Our Mission

Step by Step in Moray is a charity which supports families who feel isolated or vulnerable. We help them to develop friendships, confidence and skills which will enhance their lives and enable them to give their children the best start in life.

We will:

• Offer a warm welcome in a friendly environment for parents with children up to age 3
• Encourage enjoyment through play, story time and songs, helping parents to participate in activities with their children
• Listen well and be responsive to the needs of families, helping parents to build relationships with their children, their families and others
• Offer learning and development through healthy eating and life skills training which will improve the health and wellbeing of families
• Support families to become more resilient so that they can better cope with the challenges of family life
• Provide a clear and easy way for parents, staff and volunteers to report to us any concerns no matter how sensitive
• Engage in partnership working, sharing our knowledge and learning to improve what we offer to families

We promote respect, equality and inclusion for parents, children, staff and volunteers, showing Christian love in action.

At Step by Step we offer

• Small friendly groups for parents and children from birth to 3 years
• A warm welcome in a safe comfortable space
• Age-appropriate play for babies & toddlers
• Arts & crafts for keepsake treasures
• A listening ear and help to build relationships
• A healthy and sociable snack-time
• Individual support when needed
• Outdoor activities in a safe enclosed garden
• Volunteers help parents to enjoy themselves together
• A secure Facebook group for parents and staff to stay in touch
• All services are free of charge

What people say

“Thank you ever so much for all your hard work making Step by Step (First Steps) such a lovely group to come to.  We have really enjoyed coming and it really has helped support us with our family being so far away. Hope to see you in a couple of years with the next one!”

“Staff and volunteers are supportive, but not intrusive.”

“We started attending when my wee boy was 6 weeks old. Both of us suffer with mental health problems. It’s helped us all to mix, but especially our boy, who otherwise wouldn’t, as we don’t feel confident going out. It has aided our wee boy to socialise and build his confidence.  Don’t know where we’d go if we never had the support from First Steps; our wee boy has a huge smile from attending all the time.”

“I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful groups and support over the past 19 months. Step by Step was the first group I ventured to and we still didn’t have the hang of breastfeeding in public. That day, a volunteer sat with us, encouraging the feeding and then took baby to wind, so I could have a cuppa. Doesn’t sound like much, but it was a big confidence boost. All staff have been so warm and friendly; we are really going to miss our favourite group”

“Thank you for making us feel so welcome at your groups! We absolutely loved them and always had fun! Thank you for all the help and support you gave us. It really meant so much to us and we really appreciate it. We will really miss it all.”