What is Stepping Stones?

Stepping Stones is a special housing service which provides a high level of support for 16 to 21 year–olds who are homeless. The accommodation provided includes a hostel with 10 bed spaces, and a block of 16 fully furnished flats at North Kenton.

People can be referred to us in a range of ways, and most young people referred are under 18. Many of these young people have had very upsetting experiences, and need a lot of support.

Visit Young People's Services to find out more

Protecting vulnerable children, young people and adults

We are committed to Newcastle Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children policies. These policies have been developed by a number of agencies and explain how the agencies will work together to achieve more commitment to protecting children, young people and adults. The policies aim to make sure that:

• people using our services are safe;
• we provide support for people who are being abused or neglected in their own homes; and
• communities can be safer.

What can I expect from the service?

• Staff at the emergency hostel will offer you advice and counselling to help you with very upsetting and difficult circumstances.
• We will provide supported accommodation at the North Kenton block where you will be able to experience living independently in an environment where support is provided.
• We will help you move towards a more settled way of life that meets your needs and ambitions.
• We will help you apply for more independent housing and in planning a future in the community.
• We will help you with the following:
  – Applying for benefits
  – Budgeting
  – Healthy living
  – Finding training and employment
  – Education
  – Reading, writing and numbers
  – Drugs and alcohol problems
  – Talking to agencies like the police
  – Solving problems and making choices
  – Support to help you manage your behaviour and needs if you have committed offences.
• We will help you stay positive and support you if you have mental-health problems.
• We will help you get access to local facilities such as the gym, swimming pool or library.
• We will help you register with a GP, and give you general advice about health.
• We will support you if you are a young parent or if you are pregnant.
• We will give you support that you ask us for, including joint work with other support agencies if this is necessary.
• We will give you a key worker who will:
  – welcome you to the service;
  – assess your needs;
  – talk to you about what you can expect from us and what we expect from you;
  – plan the support you need; and
  – have regular sessions with you.
• We will involve you in house meetings each week, or tenants’ meetings each month.

Our service standards

• We will give you a support plan. We aim to provide a support plan within two weeks for 95% of all vulnerable young people using our service.
• We will review support plans for 95% of people living in our North Kenton supported accommodation within three months of providing their first support plan.
• We will review a support plan for 95% of people living in our hostels within three months of providing their first support plan.
• We will make sure that 90% of people living in our supported accommodation at North Kenton maintain their tenancy for at least six months.

Click here for the full Stepping Stones service standards leaflet