As the festive season settles across Devon, we’re reminded how powerful small acts of kindness can be. This time of year can bring joy, reflection, and sometimes a few challenges, which is why our team has been working to spark connection, comfort, and hope in every corner of our community. From creative celebrations to quiet moments of support, we’re honoured to share how we’re been spreading light this December.
This festive season, our team have been busy sprinkling a little extra kindness around Devon. We’ve launched a mini community campaign, leaving messages of hope and positivity at different locations for anyone to pick up. Whether it’s a reminder to take a deep breath, a kind word to brighten a tough day, or a note of festive cheer, we hope these small surprises bring big smiles to the people who find them. Keep an eye out, you might just spot one on your next visit into town!
We’re thrilled to be taking part in the Princesshay Charity Christmas Tree event!
This year’s tree shines even brighter thanks to the incredible individuals we support, who helped craft and decorate beautiful ornaments. From glittering stars to heartfelt messages, every decoration tells a story of creativity, resilience, and community spirit.
If you’re passing through Princesshay this month, be sure to stop by and admire our tree, it’s a true celebration of togetherness.
Throughout December, we’re sharing a series of five powerful stories across our online platforms.
Each story shows courage, recovery, and hope, made possible by donations from people like you. We hope these voices spark connection, reduce stigma, and remind people that support is always within reach.
This Christmas, you can help us bring hope and wellbeing to more people across Devon.
Every donation you make will light up a bulb on our Lights of Hope virtual Christmas tree, each symbolising a message of hope for people living with mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity.
Chrissie’s story
For more than 40 years, Chrissie lived in almost complete isolation. She stopped going outside in the 1980s and hasn’t been in a shop, café, or anyone else’s home for decades. With Step One’s support, Chrissie began to rebuild her confidence, and she’s now training to become a BeWell volunteer, helping others on their journey to recovery.
Jaime’s story
After experiencing a mental breakdown, Jamie’s lifestyle became isolated and reclusive. He struggled with low self-worth and had no real ambitions for his future. With support from Step One, Jamie embraced positive changes, rediscovered his confidence, and is now studying in higher education – a goal that once felt out of reach.
Alison’s story
Alison, a single mum of three, had always worked hard, but years of buried mental health struggles finally took their toll. Forced to give up work, she found herself in a dark place, struggling to see a reason to carry on. Hope arrived when her doctor referred her to the social prescribing team, who encouraged her to try a BeWell@StepOne course. Through these courses, workshops and peer support groups, Alison slowly began to rebuild her confidence, rediscovering purpose and connection. Today, she no longer feels like the person who didn’t want to be here anymore.
Becky’s story
For years, Becky struggled with anxiety and depression. When the pandemic hit, her mental health reached an all-time low. That’s when Becky reached out to Step One for help. Through our BeWell service, she joined free self-help courses and a peer-support group where she could share her experiences and feel understood. These sessions didn’t just help Becky cope, they helped her reconnect. The group has now become a valued part of her life, offering creativity, friendship, and community.
Jonathan’s story
A few years ago, Jonathan had a breakdown that left him unable to work for two months. Feeling isolated and anxious, he feared slipping back into the same dark place. He knew something had to change, so he took a brave first step: joining a BeWell Wellbeing Walk. At first, he barely spoke to anyone. But with gentle encouragement from our walk leaders and the kindness of others in the group, Jonathan began to open up. Week by week, his confidence grew, and now he looks forward to each walk as a chance to connect, reflect, and recharge.
We’re ending the year with some brilliant news from our BeWell@StepOne programme!
We can’t wait to welcome more people along to both activities in the new year.
From all of us at Step One Charity, thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. Whether you’re celebrating or taking things quietly this year, we’re wishing you warmth, connection, and moments of calm.
While the festive season can bring joy, it can also be overwhelming, and if you’re finding things difficult, help is available 24/7.
NHS 111 can provide urgent medical advice and direct you to the right mental health support.
Samaritans are available day and night on 116 123, offering a non-judgemental listening ear whenever you need it.
Please reach out if you or someone you know needs immediate support. You are never alone.
