A student at the University of Winchester will address MPs at the House of Commons on behalf of a charity that supports young people who are homeless.

Stevie, 22, who is in her first year at university, will make her speech on Monday, November 18, at the event called Moving Towards Independence.

She will discuss the challenges faced by vulnerable young people entering adulthood, and what needs to change to secure their futures.

Three years ago, a family argument left Stevie homeless, and she was sofa surfing at friends' houses when she was introduced to the charity Step by Step.

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Stevie being interviewed by BBC's South Today for the programme's feature on the charity sector reaction to the budget (Image: University of Winchester) The charity found her a host family, providing her with a stable home environment, which she credits with helping her get her life back on track.

Stevie said: "Without them, I’d probably be dead or on drugs. My host family gives me the emotional stability to be myself. It feels safe and like a real family."

Stevie had been living with foster parents from the age of 12 to 17, before spending 18 months back with her family, until things went wrong.

She praised Step by Step’s support workers, who she feels offered more meaningful help than she had ever received from social services.

She said: "They actually listen to you and take notice of your needs.

"For instance, if you are a student who needs special equipment for your course, they can help supply it."

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Her education had been disrupted by challenges in her upbringing and mental health struggles, leading her to drop out of sixth form college.

However, with Step by Step's assistance, she completed an English Literature A Level online, which gave her the confidence to apply to university.

In September, she began a BA in Creative Writing at Winchester, a course she loves.

She was assisted in fine-tuning her speech by Winchester lecturer Helena Drysdale, who teaches persuasive writing.

Debbie Moreton, CEO of Step by Step, said: "Stevie's journey from experiencing homelessness to becoming a university student and a powerful advocate is nothing short of inspiring.

"At Step by Step, we believe in empowering young people to be the heroes of their own stories.

"Stevie's resilience and courage truly exemplify the strength and potential that lies within each young person when they receive the right support."

Stevie has already spoken at a Sleep Out event for the charity and was featured on BBC1’s South Today, discussing the charity sector's reaction to the Government's budget.