Spinnaker Tower Abseil, Portsmouth
11 July 2026
Young People Stories
I left my family home at aged 16. My mother struggled with her mental health resulting in emotional abuse and neglect. I began staying with my best friend’s family and didn’t return home. I was in communication with my local council team and they referred to me to Step by Step when they heard about my situation.
I was really scared to have to move but once I had a meeting with my Step by Step Support Worker, everything was explained to me, which helped to reassure me a lot. My friend’s parents decided to train to become Supported Lodgings hosts so I could continue to live with them, with support every step of the way from Step by Step.
The family were so welcoming, as I had been staying for a few months prior to my official moving in day.
My Support Worker met with me routinely and I was able to be open about any struggles I was facing at the time. My Support Worker guided me through financial support resources and meetings, as well as helped me fill out any paperwork I was unsure about.
It gave me the chance to figure out who I am and who I want to be. People believed in me and were a consistent support network for me.
Even now I have left my hosts’ home, I remain in contact with them and they continue to be a part of my close support network.
I am currently studying to be a primary school teacher at university as well as work as a private tutor.
Without Step by Step, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I couldn’t keep living at home within the circumstances so I’m not sure what I have done if this charity wasn’t an option for me. I am healthy, happy and supported after being with Step by Step.
Step by Step’s work is the reason I am not homeless. It’s the reason I am able to go to university and have grown to find myself over the years.
They can help in more ways than you realise, and that’s why I want to give back by doing their Spinnaker Tower abseil.
There are so many reasons why a young person can lose their home, and that’s why Step by Step is so important.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kelly Headen as Head of Services at Step by Step. This new position will see Kelly spearheading all of our frontline services for young people, across accommodation, counselling, and wellbeing.
