Funding boost for SSAFA's Stepping Stone Home

23 November 2023

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) has provided the Stepping Stone Home with funding of more than £96,000 to support its work on domestic abuse trauma for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. SSAFA runs the home, which is open to service personnel and their families.

Lynne Doherty, SSAFA’s Director of Social Care Operations said: “Since Covid we have been seeing an increase in the complexity of needs from residents at our Stepping Stone property. This additional funding is very welcome as it will provide specialist support to enable both women and children residing with us the right level of help to enable them to move forward with their lives.

“This new funding will help us to provide targeted social work interventions and timely mental health support on a regular basis to those in need.’

The new project comprises targeted, specialist mental health support for traumatised women and children and the development of closer and more effective partnerships with other civilian and military organisations, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Louise (not her real name) was referred to SSAFA by a charity local to her, which was unable to help. Within minutes, she was getting the support she needed.

Louise said: “I called their helpline, (Forcesline) and they told me someone from their Stepping Stone team would contact me. Within 15 minutes Jill was on the phone, giving me advice and talking to me; supporting me.

“I would urge anyone with a military connection who needs help escaping domestic abuse to reach out to SSAFA. You may not think anyone is there for you, but they are.”

Louise is still fighting to get back her life savings from her ex-partner, and is rebuilding her life after a traumatic period.