Stepping Stone Projects celebrate 40th Anniversary with Relay Event in Aid of Andy's Man Club

Stepping Stone Projects provides accommodation and support across the North-West to people who are homeless and those currently at risk of losing their homes.

In 2024 Stepping Stone Projects is celebrating its 40th Anniversary since being formed as a homelessness charity by Rochdale Council in 1984. Back then the charity concentrated its work on providing accommodation and support to those with the most complex needs, who were often experiencing repeat homelessness and facing many barriers to accessing housing and then sustaining a home and independent living.

Since then we have grown and diversified our offer and services. We are now operating across the North-West, providing over 700 homes and support to over 1200 people, in many other boroughs, and to a much wider range of customers. These include rough sleepers, homeless singles and families, care leavers, vulnerable young people, ex-offenders, those with complex needs and mental health issues, survivors of modern day slavery and other forms of abuse and exploitation, those with no recourse to public funds, new refugees (eg Afghans and Ukrainians) and Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children.

At Stepping Stone Projects, we believe everyone has the right to a decent, affordable, warm and safe home regardless of their need and to have access to the kind of support that will allow them to reach their optimum level of independence.

It is our mission to prevent homelessness, support independence and transform lives. Our vision is to work together to end homelessness by 2034 and we are doing everything we can with our partners to deliver this.

As part of 40th anniversary celebrations we are putting together a programme of events throughout the year which will help us in delivering our mission and vision. Our “For40” programme of celebratory events has something for everyone; including our customers, colleagues, trustees, partners, commissioners, local charities and communities.

The '40 For 40' relay will see 40 Stepping Stone Projects colleagues cover 40 miles across Greater Manchester and East Lancashire, reflecting the endurance and resilience of Stepping Stone Projects in its ongoing efforts to combat homelessness. Participants, will join hands to complete the route, highlighting the unity and shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

In addition to celebrating the charity's milestone, the relay serves as a platform to raise vital funds for Andy's Man Club, in recognition of the connection between homelessness and mental health challenges. Through this partnership, Stepping Stone Projects and Andy's Man Club aim to raise greater awareness and support for men's mental well-being while addressing the root causes of homelessness.