Step Ahead Trust
Te Ara ki Mua, hē wāhi whakaae, whakamana, whakaora ōu whānau e mauiui hinengaro ai
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Hope
A belief that being involved with Step Ahead will make a positive difference to members’ lives.
Choice
Attendance at any activity is voluntary and members choose their own level of participation.
Respect
Consideration and empathy for others.
Responsibility
Members make their own decisions and accept responsibility for the outcome.
Openness
Decision-making processes will be fair and transparent.
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Step Ahead is always looking to welcome new members, and is happy to answer questions if you or someone you know is considering joining.
You can call us during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email or text us at any time, otherwise you can send a message in the form in this page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Free phone: 0800 688 732
Text Stanmore Road: 022 173 1673Text Puriri Street: 022 038 3721
Email: info@stepahead.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stepaheadtrust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepaheadtrusthuamarae.org.nz
Kaikōura rohe – contact Symonde Laugesen – email: symonde@rehuamarae.org.nz or phone 027 5260846
Step Ahead is a place of acceptance and well-being for those with mental health issues in Canterbury
The pathway forward -Te Ara ki mua
Activities are at the heart of everything we do at Step Ahead. We don’t just offer one activity per day, but multiple, allowing members to have choice in the activities and gatherings that promote mental and physical well-being.
Members can pick and choose which activities to attend, and there are no limits on how many they can sign up for. Activity costs are often subsidised, meaning that many activities are free to join, and the rest are a minimal cost.
The purpose of these regular and thoroughly enjoyable activities is to help those that experience chronic mental health conditions, take part in community life and wellness. We are a welcoming, understanding, and non-judgemental place that helps people ‘step ahead’ in their recoveries by organising all sorts of activities and get togethers, and anyone stepping in from the street might think we are a well organised group of friends rather than a not-for-profit organisation.
Members are at the heart of what we do and are involved at every level of the organisation, from suggesting activities, to sometimes being employed by Step Ahead, and joining the Board of Trustees. Members support and assist each other every day, and often form long-lasting friendships.
How we work
Step Ahead is a not-for-profit organisation that helps those with mental health conditions. Our team, board, and funders are vital to our ability to help others.
Activities
Step Ahead is all about activities for members. From health and fitness, to crafting and creativity, to education and learning, our programmes are always full.
Supporting those with chronic mental health conditions
Step Ahead is a non-clinical service that provides dozens of activities every month. These activities exist to promote self-development and independence, and offer a social and enjoyable routine for those looking to make friends and enhance their wellbeing.
There are usually five or more activities available for members every day of the week. These activities take place at our Stanmore Road and Puriri Street locations, around Christchurch city, and in Rangiora and Ashburton.
These activities are often free, but sometimes do cost a few dollars.
One of our staff members facilitates each activity, and is sometimes joined by an extra staff member for additional support. Transport is provided free of charge to activities that take place in the community.
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Step Ahead is all about activities for members. From health and fitness, to crafting and creativity, to education and learning, our pragrammes are always full.
Volunteering
Step Ahead encourages volunteering with regular tasks we need help with, and we help members connect with volunteering opportunities in the wider community.
Employment support
Step Ahead helps members to find work if they wish. We partner with Job Connect to support members to find work.
Speakers and education sessions
Step Ahead often welcomes community professionals to lead informative sessions for members that offer valuable advice and fascinating insights.
Meals on wheels
Step Ahead helps to deliver Meals on Wheels from all bases either weekly or monthly. We welcome help from volunteer members in giving back to the community.
Computers and technology
Computers and technology are part of everyday life. At Step Ahead we offer hardware and education to help members connect with and explore technology.
Gardening
Gardening relieves stress, gets you outdoors, and creates a sense of accomplishment. Join our gardening groups at Step Ahead to work on your green thumb.
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Step Ahead is all about activities for members. From health and fitness, to crafting and creativity, to education and learning, our pragrammes are always full.
Art
Arts and crafts can help to unleash your creative side. Step Ahead runs multiple drawing, painting, and crafting sessions every week.
Stone carving
Members can learn and practice stone carving with beautiful Oamaru stone. Our staff will teach you how to work with the stone to make gorgeous artworks.
Woodwork
The woodwork workshops at Step Ahead give members a space to learn about woodwork, including the use of tools and designing and creating items.
Craft Groups
Arts and crafts can help to unleash your creative side. Step Ahead runs multiple drawing, painting, and crafting sessions every week.
