Open Doors Set to Change Dozens of Young Lives

  • 21 January 2025

Our recent Open Doors appeal raised a fantastic £31,900 for young people facing homelessness. This is the equivalent of 967 nights of accommodation support or 1,595 life skills training sessions to help change dozens of young lives.

The success of the appeal is testament to the kindness of our supporters, including individual donors, community groups and companies. Thank you to everyone who gave a Christmas gift that will make a lasting difference.

A huge thank you in particular to HCR Relocation Services and Boomerang Media for generously sponsoring a bauble on our Giving Tree.

Jenny Westmoreland, Supporter Engagement Lead, commented: “We understand that these are tough economic times for many people so our heartfelt thanks to every generous donor to our Open Doors appeal. Your belief in young people fuels opportunities, transformations and brighter futures. Together, we are enabling young people to be the hero of their own success story.”

As well as their kind donations, a number of supporters returned Open Doors gift tags with heartwarming messages for young people. These included:

“Dear hero, never lose hope! Always hold on to the tiniest window of light in the darkness!”
“You’re in my thoughts. I believe in you. Merry Christmas.”
“You are strong, brave and deserve good things. A happy and blessed Christmas to you!”
“Remember you are not alone. Wishing you well for the future.”

All young people staying with Step by Step received a couple of presents on Christmas morning before sitting down to a nice roast dinner. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces - thank you once again to everyone who helped make it happen.