Small Steps, Big Change: How Community Support Makes a Difference

In every community, there are quiet champions who make a powerful difference—often without fanfare or recognition. One such organisation is Community Stepping Stones, whose work continues to transform lives by tackling loneliness and building meaningful connections across our area.

Founded in September 2018 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), Community Stepping Stones was created with one clear purpose: to serve the community. Any profit made is reinvested back into the organisation, ensuring that its focus always remains on people, not profit. Led by two dedicated teachers — one with a background in social care and health, and the other specialising in supporting neurodivergent individuals — the organisation brings compassion, experience, and professionalism to everything it does.

A Café Built by the Community

What began as a small café with the aim of supporting individuals with learning disabilities soon grew into something much more. As people gathered, shared stories, and built friendships, it became clear that this was not just their café—it belonged to everyone.

By listening carefully to visitors, the team reshaped it into a true community café: run by the community, for the community. Local people help decide which activities take place, what support is needed, and how the space is used. This sense of shared ownership has helped create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

From craft groups and sewing sessions to guest speakers from local services, the activities reflect what people genuinely want and need. Whether it’s learning a new skill or simply enjoying a cup of tea with a friendly face, there is always something happening.

A Safe Place to Belong

For many, Community Stepping Stones has become a lifeline. It operates as a small community hub where individuals can come in alone, knowing they will find familiar faces and a listening ear. Staff are also on hand to connect people with other professionals if further guidance or support is needed.

Since 2018, the organisation has expanded its reach. Alongside the original café, they now run a thrift and workshop space in Marske-by-the-Sea and work in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to operate a community library in Redcar East.

Across all three venues, a wide range of activities takes place, including:

• Men’s LEGO and motors groups

• Knitting, patchwork, and sewing sessions

• Mending and tuition groups

• Quiz afternoons

• Friendship and “Souper Friday” gatherings

• And many more

Each activity is designed to bring people together and reduce isolation.

Responding to a Real Need

Loneliness remains a significant issue in the North East, particularly among older adults. As heavy industry has declined and younger generations have moved away for work, many people have found themselves living far from family and support networks.

Community Stepping Stones responds directly to this reality. Its doors are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. In fact, many visitors travel from outside the area because they cannot find anything similar closer to home.

Three sisters—one living in Dormanstown and two near Doncaster—regularly meet at the café to knit garments and toys for Community Stepping Stones to sell. They describe the centre as something truly special, unlike anything available in their own area.

Lives Changed Through Friendship

Perhaps the greatest impact of Community Stepping Stones can be seen in the relationships it helps to form.

One local woman began attending on her own after her children left home. Having raised her family as a single parent and experienced health challenges, she found herself feeling isolated and alone. At the café, she met another woman who had recently lost her husband. Through shared conversations and gentle encouragement, a deep friendship grew.

Today, they support one another with hospital visits, share transport, enjoy trips together, and even go on holidays. What started as a simple visit for company became the foundation of a life-changing friendship.

Small Steps, Lasting Impact

Community Stepping Stones shows us that small, thoughtful actions can lead to big change. By offering a warm welcome, listening to local voices, and creating spaces where people feel safe and valued, they are helping to rebuild connection in our community—one conversation, one activity, and one friendship at a time.

As a church, we are thankful for organisations like this that reflect compassion, service, and hope in practical ways. May we continue to support, celebrate, and learn from their example as we seek to love our neighbours and care for one another.

Loving God,

We thank You for Community Stepping Stones

and for the care and kindness they share.

Bless their leaders, staff, and volunteers.

Give them strength, wisdom, and joy in their work.

May all who visit find friendship, comfort, and hope.

Let their spaces be filled with welcome and peace.

Guide their steps and help their work to grow,

so that Your love may be seen through all they do.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

To find out more about Community Stepping Stones CIC and their wonderful community focused projects, you can visit their Facebook page.

Blessings,

RBC Team