Music appreciation
The music groups allows members to share their favourite tunes. We also love to hear music from those with instruments, and there’s the occasional singalong.
Sewing
Sewing is a useful skill that anyone can learn. Step Ahead runs sewing groups each week with a qualified seamstress who can help you learn new skills.
Mosaics
Mosaics are a relaxing and highly enjoyable art form, and a popular activity at Step Ahead. Join in to create beautiful projects for your home or as a gift.
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Op shopping
There are some great op shops in Canterbury. We often take groups to op shops to see what bargains we can find for us and for members.
Men’s group
The Step Ahead men’s groups enjoy the comradery of an all male group whilst participating in activities both in Christchurch and out of the city.
Coffee mornings
It’s always great to start the day with a hot drink and a catch up with friends. Coffee mornings are a casual and enjoyable part of the day at Step Ahead.
Day trips
Step Ahead often organise day trips to give members a chance to explore places, such as Akaroa or Hanmer Springs.
News Discussions
There’s a lot happening in the world, and news discussions at Step Ahead create a space where members can discuss and learn about what’s going on.
Documentary group
The Step Ahead documentary group meets regularly to watch and discuss a wide array of great documentaries from around the world on YouTube.
Women’s group
Step Ahead’s women’s group is a fun and casual group where women can get together for catch up, activities, and enjoy each others company in a safe and welcoming space.
Evening activities
Evening activities at Step Ahead are fun, very social, and relaxing. They include a low-cost meal, as well as an activity such as a DVD, karaoke, or a quiz.
Games and quizzes
Games and quizzes are fun and popular activities that members are often held during our evening activities. The quizzes cover a range of topics.
Lunches
Low-cost lunches held on site at Step Ahead give members a chance to catch up with friends and meet other members they may not usually mingle with.
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Step Ahead is all about activities for members. From health and fitness, to crafting and creativity, to education and learning, our pragrammes are always full.
Healthy cooking
Step Ahead runs regular healthy cooking groups. These sessions teach cooking basics and demonstrate a new healthy and affordable recipe every time.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a relaxing form of exercise that is also known as ‘meditation in motion’. It’s great for the mind and the body, and you can try it at Step Ahead.
Meditation
Meditating can be a great way to relax the mind and body. It offers an escape from the daily stresses of life and can have other health benefits.
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Step Ahead is all about activities for members. From health and fitness, to crafting and creativity, to education and learning, our programmes are always full.
Surfing
Surfing is magical for mental health and overall wellbeing. The benefits are immense and we guarantee you will walk away at the end of every session feeling good.
Gym & weights
Step Ahead takes a Stanmore Road group to the gym regularly. Regular exercise is fantastic for both mental and physical wellbeing.
Biking
Mountain biking is a great fitness activity that lets you explore nature and meet people. Step Ahead runs a mountain biking activity usually at least once a month
Tramping
Tramping is a great way to get out for exercise, meet new people, and explore the beauty of Canterbury. You can go tramping with Step Ahead regularly.
Tennis, badminton, and table tennis
Table tennis, badminton, and tennis are all fun and great for your health. Step Ahead spends Wednesday afternoons playing these sports.
Ten-pin bowling
Ten-pin bowling is a game that’s easy to learn and hard not to enjoy. Step Ahead goes bowling every week, offering a social and energetic outing for members.
Swimming
Swimming is a fun fitness activity all year round. Step Ahead members can join our swimming groups each week to swim laps, aqua jog or relax in the spa and saunas.
Walking
Step Ahead members can join in on organised walks at all our bases. These take about an hour and offer an enjoyable and social chance for exercise.
Philosophy
Step Ahead seeks to promote and support the holistic wellbeing of people who experience mental health issues.
The aim is to work with members to empower and enable them to have the belief and ability to develop life skills so that they can achieve the best possible level of independence, resilience, confidence and quality of life.
Members can expect to receive the highest level of support while at Step Ahead. The services offered will be in line with current evidence-based mental health research.
At the heart of Step Ahead’s philosophy is a positive and inclusive attitude which incorporates kindness, understanding, acceptance and being non-judgemental towards member recovery.
Step Ahead supports the Whare Tapa Wha approach throughout recovery that includes engaging with community, whanau and other like-minded organisations.
A focus on successful living in the community:
independence and choice
wellness
ability rather than disability
personal empowerment and self-responsibility
non-judgemental and respectful attitudes
continues to be at the centre of Step Ahead’s approach today as much as it was when the organisation began in 1983.
