a declaration of intent. Grounded in five clear pillars, it sets out how we will take a stand against youth homelessness and build something better: a system of support that is proactive, empowering, and built to last.
Together, let’s not just catch young people when they fall. Let’s build a future where they rise.
Debbie Moreton
Chief Executive, Step by Step
By 2035, Step by Step will be a national leader in the movement to end youth homelessness and support every young person to thrive. We are not just growing services. We are shaping systems.
This future is bold but grounded in our values, our partnerships, and our five strategic pillars. It reflects who we are, what we stand for, and what we believe is possible when people step up with courage and care.
We are proud to play our part in the national mission to end youth homelessness, working alongside partners across the UK who share our belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive.
Youth homelessness has risen by 40% since 2016
One in four care leavers faces homelessness
67% of young people in care have a mental health disorder
Only 44% of care leavers feel prepared to live independently
Affordable housing has dropped to just 17% of the national stock
We cannot allow young people to face crisis alone. The time to act is now.
Our vision for change is anchored in five bold ambitions:
Safe, integrated support for every young person
A values-led culture where people and partnerships flourish
Youth voice shaping policy and public understanding
Smarter systems that power our mission
Sustainable funding to fuel lasting impact
We call them our five pillars. And we’re building on them every day.
We are creating a joined-up journey that includes Supported Lodgings, Foyers, Counselling, Launch coaching, Move-On 18+ Accommodation, and Fostering. Mental health support is embedded throughout, and we are expanding pathways into employment, education, and independence. We are embedding trauma-informed practice across all services and ensuring smooth post-18 transitions to independence.
“This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Thank you for not giving up on me.”
— Young person supported by Step by StepTake action: Explore our services | Refer a young person
Building a Team and Culture That Changes Lives
From frontline teams to community hosts, our people are our power. We are investing in staff development, flexible working, and wellbeing initiatives. Through partnerships and secondments, we are creating opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.
“What keeps me here is knowing we’re changing lives — and each other’s.”
— Aimee, Step by Step Support WorkerTake action: Work with us | Host a young person
Putting Young People at the Heart of Policy
Through campaigns, research, and partnerships, we’re driving systemic change. Our Speak Out programme ensures that youth voice informs both our internal decisions and national conversations. From local authority reforms to national housing policy, we are influencing change built on lived experience.
“It’s powerful to know our voices matter.”
— Stevie, former Supported Lodgings residentTake action: Join our Speak Out programme | Support our campaigns
Smarter Systems, Bigger Impact
We are investing in digital systems that free up our people to do what they do best: support young people. From integrated platforms to ethical use of AI, our infrastructure is evolving to meet the scale of our mission. By 2035, we will reduce administrative time by 30% and strengthen digital security across all services.
Take action: Support our innovation work | Partner with us
Funding the Future, Sustainably
We are reducing reliance on statutory funding by growing social enterprise and ethical partnerships. By 2029, 35% of our income will come from non-statutory sources, helping us build resilience and flexibility. Step by Step Fostering and private counselling services are part of this sustainable model — reinvesting every pound into impact.
“We’re investing in futures and impact, not just services.”
— Andrew, Chair of TrusteesTake action: Donate today | Explore corporate partnerships
Your Part in This Change
Whether you are a young person, host, foster carer, supporter, staff member, or commissioner, you are part of this vision.
Change happens because people choose to act. They choose to believe in young people. They choose to Be the Hero.
Become a host and offer a young person a safe home
Become a foster carer and provide the foundation for a young person to thrive
Volunteer or join our team to make a direct difference every day
Donate to support our counselling, housing, and mentoring programmes
Get behind our campaigns to shift policy and amplify youth voice
Partner with us to fund innovation, research, and systemic change
Behind every hero is someone who cared. Be the Hero. Get involved today.
Chief Executive Officer
young people were supported by Step by Step last year
the amount in social value generated from each £1 invested in Step by Step
of young people accessing our counselling service progress positively towards their goals