Stepping Stone Homes
What are the Stepping Stone Homes?
Our two Stepping Stone Homes offer temporary supported accommodation to women and their families with a Service connection. They provide a caring, tranquil and secure environment for women, with or without children, who will be homeless, are about to be evicted with nowhere to go, or are in need of emergency accommodation.
The Homes provide a tranquil and secure environment that gives individuals or families the necessary time and space to assess their situation and make plans for the future. Support and assistance is provided in preparation for finding a permanent home.
The Homes are fully equipped, and all that families need to bring are their own essentials, such as clothes and teddy bears. Storage facilities are not available within the Homes, but assistance is available to access storage options.
Who Qualifies?
- Separated or estranged wives
- Servicewomen and former servicewomen
- Dependants
- Foreign and commonwealth and UKBC females.
Where are they?
The two Stepping Stone Homes are situated in Tyne & Wear and North West London. Each home offers slightly different accommodation. Tyne & Wear can accomodate 7 families in a large family house with its own extensive gardens. Gildea House in North West London can accommodate up to 20 families and is purpose-built with ensuite flatlets.
What happens during the stay?
The homes are run by fully trained staff, on hand to offer any support and assistance that individuals or families may need. Residents are given help accessing national benefits and applying for housing options. During their stay ,children will be enrolled in local schools to offer seamless support in their educational needs. The Stepping Stone Homes provides the time and space in which a separated family can reflect before moving on or reconciling a difficult marital situation
How long can someone stay?
Women and families can stay at the Stepping Stone Homes for as long as it takes to help them get back on their feet and settled with suitable onward accommodation. Our aim is to offer support in what can be a stressful and emotional time and assist with either finding a permanent home or reconciling a relationship breakdown, giving them the chance to make a fresh start. But, remember, SSAFA Forces Help will always be there to support and encourage, for as long as anyone needs us. To find out more about our Stepping Stone Homes' service, individuals or families should contact their Unit Welfare Officer, a SSAFA Forces Help Social Worker or a Welfare Worker.
Contact
SSAFA Forces Help
Housing Department
19 Queen Elizabeth St
London
SE1 2LP
T: 0207 463 9287 or 0207 463 9217
