An armed forces charity that helps veterans get their lives back is hoping to raise awareness of their inspirational work at a charity ball.

Stepway was founded by Dawn Turner - who is a mum of two serving soldiers - one now a veteran.

Originally from a nursing background, Dawn’s career took a different path when her son began to suffer with his mental health after leaving the army.

It led to Stepway being set up in 2019 to support all veterans in civilian life, no matter their background.

“Our drop-in centre was opened in December 2019 with the support from Major Diane Henderson at The Salvation Army, who kindly offered a room where veterans could meet and discuss any issues,” Dawn explained.

The partnership between the two charities quickly became solid when Covid-19 hit and The Salvation Army offered Stepway a small office – so support could be given on a regular basis.

Dawn and her team of staff and volunteers now provide three main services.

'Banter and Brew' which runs in different locations in across Worcestershire, the outdoor community project at the North Stables, Pitchcroft, and the 7-Step Civilian Skills Programme - which is open to veterans and family members.

This course is built around mental health awareness and the “survival kit for civilian life”, which can lead to educational and employment opportunities.

“We set out to improve veterans’ mental wellbeing and ending up saving lives,” Dawn said.

“One guy came to us and said that if it wasn’t for the programme he wouldn’t be here today.

“You hear very powerful stuff and realise the extent of what these brave people have been through.

Dawn continued: “There was another veteran who couldn’t even make eye contact and now he is able to get back out there to work and university. It’s truly amazing.

“They find a sense of purpose and belonging again.”

Veteran Ian Boalch joined Stepway when he was in a “very dark place”.

He explained: “I could not see a future and I thought my life was at an end. I attended the 7-Step Programme and it was from this point I started to understand why I was feeling the way I did.

“I asked if my wife could attend the course so she could gain an understanding and they provided support for her too.

“This support and dedication from the whole team not only saved my marriage but also saved my life too.”

Stepway was awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award by the Armed Forces Covenant for their work.

In August last year, they opened their first wellbeing centre in Oldbury, West Midlands, and officially went into partnership with The Salvation Army.

Stepway is now set to carry out their rehabilitation work in HMP Hewell, too, with the opportunity to not only support veterans in prison but also their families on the outside.

To mark their achievements, but also continue to support veterans in their care, Stepway is hosting a charity ball on October 1 2022 at the Worcester Cricket Club with a Peaky Blinders theme.

“The money raised from ticket sales and auction will be used to create a safe and comfortable veterans’ hub for them and their family members to visit and utilise,” Dawn added.

“We’re really looking forward to the event – especially with the Peaky Blinders theme, too.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/3SnTH8f