Your Mental Health is Crucial

You’ve probably heard of flow — it’s the state you get in when you’re completely absorbed in something. Have you ever been working on a project and completely lost all sense of self and time? That’s flow. It reduces anxiety, boosts your mood, and even slows your heart rate.

Almost one in four adults and young people will have some connection to mental health issues in their life time. This could be as a sufferer themselves or a friend or relative may experience mental health issues. It is vital that if you feel  any changes in your mood or attitude that you seek support and get a plan into action swiftly. Early intervention is the key when it comes to mental health. Don't suffer in silence. Tell someone. Talk to someone. Help may only be one voice away.

"In my experience, support for those with mental health, is medicated and/or group support and time limited.

Stepping stone theatre have bought a different dimension to support for those with mental health, a far less generalized one, that doesn’t insist on participants of both the Lockdown legacy booklet and/or writing group, doing things they are not comfortable with or indeed, at all if they aren’t in that frame of mind. Effectually, they are the most person centered support system I have ever come across in my years of Mental health experience.

The fundamental benefit of Stepping stone is their consistency, they have structured their support in a way that makes it available as and when, to participant’s many days in the week, via ‘live talk’, lectures, writing groups and of course, the lockdown legacy project. These projects are ongoing, not time limited, as inclusive as the participant would like, non-judgmental and wholly supportive, like no other mental health service I’ve known.

If all services functioned in the truly person centred structure, Stepping Stone do, I believe many more could benefit, overall in their struggles with mental health day to day" - Writing Group Member

"The Stepping Stone Scribblers Group has been a tremendous help regarding my mental health issues. The Group run by Kate Hull Rodgers is now an essential part of my weekly mental health management routine. The ability to release and express your thoughts via the written word honestly is an essential facility for mental health wellness" Paul - Writing Group Member

“Joining Stepping Stone Theatre was the best this I have ever done in my life. It has given me a role and meaning; I am much better for it. Without the groups, I don't know where I would be. It has literally saved my life”

J. Long standing member and part time volunteer

FAQ's

  • Why is creativity helpful to mental health

    A creative act such as crafting, colouring, writing, journaling can help focus the mind, and has even been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body. Even just gardening or sewing releases dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. Creativity reduces anxiety, depression, and stress. Telling you story is also a great way of getting feeling out that may have been hidden.

  • Why is telling my story good for me


    The therapeutic element of the creative process is not to be underestimated. Our members make life changing discoveries about themselves. Writing, story telling and performing can be such a hugely positive experience that they make memories that are deep and profound. They also make friendships that last the challenge of time. They become like a family and offer each other peer support. 

  • Do I need any special skills to join

    No special skills are needed as there is no right or wrong way as to how to approach what we do. This is not a classroom way of working. It is about sharing your story of you mental illness in a non-clinical non-judgemental way. surrounded by like minded people without the fear of stgima.

  • Can anyone join a group

    Ours is an open door policy. We work with anyone who wants to join, not just service users. Everyone is welcome from service users of the mental health system to health care professionals, to family, friends and alies of people who may have mental health challenges