Below are some comments from our members
I moved to Steyning when my son was about five months old. I was keen to meet other new mums as I was finding the whole parenthood experience quite overwhelming as well as delightful. Every aspect of my life seemed to be turned on its head. People at playgroups were very friendly but you didn't often see the same faces regularly enough. At Stepping Stones I found other parents with similar age babies. We were quickly able to talk about issues facing us as new parents, and to see that we were generally not alone in the challenges we were facing. There was lots of laughter as well as a sense of support from the other mums. We have continued to meet regularly as a group after the six-week course ended, so the friendships started at the course have developed even more. We still talk about parenting issues, share tips, go out of an evening every now and then. Stepping Stones has made a real positive difference to my life in Steyning.
I was new to Steyning when my daughter was born and did not attend Stepping Stones, I felt alone, isolated and very overwhelmed with the major change in my life. After the birth of my son I attended Stepping Stones where I made some great friends and had chance to realize that I was not the only one having issues. I still rely on this network of friends and their children to help me through the daily challenge of being a parent
Although not new to the area, I was new and apprehensive about being a Mum. I have attended two Stepping Stones groups (no plans to attend any more!) and both have brought me security in a wonderful and supportive group of friends, and new found knowledge on ways to cope with challenging situations. Knowing that there is a like-minded person at the end of the phone is amazingly calming, and I sometimes find myself thinking 'now what would...... do in this situation?'. It helps! Thank you Stepping Stones and long may you continue..
I arrived in Steyning pregnant with my second child. Stepping Stones was perfectly timed for me. The friends I made through the group have been wonderfully supportive and in spite of the size (14+ babies) most of us have remained in contact and see each other regularly. The contrast in the level of support through this group compared to my experience with my first child was dramatic. Stepping Stones is very valuable for new mums. Sharing your experience as a parent is extremely important and helps keep your feet on the ground, knowing that you are going through the same as everyone else! Please help keep Stepping Stones alive.
A lifeline when I didn't know anyone in the area, which has resulted in a group of truly great friends who I know will always be there for me to share the good and bad times when bringing up a family
I had a great time doing Stepping Stones and carrying on with Stepping Forward, I have met so many other lovely mums and babies in and around Steyning, it has certainly made having a baby a lovely sociable experience knowing there are so many people around me to chat to about any and everything.