LATEST NEWS Kath Barlow Chief Executive   The Stepping Stone Project was set up in 1984 after three years of planning and lobbying for funds and premises by Rochdale Voluntary Action’s Standing Committee on Homelessness. The aim of the project was to provide accommodation and support for vulnerable people at risk of homelessness. The organisation is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and is managed by a Voluntary Management Council that meets on a monthly basis. This in turn has two standing sub-committees that deal with Finance, Personnel and Policy/Development. The organisation expanded into the Lancashire area in 1999, working in Rossendale first before moving on to Burnley.
	We work in close partnership with Local Strategic Authorities, Supporting People Commissioners and other stakeholders to identify and deliver quality, value for money services Our accommodation-based services provide grouped self-contained flats let on Assured Short-hold tenancies.  On-site support staff act as link workers with individual tenants, working with them to help them develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to maintain a stable home and a structured lifestyle before assisting them in the process of securing permanent independent accommodation.  We currently have five accommodation projects across Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood and Burnley.
	Having developed accommodation services the organisation recognised a wider need for housing related support for vulnerable people to make the transition into their own independent accommodation and to help others living in their own homes maintain their tenancies. Stepping Stone was at the forefront of developing Floating Support and resettlement projects within the geographical areas we presently cover. Such services allow for a seamless transition into permanent accommodation and help others to maintain a secure home.  We currently provide Floating Support Services to service users in Bury and Rochdale. Continue to page 2 >