TV presenter joins Rochdale charity to mark 40 years of tackling homelessness

Award-winning television presenter Terry Christian will join Rochdale-founded charity Stepping Stone Projects at a gala lunch celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The charity, established in 1984 by Rochdale Council to address rough sleeping and homelessness, has grown over the years to serve vulnerable people across Greater Manchester and the north west.

The anniversary event will take place on 15 November at the Village Hotel in Bury, welcoming over 200 guests, including Stepping Stone Projects staff, trustees, partners, and supporters.

To mark four decades of service, the charity has announced a year-long programme of special events, each with a focus on supporting those transitioning out of homelessness.

Stepping Stone Projects will roll out several "40" themed initiatives in the coming year to celebrate its legacy and engage local communities:

• Homes for 40: The charity will provide 40 home starter kits for customers moving into permanent housing.
• Roadshows for 40: Fun and informative roadshows will take place across Blackburn, Burnley, Manchester, and its hometown of Rochdale, bringing interactive activities to residents and clients.
• Relay for 40: A 40-mile relay event, featuring staff from Stepping Stone Projects, will support Andy’s Man Club, a local mental health charity.
• Volunteer for 40: Staff will volunteer in Rochdale and neighbouring areas, visiting schools to offer mock interviews and industry workshops, supporting pupils in developing career skills.

Reflecting on the anniversary, chair Sue Ashby MBE, who has served Stepping Stone Projects for the past 25 years, shared her pride in the charity’s accomplishments. She said: “This will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on four decades of outstanding work and to celebrate the colleagues and volunteers who make it all possible.

"Over the past 40 years, Stepping Stone Projects has helped around 25,000 people prevent and overcome homelessness, supporting them to live independently and, in many cases, transform their lives.

"We are extremely proud of everything that has been achieved, and we remain committed to making a difference in the years ahead.”

What began with two flats in Rochdale town centre has expanded to over 800 homes and 1,000 support places across 43 services in 22 council areas.

The charity now operates with a team of nearly 200 people, dedicated to preventing homelessness and helping vulnerable individuals across the region. Stepping Stone Projects has also invested in developing its workforce, creating apprenticeships, a graduate trainee programme, and volunteering opportunities for local residents.

Chief executive Dave Smith stressed the importance of the charity’s mission in the face of a worsening housing crisis. He said: “The housing crisis is becoming more severe, and the need for our services is greater than ever. With average house prices now at £300,000, over nine times average earnings, and median rents in Manchester reaching £1,400 per month, many people simply cannot afford to buy or rent. Council waiting lists are over 1.4 million strong, leaving people with very few options.”

Stepping Stone Projects will also spotlight research revealing the homelessness crisis across the UK. An estimated 4,000 people sleep rough each night, and 320,000 households, including 136,000 young people, are considered homeless, many resorting to sofa surfing or living in overcrowded, inadequate housing.

Over 145,000 children are believed to be affected by these conditions.

However, despite the challenges, Dave remains hopeful. He said, “We believe we can make a real difference and help end homelessness by 2034.

"With the right political and societal commitment, resources, and partnerships, we can be part of the solution. Stepping Stone Projects is fully committed to doing more for more people, with more partners, until homelessness is eradicated.”

As the charity celebrates four decades, Stepping Stone Projects continues its mission from its Rochdale roots, working with partners and supporters to ensure everyone in the community has a safe and secure place to call home.