STEP (Swindon)

STEP (Swindon) provides therapeutic support to children and young people aged 7 – 18 (up to 25 for those with SEND) across Swindon – term time and holiday time.

The children and young people referred to it are experiencing isolation and exclusion due to their lack of social skills, personal circumstances, or poverty. They have multiple and complex needs and are some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society. All young people are referred to it by health, education, or social care professionals for targeted, specific support. It works with each of the children and young people referred to it to set achievable developmental targets (based on their unmet needs at the point of referral) and ensuring that they are continuously working towards meeting those targets during their time with us, helping them to progress socially, emotionally, and behaviourally; and helping to improve relationships at home, within school, and in a wider context.

It aims to support young people based on criteria of need for each of the programmes it delivers. It focuses on 5 STEP’s to wellbeing looking at mental health and wellbeing; positive STEP’s looking at antisocial behaviours and exploitation; it has a social inclusions group for young people with disabilities; other therapeutic themes include: working with children who are living with parents who are substance misusers, victims of DV, and children who have parental mental health issues.

Themes include: identity and belonging, health and wellbeing, healthy relationships, creativity and fun, and skills development.