Welcome to
Step Ahead

Step Ahead is a place of acceptance and
well-being for those with mental health issues in Canterbury.

Te Ara ki Mua, hē wāhi whakaae, whakamana,
whakaora ōu whānau e mauiui hinengaro ai

A community-based not-for-profit providing a relaxing space where you can make friends, learn new skills, try new things, have fun, and learn how to better manage life’s everyday challenges.

Art Exhibition

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 you 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 with mental illness take part into 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.

Activities

Supporting those with mental illness

Step Ahead provides a variety of activities every day for those with mental illness. These activities are hugely diverse, highly affordable (often free), and designed to help those with mental illness to socialise, learn, and grow.

Programmes

Hundreds of activities every month

Step Ahead provides a full calendar of events and activities for members. The range of activities supports people to spend time in the community and step back into wellness.

Guiding principles and beliefs

Our Core Values

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.

Join us

Become part of our community

Step Ahead is a friendly and welcoming community for adults of all ages. It’s easy to join and even easier to enjoy. Get in touch to try an activity, see how everything works, and join Step Ahead for support and friendship in your journey to wellness.

Keep in touch

Our Newsletter

Step Ahead’s newsletter is published each month, along with the programmes for the following month, and is posted to any member who would like a printed copy.

Anyone is welcome to read the current or recent issues, or to subscribe to receive a notification email when the next issue is available.