Purpose

Our key purpose is to support people out of homelessness, to independent living. We have a holistic approach, tailoring support to individuals’ personal goals as they take steps towards their future independence. That journey can be very challenging for some individuals, and a stay at Branches is a first step towards their independence. People will stay with us for up to 18 months, and during that time we support them to develop self-confidence and strengthen life-skills vital for independent living.

After 18 months, some people need additional support before moving on to independent living. Because of this, and to reduce the risk of returning to homelessness, we purchased our second-stage accommodation in the borough, which we call ‘Stepping Stones’.

About the Stepping Stones House

Stepping Stones was conceived for the specific purpose of providing additional support for people transitioning from hostel accommodation to independent living. The house provides accommodation for six people for up to 12 months while they build on the life-skills they developed in Branches.

It was fundamental to the project that property was refurbished and retrofitted to a high environmental standard, the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI). The house was designed to achieve a balance between functionality, sustainable living, durability and comfort. The low energy consumption will keep residents’ bills to a minimum.

Stepping Stones has six ensuite rooms, a shared kitchen, communal areas, a laundry room, and a garden office for Branches staff and residents to meet privately.

Residents will have greater self-sufficiency than during their stay at Branches but still have access to support and other services at Branches hostel, which is just a 20-minute bus ride away.

Funding and Supporters

It was a long-term ambition to purchase a property for second stage move-on. For five years we set aside funds, increasing our designated reserves towards the purchase, refurbishment and retrofitting of the property.

We could not have achieved Stepping Stones without support, and we extend huge “thanks” to all our funders, partners, and supporters.

We received grants or social impact investment from:

• The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust
• The Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation
• The Percy Bilton Charity

CRASH, the UK construction industry charity was a key supporter of the project, providing financial support, professional expertise, and goods in kind, directly and through the charity’s Supporters and Patrons:

Photos by Alexandria Hall Photography.

Awards and Accolades

We were delighted to be finalists at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2025 for the categories:

• Best Healthy Homes Development – Urban
• Best Supported Housing Development – Urban

Thank you to everyone involved who helped make this happen for our new property, Stepping Stones.