The Next Step for Stepping Stones
Sponsored Editorial
As a member led organisation Stepping Stones believe that it is vitally important to be transparent with the people of West Dunbartonshire, and the news they have to share could be potentially distressing for readers.
It is no secret that the need for mental health support is increasing, people are struggling, NHS services have been cut and the waiting lists for help are growing.
Stepping Stones are aware that due to the country-wide budget cuts there could be reductions to funding for mental health services over the years to come; this would impact not only existing members of the services but those who need help in the future.
The impact of reducing current funding could be catastrophic to Stepping Stones, with services potentially being significantly reduced, job losses, and an immeasurable decline of people’s mental health.
This worrying news follows on from recent cuts in other local health and social care funded contracts, where longstanding West Dunbartonshire services have now come to an end.
Chief Officer, Bronwyn O’Riordan, and the proactive Trustees and Members at Stepping Stones are taking a very vocal stance on campaigning for funding and asking the local Council to continue to fund the work of this well-established organisation to continue to deliver the mental health support needed by our community.
Bronwyn shared: “Stepping Stones has never been needed more, I am incredibly proud of the work and outcomes delivered by our amazing team, and I know that our organisation will do everything it can to achieve a better future for people with mental health issues.
"Budget cuts to such a vital service are, in my opinion, a disgrace.
"Our community deserve better and I genuinely hope to see the local council continue their commitment and support of Stepping Stones.
"The reality is that if the cuts are as deep as anticipated, and should the next commissioned service contract not be awarded to Stepping Stones then we would struggle to keep our doors open, and West Dunbartonshire could lose a provider who has supported tens of thousands of people over the last 35 years.”
As a reminder, Stepping Stones Services include: Person Centred Counselling, Peer Support Work, General Mental Health Support Work, Guided Self Help, Social Groups, Men’s Group, Women’s Groups, Relaxation Groups, Bereavement and Loss Peer Support Groups, Neurodiversity Steering Group, and Psycho-education.
With the uncertainty of future mental health services funding, the next step for Stepping Stones is to call a public consultation and invite the WDHSCP, Councillors and stakeholders to help address these concerns.
Stepping Stones members and West Dunbartonshire residents are encouraged to attend on June 12th for an update to have their say on the impact of budget cuts to local service provision and to hear about what comes next.