Footsteps is a Mentoring & Befriending project based in Northampton.

It is a sad fact that there is still a stigma attached to the issues of homelessness and drug/alcohol dependencies. For those that have recently overcome such problems and are trying to rebuild their lives, this stigma can prove to be overwhelming. At a time when a period of calm and peaceful recuperation is required, it can seem that the world conspires to create obstacles.

Footsteps aims to combat social exclusion and smooth the path to recuperation.

Social exclusion and isolation can be two of the major consequences that result from homelessness or drug/alcohol misuse. Such consequences can hamper rehabilitation and cause relapse. These and other issues can and do discourage people from moving away from the very subculture that has contributed to their problems - the fear of facing the continued rejection by mainstream services, as well as society in general, is just too overwhelming. This is particularly true during the early stages of rehabilitation, when those that are seeking to address their problems are undoubtedly at their most vulnerable.

Footseps is a GoldStar Project and has achieved the Mentoring & Befriending Foundation's Approved Provider Status.