Jonathon Diffey

Second Step

We've been putting mental health first for people in Bristol and the South West for the last 30 years. To find out how take a look at our website! Keep track of everything we're doing on our social media channels. Twitter and Instagram @wearesecondstep. In the mid-1980s, a passionate group of social workers and community psychiatric nurses recognised that many people were in hospital not just because of their mental health problems, but because they had nowhere else to go. Housing initiatives at that time didn't give people the mental health and practical support they needed once out of hospital. The group decided to set up a housing association where the emotional and mental wellbeing of each individual was central. The founders worked with landlords with available properties to rent, and persuaded people to volunteer their time for free. In 1987, we officially became Second Step, named in recognition of providing a step away from hospital, and one towards recovery and the hope of a better future. That early grit and determination to make a difference and the promise to listen to the needs of individuals continues to shape our future. We understand that our learning is of national significance and can lead to groundbreaking improvements in the way mental health services are provided. We want to share our knowledge and drive change in the treatment of mental health problems and multiple needs nationwide. We promise to continue putting mental health first by: - Expanding our peer support programme, employing people with their own experience of mental health services - Staying at the forefront of mental health innovation - Developing more partnerships so we can continue to offer innovative support to even more vulnerable people