Step One receive a cheque from Jo Towns, Marketing Manager at Barratt David Wilson homes Exeter. L-R: Ben Greaves – CEO, Lauren Flitcroft – Marketing and Communications Manager, Jo Towns, Victoria Lewis – Fundraising Manager.

Local homebuilder steps up for mental health in Devon with £1,500 donation to Step One Charity

Step One, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health and wellbeing challenges, has received a generous donation of £1,500 from local homebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter. The donation will contribute towards initiatives such as the BeWell@StepOne programme, which provides peer-to-peer support to tackle social isolation and promote mental wellbeing across Devon.

The history of Exeter-based Step One Charity dates to its founding in 1937 as St Loye's College to provide support for people with disabilities to develop skills and achieve their potential. Since its rebranding in 2017 following a merger with the Community Care Trust, Step One has been committed to providing services for individuals struggling with their mental health, learning disabilities or neurodiversity. They currently provide recovery and rehabilitation at their independent inpatient hospital, supporting living housing, one-to-one support in the community, and online and in-person wellbeing sessions.

The charity now works with around 800 people throughout the county. After a recent move to the X Centre on Exeter Quay, Step One is now planning to further increase its reach to those who need it by expanding its volunteer base.

"We are immensely grateful to Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter for their generous donation," said Victoria, Fundraising Manager at Step One. "This contribution will boost our efforts, allowing us to provide vital support to even more individuals in Devon."

The BeWell@StepOne programme aims to connect individuals through peer support groups, as well offering nature-based and physical activities, such as wellbeing walks and yoga groups, as part of their mental health journey. With one in four people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem at some point in their lives, and this figure rising each year, this support is more vital than ever.

Nicki Reid, Sales Director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter, said, "We believe in the importance of giving back to the communities in which we operate by supporting local charities like Step One. By investing in initiatives like their BeWell@StepOne programme, we hope to make a meaningful difference to the mental wellbeing of hundreds of people across Devon."

For more information about Step One Charity, and how you can support them by taking on an exciting challenge event such as a wing walk, skydive or the Great West Run, please visit their website at www.steponecharity.co.uk.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building much-needed new homes across Devon, at Victoria Heights in Exeter, Fairfax Heath in Tiverton, Okement Park and Hampton Mill in Okehampton, and Berry Acres in Paignton. Wherever you are in your new home journey, Barratt Homes is here to support you and offers a range of schemes including Part Exchange Guarantee and the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.