The Stepping Out programme, which is based in Belhavel, Athlone, and provides training opportunities for people on probation, is due to close in February. Shock as Athlone service to close after more than 25 yearsThe Stepping Out programme in Athlone, which for more than 25 years has been helping to rehabilitate people who found themselves in trouble with the judicial system, is set to close next month. "Stepping Out has been providing an excellent service, and the service users really benefit from being part of it." It’s understood the programme in Athlone had been working with up to 50 service users each year. By engaging with people who are on probation, Stepping Out has helped many add skills to help steer them on a pathway to employment.

Source: Irish Independent January 29, 2026 18:29 UTC