Stepping StonesStepping Stones
PARK VIEW The Stepping Stones Trust was established in 1984 to help the growing number of men who become Christians while serving a prison sentence. On release many are homeless and those who do have a home may be vulnerable, with a tendency to return a criminal life style or be in danger from past associations. The Trust gives these men a fresh start in a Christian family atmosphere. The risk of re-offending is reduced, they are encouraged to grow in their faith and join a church of their choice, and practical assistance is given with life skills and restoration into society.
On behalf of the serving prisoner referrals are invited from across the UK from Prison Chaplains, Probation Officers and other related organisations or individuals. The person making the referral will be asked to complete a Referral Form and to forward this together with the applicant's completed Application Form, Pre-Sentence Report, Medical/Psychiatric Report and Pre-Conviction record.
If the person referred falls within our criteria he will be interviewed. The applicant must be male and in genuine need of supportive accommodation upon his release from custody. An interview will be conducted by the Stepping Stones Project Manager or Deputy Manager at which we will attempt to discover the applicant's motivation to lead a law-abiding life. He will need to demonstrate effectively a desire to re-establish himself in the community and be seeking to participate in the clear Christian ethos of the home in order to grow in his faith.
We recognise that there will need to be a mutual acceptance of suitability regarding residence. Therefore any offer of accommodation made by the Project Manager will be based on an initial license agreement covering a trial period of up to one month before a shorthold tenancy agreement is offered.
The Trust is currently unable to accept arsonists, current serious drug or alcohol abusers or the mentally ill.
In order to build up a picture of need to assist future development, potential referrals who fall into these categories can be usefully notified to the Trust who are currently researching a project for mentally disordered ex-offenders.
We have a separate home in London for those who have committed sex offences and referral information can be requested from :
Bridge House Telephone: 0171 720 6421
e-mail: bridgehsst@aol.com
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Date updated : 28th June 1997
Webmaster : David Daniel