From the commitment that members put into the allotments, we started the Steppin' Forward Project, our own unique social enterprise project.
Following initial discussions with the members about their goals and aspiration and what practical suggestions they have as to how they can help with the running of the Steppin’ Stone centre, we set up contracts. We invite our members are invited to sign a contract of commitment to the Porch Limited for a period of time to carry out certain tasks. We in turn agree to cover expenses costs of £5 per week and provide equipment and clothes and run courses or pay for a member to attend a specific external course. We give regular reviews on progress, one to one support and help, provide references, help in drawing up a CV, job interview experiences and job or voluntary work search.
Members learn the need for punctuality and to get to ‘work’ at certain times, they work as part of a team, deal with the public, have to respond to guidance and feedback and carry out instructions. They learn computer skills and embrace further education through courses and understand the need for Health and Safety precautions
We have Steppin’ Forward Projects that include garden maintenance work for another charity (Elder Stubbs) and for the Diocese. We have members contracted to help make pickles, soups and chutneys using the organic vegetables and fruit grown on our allotments. We sell these ‘Porch Pickles’ at our centre and other venues. We have contracts to help maintain our computer training room, to help keep our centre clean and to work as kitchen staff, cleaning and washing up.
We very much feel that our Steppin’ Forward scheme helps to contribute to reducing the number of people sleeping rough in the City and to develop and increase training and employment opportunities for rough sleepers and single homeless people which in turn does prevent repeat homelessness. Being given the chance to engage in a Steppin’ Forward project gives improved self esteem, a sense of worth and helps value the individual which we believe will help in finding work and Steppin’ away from homelessness and unemployment
