Steps

For young people aged 17 to 18, leaving the care system can be an extremely daunting time. Young people must think about what their next steps will be after leaving care, but often they do not know what options are available to them or lack the self-esteem to get themselves into education or employment.

STEPS is a programme created by The Harlequins Foundation in partnership with Hounslow Local Authority, which aims to help young people build their confidence and supports them to pursue their next steps after leaving care.

STEPS is held at The Spot (Da Spot) in Hounslow, which is a resource centre for looked after young people. Many young people in care and leaving care visit The Spot to connect with others and create camaraderie. Steps is held at The Spot as it is a relaxed, accessible and informal environment, which allows The Harlequins Foundation tutors to more successfully engage with the young people it aims to help.

Young people leaving care will meet at The Spot once a week to have a conversation about the next steps that are available to them. Steps sessions at The Spot will always have a different focus. This shift in focus enables the programme to be able to be relevant and creates a diverse understanding of opportunities for the young people attending the sessions.

Although the session focus may change, each session will always develop four essential skills; listening, speaking, staying positive and aiming high. These essential skills are important for building self-confidence and are highly transferable life skills, which can be used to be successful in other areas of an individual's life.

Additionally, Steps includes opportunities such as participating in: Harlequins Match days, Orienteering trips and Mentoring sessions.      The Harlequins Foundation will also help support young people to gain recognised qualifications if they wish, to help them to pursue their next steps.      The Spot:   Eden House, 33 Lampton Road, Hounslow, TW3 1JG (Entrance in Balfour Road, opposite Gold's Gym).   Every Wednesday 1:30pm – 4:00pm.