prospectus

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who are we?

An experienced agency working since 2003 to support young people aged 16+ to confidently and successfully achieve independent living

 
 

Our objectives

  1. To provide a specifically-tailored, individual care package meeting the needs of each young person

  2. To offer a homely environment where young people feel nurtured, safe and secure and where mutual respect is encouraged

  3. To provide an efficient, reliable service promoting equal opportunity for all

  4. To empower young people to reach their full potential by encouraging positivity, self-esteem, confidence, and autonomy through support, patience and respect

 

We recognise that young people can have a range of complex needs and may face a variety of challenges. Step Ahead Services aims to help these young people by providing high quality care, meeting all expected standards, including adherence to the requirements of the Care Standards Act.

We aim to be a stepping stone towards independent living by providing practical and emotional support in a safe environment. Ongoing assessment ensures young people are on track to achieve their independent living goals. In providing this support, we wish to empower, support, and nurture young people so that they can become autonomous, take control of their lives and reach their own unique potential.

 

we teach skills and help access services in relation to

  • Health

  • Self-care skills

  • Budgeting

  • Preparing a balanced meal

  • Emotional and behavioural development

  • Social presentation

  • Empowerment

  • Leisure activities

  • Identity

  • Family and social relationships

  • Education/Training

  • Diversion from negative influences, including offending behaviour and drug abuse

  • Home management and maintenance

 

Why we do what we do

At Step Ahead Services, we recognise that many young people, through no fault of their own, need a helping hand in finding their way in life.

For those leaving care at 18, this can be a particularly daunting time with many reporting their transition from care to be abrupt, poorly planned and not properly explained.

*From care to where? Care leavers’ access to accommodation, Centrepoint, 2017

For those who do not get this support, there is an increased risk of poor outcomes in key areas such as housing, education and health.

Recent data highlights that:

  • 11% of rough sleepers seen by outreach workers in London over 2018/19 have previous experience of living in care

  • 38.9% of care leavers aged 19-21 years are not in education, training or employment

  • Young people leaving care are four times more likely to have a mental health condition

*Support for care leavers, House of Commons Library, 2019 and Children Looked After in England, Department of Education, 2017

THESE STATISTICS ARE UNACCEPTABLE TO US

Our service is best suited to young people who have had multiple placement breakdowns within the care setting i.e. young people who do not fit into the conventional group setting, such as residential care, children's homes, semi-independent homes or foster placements.