December 11, 2024

Inspiring student speaks up for homeless charity at House of Commons event

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A first year student at the University of Winchester is playing an important ambassadorial role for a charity which supports young homeless people.

Stevie, aged 22, is due to appear at the House of Commons on Monday (18 November) to make a speech to a group of MPs about the issue on behalf of the charity Step by Step.

Three years ago Stevie became homeless after a family argument and was sofa surfing at friends’ houses when she was put in touch with Step by Step.

The charity found Stevie a host family which have provided her with a stable home environment. This support has helped her to get her life and education back on track.

“Without them I’d probably be dead or on drugs,” said Stevie.

“My host family gives me the emotional stability to be myself. It feels safe and like a real family.”

From the age of 12 to 17 Stevie lived with foster parents and then spent 18 months back with her family before things went wrong.

She praised Step by Step’s support workers who she feels were able to give her more meaningful help than she’d ever received from social services.

“They actually listen to you and take notice of your needs. For instance, if you are a student who needs special equipment for your course they can help supply it.”

Stevie’s education had been disrupted by challenges in her upbringing and mental health struggles. She dropped out of sixth form college but after coming under the wing of Step by Step she completed an English Literature A Level online.

It gave her the confidence to apply to University and in September she started a BA in Creative Writing at Winchester.

“I love the course,” said Stevie. “I’m learning so much new stuff.”

She said she was particularly enjoying making a podcast for Short Form Digital Publishing and scriptwriting.

She chose Winchester as she’d attended Spring Schools for care leavers and children in care on the campus.

Stevie added: “I like the support and advice that Winchester gives to care leavers. Many other universities don’t provide that.”

As Stevie’s confidence has grown, she has discovered a talent for public speaking, which Step by Step has been keen to nurture.

Stevie has already spoken out at a Sleep Out event for the charity and last week she was interviewed on BBC1’s South Today, for a feature on the charity sector’s reaction to the Government’s budget which has put up costs and threatened services.

At the House of Commons event, Moving Towards Independence, she will speak to a group of MPs about the struggles of moving into adulthood as a vulnerable young person and what needs to change in order to secure the futures of young people with similar experience.

She was helped to fine tune her speech by Winchester lecturer Helena Drysdale, who teaches persuasive writing.

Helena said: “As soon as Stevie walked into my seminar room it was clear she is an exceptional person. I hope techniques she has studied on Winchester’s Creative Writing programme will help her to persuade our government to support young people like her, and that she inspires fellow students to get out there and make a difference.”

Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step said: “Stevie’s journey from experiencing homelessness to becoming a university student and a powerful advocate is nothing short of inspiring.

“At Step by Step, we believe in empowering young people to be the heroes of their own stories. Stevie’s resilience and courage truly exemplify the strength and potential that lies within each young person when they receive the right support.

“We’re incredibly proud of Stevie’s achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive. It is particularly exciting to be taking this journey to the Houses of Parliament together, where we will speak to MPs about the crucial research Stevie has been involved in with us and our partners. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the challenges vulnerable young people face and to advocate for the changes needed to secure a better future for them.”

Image: Stevie being interviewed by BBC’s South Today for the programme’s feature on the charity sector reaction to the budget