Our history

Stepping Stones was set up in 2008 as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Our growth has followed an organic path of learning and adapting based on the needs of our clients.

The history of Stepping Stones is one of recognising and meeting women’s needs. Over 15 years ago local woman, Karen Godfrey, identified a gap in Luton for specialist women-only support for those who misuse drugs and alcohol. She established Stepping Stones to meet that need.

Within a year, we recognised that most women attending our services had multiple and complex issues which acted as the precursor to substance misuse, predominantly trauma and domestic abuse. It led us to develop a broader range of services fully integrated with local partner agencies.

We also recognised that the most women who visited us had childcare issues which acted as a major barrier to accessing support and individual development. This led to us to open childcare facilities with OFSTED accreditation Good, so mother and child could be supported at the same location.

A significant point in the history of Stepping Stones came in 2015 when we became a charity. As an organisation we have always been very socially minded and client driven. The move didn’t change what we were about, but it did bring more robustness to our processes and allow for further strategic development.

Today, we work with women from all walks of life who need domestic abuse support, help with offending and rehabilitation, and/or drug and alcohol support. And our childcare services are more than just an enabler, they are a critical part of our parenting offer.