News hub

Blogs, opinion pieces, stories and experiences from across Second Step. See below for our most recent campaign & video, our latest news and blog posts, and our 2023 Impact Report.

Stories and campaigns

Latest news

“I looked forward to riding Maverick every week.” How horse riding became one young woman’s passport home.

28 May 2024

It’s well known that horses can help our mental health, with a study by the British Horse Society revealing that horse riding stimulated many positive psychological feelings including reducing depression by 30%.

But for one young woman, who has spent the last 10 years in mental health units often under a section, horse riding became so much more than this. It helped her build her confidence and slowly but surely find the strength to return to life in the community.

Read More

Sign up now: Free new course for carers in North Somerset starting 6 June 

21 May 2024

North Somerset Wellbeing is introducing a free, six-week course for carers (18 years and over) who provide support to adults…

Read More
A landscape photo of the Gloucestershire countryside with a tree in the foreground.

Taking a moment for Carole 

20 May 2024

Following the death by suicide of his beloved wife Carole, South Gloucestershire farmer Stephen Moorlen decided to set up a mental health fundraising project in her memory. We spoke to Stephen about the project, and the overwhelming response he has had since launching it. 

Read More

Mindful movement: Enhancing mental health through everyday actions

20 May 2024

To coincide with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of movement, we sat down with Recovery Navigator Ellen and…

Read More
A green space filled with brambles, weeds and trees.

Second Step gardening group on a mission to turn office green space into refuge for clients and staff 

15 May 2024

One month on from our office move to Pennywell Road, we’re settling in well and are busy creating  a warm,…

Read More

Embracing movement: Navigating mental health and wellness

13 May 2024

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week has the theme of movement so we caught up with Senior PAT Practitioner Ellen…

Read More