Step by Step has taken a major step forward in its mission to support vulnerable young people with the launch of a new accommodation service. Move On accommodation sees young people living independently in the community in a shared house, with access to light-touch support from the Step by Step team. The scheme will be piloted for a year, with the hope that similar houses could be opened in the future.
Move On accommodation seeks to address an urgent issue – the shortage of viable places for young people to move on to when leaving Step by Step. Rents are at an all-time high and young people are further disadvantaged by not having the financial stability of the older, more established renters they are competing for places with.
Young people leaving Step by Step face the further challenges of lacking a family support network, and often have no experience of living independently. Additionally, young people aged 18+ that do not have care leaver status are not entitled to any statutory supported accommodation.
The Move On house in Farnborough will be a safe, comfortable home for three young people at any one time. These young people will live independently, learning to live with others and manage a house, while still having a safety net to fall back on. This will have the additional benefit of freeing up places in our Aldershot foyer that can be used for young people with higher support needs.
We are extremely grateful to a major donor who has funded the initial one-year pilot of this scheme.
“It was a pleasure to open the new Move On accommodation initiative for 18+ young people at Step by Step,” commented Debbie Moreton, CEO. “It will provide a much-needed environment where young people can gain independence while continuing to receive the guidance they need to transition smoothly into adulthood. By offering tailored support and safe accommodation, Step by Step empowers young people to build the skills and confidence required for a brighter future.”
Our new Move On accommodation is expected to have a number of benefits for young people, including increased independence, improved mental wellbeing, and a decreased risk of repeat homelessness.
Chloe found herself homeless at just 17 years old after escaping domestic violence. Her life had hit rock bottom. She had no direction or stability and had poor mental health. Our Supported Lodgings service was able to help.
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