Young People Stories
Callum* was forced to leave the family home when his relationship with his stepfather broke down. Like 190,000 young people in the UK each year, Callum found himself homeless. He was lost and confused, and didn’t know where to turn.
Callum was fortunate enough to find the support he needed, something that is sadly not true of most young people experiencing homelessness. After an initial assessment to understand his needs, Step by Step offered him a place in our Aldershot accommodation.
When he first arrived, Callum suffered from crippling social anxiety and night terrors, and as a result initially kept to himself. However, he was able to engage well with his Support Worker and the help he was offered.
Step by Step places a great deal of emphasis on tailored support that helps young people grow in confidence and work towards their goals. During his weekly support sessions, Callum’s Support Worker encouraged him to speak to a GP about possible solutions to his anxiety and engage in talking therapies. He also received a diagnosis for his condition and was prescribed the medication he needed.
Callum started to demonstrate positive progress. He was able to live in a Step by Step Supported Independence Flat. This is accommodation where he would live more independently, learning life skills while still having access to specialist support. Callum also received help from Step by Step’s Wellbeing service, where a specialist Support Worker provided ongoing, tailored support for his anxiety and social issues.
Everyone who worked with Callum was delighted at the progress he made. Nine months later, he moved into private rental accommodation, able to enjoy the independence that seemed so far out of reach when he first came to Step by Step.
Callum’s journey from homelessness and anxiety to independence is a testament to the holistic approach Step by Step takes when supporting young people.
*Name changed to respect privacy
This Christmas, while many of us gather in warmth and comfort, young people across our communities are facing challenges no one their age should have to.
By donating to our Take a Stand This Christmas appeal, you can be a guiding star in a young person’s journey.
