JPF takes a Step Forward

Sir Ian McKellen, new Patron of Tower Hamlets charity Step Forward along with the Director Jennifer Fear, met Jack Petchey OBE and Chris Bullock, Foundation Awards Officer on Thursday 21^st September at the charity’s purpose built premises in Bethnal Green to receive a cheque for £15,000 from the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Step Forward offers a free and confidential service to young people aged 11-25 living in and around Tower Hamlets.  They provide a holistic range of support services including independent information, advice, counselling and personal development activities.

Established since 1990 the charity works with over 1,500 young people every year helping them to deal with a range of challenges.  Funding from the Jack Petchey Foundation will be used to develop a Healthy Living and Personal Development Programme providing services to help young people deal with problems and issues affecting their lives and support them to make healthier and positive choices.

Sir Ian McKellen said “Step Forward is a door to knock on for so many young people who would otherwise be left to deal with problems on their own.  The charity is providing essential support which is why this funding from the Foundation is vital.  I am delighted to meet Jack Petchey who clearly cares passionately about helping young people.”

Jack Petchey OBE said “Step Forward is just the sort of charity we want to support and one where young people can get the help they need to make the most of opportunities and help themselves.  We are impressed with their work.” he added, “Having seen Sir Ian on the TV and screen it was wonderful to meet him in person”