In our new series celebrating charities and community organisations that are making a real difference to the lives of people in the local area, we take a look at Step by Step.
Right now, there are young people across Southampton without a safe, stable place to call home.
For some, this happens suddenly; a relationship breaks down at home, or circumstances change, and they find themselves without the support they need at a critical point in their lives.
For others, the transition into adulthood brings new pressures. Turning 18 can mean managing bills, education, and independence all at once, often without the financial or emotional support many of us take for granted.
Local charity Step by Step works with young people across Southampton to help prevent homelessness before it reaches crisis point. Through services including Supported Lodgings, counselling, and education programmes, the charity supports young people to build confidence, develop life skills, and move towards independent futures.
One of the simplest, and most powerful, ways local people can make a difference is through Supported Lodgings.
Supported Lodgings hosts offer a spare room in their home to a young person aged 16–21, alongside encouragement and guidance as they take their next steps. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about providing stability, consistency, and a safe place to stay.
Kaye, a Supported Lodgings host from Southampton, says: “The most rewarding part of being a host is watching young people grow — working with them, seeing them begin to make progress. Every young person brings something different to the house. It’s wonderful to see them build trust, especially when they may never have had anyone to trust before.”
For young people, that stability can be life-changing.
Stevie, who was supported by Step by Step, said: “I’m now at university, working towards the future I once thought was out of reach. Having a safe place to stay changed everything – it gave me the chance to focus, grow, and believe in myself.”
Step by Step provides full training, ongoing support, and financial assistance to hosts, ensuring they feel confident throughout the experience.
The charity is also working with schools, youth groups, and community organisations across these neighbourhoods to raise awareness of youth homelessness and ensure young people know where to turn for help.
These neighbourhoods have a strong sense of community, with residents, local groups, and organisations regularly stepping up to support one another. This is an opportunity for more people across the city to play a part in supporting young people at a critical stage in their lives.
Whether by opening your home, inviting Step by Step to speak at a local group, or supporting their work in other ways, there are many ways to get involved.
Find out more:
To learn more about supporting young people in Southampton, visit: stepbystep.org.uk/sbs-in-action/near-me/southampton
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