Chapter 1 resident Dayna Ward was part of the launch of new Exeter Housing Project ‘STEPS’. The project, made up of a partnership between Chapter 1, Exeter Community Initiatives and the Shilhay Community, was introduced in style at Exeter Cathedral with jazz band ‘Cathedral Jazz’ playing to an audience of just under 300 people.

Dayna, from Cornwall, spoke of her experiences of being homeless and the support she has received from Chapter 1. Now a ‘Service User Rep’ and heavily involved in her community Dayna also shared the opportunities she has been given to not just re-build her life but move on and explore new options that she didn’t know were available to her.

Over £1,000 pounds was raised at the launch event for STEPS. The project will now work with landlords and members of the community to provide long-term accommodation to homeless or vulnerable people who need on-going support provided by local volunteers and mentors.

To learn more about STEPS and the opportunities to support the project please visit http://www.eci.org.uk/STEPs. For more information about the work Chapter 1 does to involve and empower its residents and service users please contact Richard Cummings at richardc@ch1.org.uk .