Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health and all the groups were the brainchild of husband and wife team, Bill and Kate Rodgers. Kate is bi-polar and suffers from anxiety disorder and severe depression; and Bill is her sometimes, when needed, carer. Kate is an award winning playwright, comedienne, author and renowned public speaker with over thirty five years experience of speaking about her mental illness in 29 countries. Bill has over thirty five years experience as a theatre director, actor and playwright. Bill has acted and directed shows both here in the UK and in Canada and New Zealand. They have both been mental health advocates for over 28 years; also allies and strong supporters of mental illness and on a mission to rid stigma which often surrounds mental illness. Together they are a ‘Tour De Force’ – Between them, over the last eight years, since setting up Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health, they have won major charity awards for services to the community and people in it. These include; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire’s Award for services to the community, (Twice); The West Lindsey District Council Charity award for services to the community; The East Midlands; ‘small charity big impact' Charity Award. The national Mental Health and Wellbeing Award for best Testimonial Speech; Lived Experience.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end the stigma which surrounds mental illness and to give a  creative voice to people who have something to say about their own personal mental health journey. We want to give a voice to people who find it difficult to speak for themselves.

“I believe Stepping Stone Theatre for mental health is now a true asset to its local community. Aiding people with mental illness to tell their story and helping to rid the stigma which often surrounds mental illness. It also helps with social isolation and gives a voice to people who often find it difficult speak for themselves.”  Mental Health peer support worker, Gainsborough.