Stepping Stones

Caring for the elderly and vulnerable, Helping with jobs and training

Stepping Stones is a project led by the Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea that encourages and supports people living with disabilities or mental and physical health needs to become involved wih volunteering.

The Octavia Foundation is delighted to support the initiative by acting as a partner to the project and by offering volunteer taster sessions in three of our Octavia Foundation charity shops in Queensway, St John's Wood and Olympia.

In the last six months we have helped to provide volunteering and work experience to a number of vulnerable adults, some of whom have gone on to volunteer on a regular basis in our shops.  The taster sessions allow participants to meet new people, build their confidence and interests and to develop skills and experience for future employment.

Ruichun, the manager of our St John's Wood shop explained, 'I'm very happy that we are able to offer these taster sessions for the Stepping Stones programme in our shops.  It's a pleasure to meet new volunteers and to introduce people to the Octavia Foundation and our shops!'