High Sheriff of Hampshire launches Step by Step Fostering
We were delighted to celebrate the official launch of Step by Step Fostering on the 13th of March at Step by Step’s Aldershot headquarters. The event was held to unveil our mission, vision, and unique model among fostering agencies; with any excess funds generated going to support even more young people through our parent charity Step by Step Partnership.
The launch began with a series of insightful and inspirational speeches delivered by CEO Debbie Moreton, Head of Fostering and Supported Lodgings Kelly Headen, Manager Sarah Luke, and the High Sheriff of Hampshire. Sarah’s speech included the all-important message that in the South-Central area there is a need for 1,500 more carers this year alone. This equates to 9,000 children in our area who do not have a stable home. The speeches were then followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting, complete with a Nozeco toast and a slice of a beautiful Step by Step Fostering branded cake.
Among those in attendance was Amelia Riviere, the High Sheriff of Hampshire. Amelia announced “It’s an honour to be part of the launch of this fantastic new initiative. Children and young people need stable, caring homes if they are to thrive, and it was inspiring to hear about Step by Step Fostering’s plans to make a difference to many more young lives.”
Building upon our parent charity’s 37-year legacy of supporting young people going through hard times, when conceiving Step by Step Fostering we were acutely aware of the desperate need for new foster carers. This inspired us to tackle the issue head-on and provide even more young people with brighter futures.
Sarah Luke, Manager at Step by Step Fostering, explains: “More and more young people come into care each year and it’s imperative that there are enough suitable, caring homes to meet this demand. We want to find homes and empower our foster carers with industry-leading training and support. We believe in wholly supporting both the young people and the families that open their homes up to them.”
The event was a great success, both engaging and inspiring to all who attended.