How we work

We have an informal, interactive and collaborative approach and we offer a wide range of activities and learning opportunities. Above all, we have fun!

DRAMA

  • Weekly drama lesson  at Highbury Little Theatre in Boldmere 
  • Acting, singing, dancing and performance skills with a qualified drama teacher 
  • Opportunity to take part in theatre productions twice a year, as well as performances to local schools 

COOKING & BAKING

  • Weekly practical cooking session 
  • Basic cookery skills as well as more advanced dishes 
  • Nutrition and healthy eating advice 

HEALTH & WELLBEING 

  • Weekly keep fit session at a local gym and swimming pool (opportunity to go swimming, use gym equipment or take part in exercise classes)
  • Wellbeing courses on topics such as sex education – Life coaching

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

  • Opportunities and training for voluntary work placements 
  • Career talks (visits from professionals)  
  • Advocacy facilitation and support through partnerships with local advocacy agencies such as Advocacy Matters 
  • Gardening at local allotment 
  • Participation in YMCA Sutton Coldfield Fruitful Communities Project

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

  • Days out in the local community to promote independence 
  • Transport and travel training and journey planning 
  • Opportunity to practise social skills such as ordering and paying for food 
  • Money management  & budgeting

CREATIVE  EXPRESSION

  • Themed arts and crafts 
  • Poetry 
  • Painting 
  • Jewellery making 
  • Chance to get creative and hands on e.g. furniture restoration

What you need to know

DAYS AND TIMES 

We are generally open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm, except for bank holidays. We are open during school holidays but we close for 4 weeks during the year. We will always give you advanced notice of the weeks we are closed. You can attend as many days as you wish; some of our group come every day and others for a couple of days a week. 

AGE RANGE 

You need to be 18+ years old to join us 

COST

Our prices range from £35 to £75 a day. This depends on the level of need that is needed. We’ll do an individual assessment to establish the level of support required and then you’ll have a service level agreement with all the details (excluding meals and transport)

  • £35 per day – 1:5 ratio level support (young person can work in a group of 5 young people with 1 member of staff)
  • £50 per day – 1:3 ration level support (young person works better in a smaller more focused group of 3 young people with 1 member of staff)
  • £75 per day – 1:1 ratio level of support (young person requires high level of support throughout the day, this may be for personal care, or for support with tasks)

We can provide tailored advice and signpost to organisations that may be able to help you pay for the cost of our services.

TRAVEL 

As some of our activities involve public transport, we recommend a bus pass (a concessionary 5-year bus pass is available from Travel West Midlands). If you don’t have a bus pass, please bring bus fare with you. 

MEALS 

Please bring a packed lunch with you and any snacks you require.

SPENDING MONEY 

We recommend bringing a small amount of money (suggested amount £3) to pay for any additional activities whilst we are out and about in the community.

What you can expect

SOCIAL AWARENESS

Socialisation in a safe and supported environment.

EXPERIENCE

Days out and trips away. Theatre trips, residential weekends in London and Wales, camping trips and overnight stays in a hotel.

SUPPORT INTO INDEPENDENT LIVING

We work with families to facilitate independent living where possible and as required.

VOLUNTEERING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience through volunteering. We have links with local companies who provide opportunities for voluntary work placements.  

LIFE SKILLS

Learn to cook, improve domestic skills, travel independently and be an active member of the community.

SPORT AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Gym and swim, drama, cooking, arts and crafts, days out

FRIENDSHIP

Make new friends and have fun in a friendly, inclusive environment.

Stepping Up has been a lifeline to my son. He finished college with a bleak outlook for the future and became depressed and withdrawn. Since joining the programme, my son has learnt to cook and in particular enjoys swimming and gym sessions. His independence has grown to the point where he has asked about moving into supported living; a massive milestone. As a family, we can’t thank YMCA Sutton Coldfield enough.

Father of Stepping Up Member