On Friday 30 August, we celebrated ‘Starts at Home Day’, a day dedicated to highlighting our support services and the positive impact they have on our customers’ lives. The day was filled with activities and sharing stories that showcased the incredible journey of our customers.
At Next Step in Withington, a facility providing supported accommodation for adult men with enduring mental health needs, the event was a celebration of community and support. The day, organised by Matt Deaville (Housing & Wellbeing Manager) and Ali Gell (Housing & Wellbeing Assistant), was attended by Guy Creswell, our Executive Director of Customer Services, and local Councillor Gavin White.
The festivities began with a buffet lunch, followed by a “Time to Talk” session. This weekly activity encourages open conversations about mental health, allowing residents to share their stories and offer advice in a supportive environment. We also hosted a workshop in the garden, where customers learned to make natural, healthy lemonade—a refreshing activity set in our beautiful garden space.
During the day, we got the chance to listen to some stories shared by our customers. Robert, who has been with Next Step for three years, spoke about the invaluable support he receives and the importance of having an independent space. He shared, “The whole point of this place is to remove people from situations of violence, insecurity and distress. The support I am getting here is more appropriate for where I am in terms of recovery and in my life than hospitals and psychiatric centres. This is a way more human approach.”
The centre also encourages creativity and self-expression, and Mark, another resident who has been in Next Step for a year, performed a song for the attendees. Our Employability Coach, Gill Rimmer, received heartfelt thanks from customers for her advice and encouragement. When asked about improvements, residents suggested repainting the bathrooms.
Guy Cresswell reflected on the day, saying, “It was great to join Matt and the team and talk with residents about their experiences. It was also great to spend some time with Gavin White and talk about the importance of supported housing and the need for robust commissioning and funding arrangements. Elaine’s lunch hit the mark, we spent some time in the residents’ herb garden, and I committed to spending a day shadowing Elaine in the autumn at Docherty House and Next Step.”
Starts at Home Day at Next Step was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of our commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive support to our residents. Thank you to everyone who made the day so special, and we look forward to continuing our mission of creating great places to live.
