As winter rolls round, many of us will start thinking about Christmas preparations. However, for young people facing homelessness, this time of year is particularly bleak. Christmas is often tainted by family arguments, violence and uncertainty as to where they are going to sleep that night.
Each night we have up to 233 young people with us, because they have nowhere else to turn.
Through our Open Doors winter appeal, we are aiming to raise enough money to provide each and every one of these young people a chance for a brighter future.
Our accommodation is a platform for young people to access our personal development and specialist support services to empower them to solve the root causes of their issues and prevent future homelessness.
At Step By Step, we believe that a young person’s circumstance shouldn’t define their future. We are passionate about supporting local young people who are going through hard times to identify and fulfil their aspirations to become thriving members of the community.
£29 will provide a safe and warm place to sleep
That’s £6,757 for all the Step By Step beds for one night.
We hope that you and your colleagues are able to sponsor a bed space and help transform a young person’s life. Below are some ideas on how you could get your team involved.
Christmas Jumper Day - Employees are invited to don their Christmas jumpers or festive wear in the office for the day and donate.
Donate in Lieu of Christmas Cards - Place a large communal card for people in your office to sign their names and put in a donation instead of sending everyone a card. For customers/suppliers you could do an e-card and put our logo on it.
Winter Ball - A Winter Ball is a great excuse to get dressed up and get together with your colleagues outside of work. You could do a mini auction after a nice meal followed by some music and dancing. We could help you organise it.
Christmas Raffle - In the office or at a Christmas party. You could get suppliers and customers involved too! Anda Chiu - Corporate Partnerships Manager 01252 346 107 anda.chiu@stepbystep.org.uk
Office Collection - For those who don’t like getting involved but still like to support, a simple office collection can be very valuable.
Jingle Jog - Join in our 5k fun run dressed up in festive gear or volunteer as a marshal. We have two Jingle Jogs this year; Sunday 26th Nov in Basingstoke, War Memorial Park and Sunday 3rd December in Havant, Staunton Country Park.
Sleep Out - Give up your beds and sleep rough for one night! Can be done in a secure work car park or find a colleague who has a large garden. Sleepers are allowed to be sleeping bags, (very) warm clothes and cardboard, but no tents or gazebos or camp beds! It can be a team building event or you could invite family and friends to join in. Get sponsored to Sleep Out so young people don’t have to.
Static Cycle to Lapland - Put a static bike in your office for a few days and different members of staff can jump on to cycle the distance to Lapland. It’s roughly 2,074 miles from Hampshire to Lapland. You can sponsor a colleague to cycle or get team sponsorship page set up.
Payroll Giving for the Winter Months - Your donation is taken from your pre-tax salary, meaning that part of your donation comes from money that would have otherwise gone to HMRC.
These are just a few ideas of how you and your team can get involved but please feel free to use your own ideas. I am very happy to support you along the way. We have resources available for you to use such as balloons, literature, collection tins and collection buckets, t-shirts, vests and hoodies that I can arrange it for you.
