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Our Story

Supporting Wellbeing, Reducing Isolation, and Strengthening Community Since 2001

Next Steps began in 2001 with a simple but powerful belief:
Everyone deserves a safe place to feel heard, supported, and connected.

Founded in North Yorkshire to support people experiencing mental health challenges, we have grown into a trusted, community‑led organisation that stands beside individuals across Ryedale, helping them rebuild confidence, find companionship, and rediscover hope.

For more than two decades, we have been a lifeline for people facing loneliness, anxiety, depression, trauma, and the everyday pressures that affect well-being. Our work is rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that community can change lives.

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Our Leadership

Next Steps is led by Leisa Burniston, a highly respected mental health professional with:

• 30+ years of experience in Mental Health and Social Care
• 23 years of management and leadership experience
• A Diploma in Management in Social Care Organisations
• An NVQ in Care
• Extensive specialist training including:
  • Child Protection
  • ASSIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
  • CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
  • Mental health courses covering self‑harm, schizophrenia, personality disorders and more
  • Safeguarding Alerter
  • First Aid
  • Lone‑working
  • And many additional professional qualifications

Leisa’s leadership is grounded in empathy, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people living with mental ill‑health, disability, trauma, and isolation. Her experience shapes the heart of our organisation.

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What We Do

Next Steps Wellbeing Centre provides a wide range of support across Ryedale, including:

• Daily drop‑in support
• Creative, social and wellbeing activities
• Community cafés
• Outreach groups in Kirkbymoorside and Pickering
• Pop‑up sessions throughout Ryedale
• Practical support, including digital help, food provision, clothing support, and more

We are proud to be a user‑led organisation, shaped by the people who use our services.
We work closely with GPs, community mental health teams, social prescribers, and local partners to ensure people receive the right support at the right time.

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Our Purpose

Everything we do is designed to:

• Build self‑confidence
• Improve mental and emotional well-being
• Strengthen family and social relationships
• Support people to access statutory services
• Improve work prospects and volunteering opportunities
• Reduce loneliness and isolation
• Create a safe, welcoming community where everyone feels they belong

We believe that connection saves lives and that every person deserves to feel valued, supported, and part of their community.

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Our Structure

Next Steps is a:

• Registered Charity – No. 1149932
• Company Limited by Guarantee – No. 07570609

Every penny we receive is reinvested into supporting local people and strengthening our community.

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About us

Secretary – Chief Manager  – Leisa Burniston

Chairman – Alan Evans

Vice Chair – Alistair Duncan

Treasurer – David Marston

Cafe supervisor Joanne Hall

Cafe support worker -Jak Sampsom 

worker/Crafts/Activities-coordinators- Ruth Higson and Karen Harper

“Land to Plate” / Walk and Talk and Men in Sheds coordinator – Alex Buckle

Pickering/Norton/Helmsley Wellbeing  coordinator/Worker – Julie Johnson

Finance and admin -Steve Charvill