[flickr id=”8147944682″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”medium_640″ group=”” align=”none”] Everyone at Step Forward was really pleased to make so many new friends and supporters at our recent Meet and Greet Event. Our hosts Patron Sir Ian McKellen and our CEO Jennifer Fear warmly welcomed guests from local business big and small into our East London home.

We felt that after witnessing a summer of spectacular events here in London there was a growing sense of community spirit, positivity and pride amongst Londoners. With that in mind we arranged this event because we wanted an opportunity to get to know those in our neighbourhood better and share some stories about the positive impact Step Forward has on the lives of young people in East London.

All our guests were able to meet the team, take a look around our fabulous building and hear about the work that we do. There were lots of opportunities for mingling over drinks and nibbles and our Patron Ian managed to speak to all of our guests individually. During the evening Ian was able to talk to people about the passion he has for our charity, why he has supported us over the last 6 years and his idea that he would like local business and people to ‘adopt’ Step Forward.

Ian told Jennifer on the night that he was extremely pleased to see so many people willing to find ways to support us and he hoped that it would help us to raise our profile and the much needed funds to continue providing essential support services to young people in the coming years.

Last year we reached 1,800 young people through our free and confidential information, counselling, personal development, and sexual health services. We supported young people affected by things such as neglect, abuse, depression, and bereavement and helped guide them to make positive changes, realise their self-worth, raise their aspirations and reach their full potential in life.

Following the success of the event we have lots of exciting plans underway to help raise our profile and to raise funds for our charity. Watch this space!