The Difference We Make Our Impact

Why Our Work Matters

Youth homelessness in the UK has increased by 40% since 2016. More than 120,000 young people are now homeless or at risk each year.

Meanwhile, young people face a perfect storm:

• Unaffordable housing and benefit shortfalls
• Mental health needs without access to timely support
• Unstable transitions out of the care system
• Employment challenges that block financial independence
• Risks of trafficking for unaccompanied minors

These pressures make Step by Step’s work more urgent than ever.

Lives Changed in 2023/24

• 1,586 young people supported (18% increase on the previous year). That’s 1,586 young people moved closer to independent living and brighter futures.
• 320 young people accommodated, each one given safety, stability and a place to call home.
• 2,727 counselling sessions delivered to 508 young people, helping to build resilience and overcome emotional challenges.
• 831 young people supported by our Launch advice and wellbeing service, empowering them to navigate life’s pressures with confidence.
• 168 received practical help through the Opportunities Fund, removing the everyday barriers that hold young people back.

Services That Build Brighter Futures

Supported Lodgings

Supported Lodgings is a service where young people live in the homes of trained hosts, offering a safe, stable place to stay while learning key life skills. This community-led model provides flexibility, security and personal support.

• 251 young people matched with supportive hosts who open their homes and their hearts.
• 83% of young people demonstrated positive progression, moving towards their goals as they realise their potential.
• 70% of young people were in education, employment or training, proving what is possible with tailored support.
• 7 young people moved on to university, well on their path to a brighter future.

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“I feel safe and settled here. I am happy.” Nic, young person in Supported Lodgings

Shared Accommodation

Foyers are specialist supported housing where young people live independently with 24/7 staff support and structured development programmes.

• 83 young people were supported by a dedicated, trauma-informed Support Worker.
• 62% of young people demonstrated positive progression towards their goals.
• 60% moved into education, training or work, building the foundations for sustainable independence.

Rachel's Story

Rachel found herself homeless when forced to leave the family home. Step by Step offered her a place in our Havant foyer where she would receive tailored support for the challenges she faced.

With help from her Support Worker, Rachel was able to improve her anxiety and mental health. She had always been interested in cooking and enrolled on a catering course at college. She soon proved herself a fantastic student.

Rachel has established a support network of friends and is working on her future, something she had wanted to do but which her anxiety had always prevented.

Counselling and Mental Health

Our counselling team provides tailored mental health and emotional wellbeing support, helping young people build resilience and move forward with confidence.

• 508 young people accessed counselling to address emotional wellbeing concerns before they could escalate.
• 95% of young people progressed towards their goals, empowered with the tools and confidence they needed to overcome their challenges.
• Waiting times were cut by 20%, with some starting within 2 weeks, far shorter waiting times than comparable services from other providers.

Launch Advice and Wellbeing

Launch is Step by Step’s advice and wellbeing service for young people aged 11–25. It offers free, confidential support on issues from housing and benefits to mental health and life skills.

• 831 young people were supported with advice, guidance and practical support (an incredible 326% increase on the previous year).
• Our StepChat messaging service reached 860 young people, providing invaluable first-line support for those reaching out for help.

Dylan’s Story

Dylan approached our Launch service when he became homeless and needed help with accommodation. He is on the Autistic Spectrum, struggles with communication, and had no family support.

His Launch Support Worker helped Dylan to find somewhere suitable for his needs, and helped him to understand the terms of his tenancy agreement.

When Dylan was rejected for Personal Independence Payments – a benefit to help people with physical and mental disabilities – his Launch Support Worker was able to advocate for him. This included gathering the evidence he needed to successfully win his claim and get the financial support he was entitled to.

Speak Out!

• A new platform for young people to share feedback and shape Step by Step services.
• Multiple suggestions from young people have already been implemented.

The Opportunities Fund

A small grant fund for young people needing practical items to overcome barriers — from travel passes to laptops or smart clothes for interviews.

• 168 young people were supported with everyday items that would overcome barriers they faced.
• Items included laptops, travel passes, gym memberships and smart clothes for job interviews.

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“I wanted to say a massive thank you for the funding and delivery of my new bike. It has had a huge impact on my mental wellbeing giving me an option to use it when I'm stressed as a method of destressing, providing another form of transport and allowing me to be involved in bike rides with friends. It has had a brilliant impact and I am hugely thankful.”

Young person supported by the Opportunities Fund

Measurable Social Impact

Step by Step commissioned a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study in 2023/24. The results show that:

For every £1 invested, Step by Step generates £6.80 in social value – that’s a hero’s return.

An SROI figure is more than just a number. It reflects the lasting value created for our whole community, from reduced pressure on public services to improved education, employment and wellbeing outcomes. It shows that supporting young people doesn’t just change individual lives, it strengthens society.

Every pound invested in Step by Step generates real, measurable change for us all.

Help Us Do Even More

Your support makes this possible – the hundreds of young lives changed and futures reinstated. Whether you choose to donate, become a host or foster carer, or simply spread the word, you are helping change lives.