About us

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Stepping Stones is a registered charity (SC 019270) and a company limited by guarantee (213904).

Since 1991, beneficiaries of Stepping Stones took and retained control of the governance of the organisation. We have received funding from many sources over the years to help us deliver our services.

Our History

In the early 90’s a group of local people came together with a plan to improve services for people with mental health needs in the area. Those involved were psychiatric patients inspired by the hospital closure programme of that time and it was with this in mind, that they established Stepping Stones as 100% beneficiary led. We became a charity in 1991, and in 2001, became a company limited by guarantee.

Early Days

Originally serving the Clydebank area, the organisation received funding from West Dunbartonshire Council through the Mental Health Specific Grant. Following receipt of funding in 1995 from West Dunbartonshire Council, we recruited our first staff members. The original support services were based on group work and peer support, and reflected the organisation’s charitable objectives. Those supports focussed on utilising the skills of the members in the governance of the organisation. The result was opportunities for empowerment, self advocacy, employability and education.

Across the Region

In 2006 Stepping Stones commenced providing services across West Dunbartonshire using rented accommodation, NHS and community premises. Over time we changed the type of mental health supports we offered focussing more on people who experienced common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress.

Constitution Changed

In March 2016, the organisation held an EGM to propose a change in its Articles of Association. The change allowed non members to join the board with full voting rights for the first time. However, unless things change, members will always hold the majority of votes on the board of directors. These changes were passed unanimously. We pride ourselves in the way we work in partnership with our members across the area.

Present Day

Registration with the Care Inspectorate followed shortly and an unannounced visit in late 2018 saw us gaining very good grades. Our Care Inspectorate number is CS2016353166 and the latest report can be accessed here.