Step Out Service of Month April

Step Out

Loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone, especially as we get older or when life circumstances change.

Our Step Out service supports people aged 50+ over 6-8 sessions, across the Wakefield District to reconnect with their community, rebuild confidence and rediscover activities that bring meaning and enjoyment.

Through friendly one-to-one support and our LEAF-7 holistic assessment, we look at the whole picture of someone’s wellbeing including health, daily life, social connections and personal goals.

Sometimes the first step is simply having someone listen.

Step Out helps people take those small steps back into the world.

Did you know?

Research shows that chronic loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Loneliness is also linked to increased risks of:

• heart disease
• depression
• cognitive decline
• reduced mobility

Connection matters. A friendly conversation, a local group, or simply having somewhere to go can make a real difference.

What does Step Out actually do?

Our team works alongside people aged 50+ who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed or unsure how to reconnect with their community.

We can help people:

💚 build confidence to leave the home again

💚 find local groups and activities

💚 connect with community services

💚 improve wellbeing and independence

💚 rediscover things they enjoy

Signs someone might be socially isolated

Loneliness is not always obvious. Some signs may include:

• rarely leaving the house
• withdrawing from hobbies or groups
• loss of confidence
• feeling like a burden
• reduced contact with friends or family

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about, support is available.

The power of small steps

For someone who has been isolated for a long time, even small changes can feel overwhelming.

With Step Out, progress might start with:

• a friendly phone call
• a short walk
• visiting your local town
• attending a community group

Each small step builds confidence.

And confidence leads to connection.

Connection keeps us well

Social connection helps us:

• feel valued
• stay active
• maintain independence
• improve mental wellbeing
• strengthen physical health

No one should feel alone.

Step Out is here to help people reconnect with life beyond their front door.

Looking at the whole person

Every Step Out Client receives a LEAF-7 holistic assessment.

This helps us explore:

• wellbeing and health
• daily living
• social connection
• enjoyment
• value
• safety and security
• choice and control

Because people are more than a single issue.

Understanding the whole picture helps us support meaningful change.

You’re not alone

If you or someone you know is feeling isolated, lacking confidence, or struggling to reconnect with their community, our Step Out team is here to help.

Support is friendly, personalised, and focused on what matters most to you.

Sometimes the hardest step is the first one - but you don’t have to take it alone.

Meet the team

Hi, I’m Kim – I have worked for the Step Out service for over 10 years. We are a small team offering support to people who are lonely, isolated and want to build confidence to increase their social contact. 

Over the years there has been so many success stories from people who have been referred to our service. Most people had little confidence or social anxieties and with support they have been able to attend groups & activities independently. Many people report that the support and encouragement has made a huge difference to their lives and they now have a purpose in life.  I feel proud to be a part of their journey and see them grow in confidence, make new friends along the way and have something to look forward to each week. I feel very lucky to be a part of the Step Out team.

Hi I’m Nicola, a support work for Step Out. I have been doing this job for a few years now and I get so much joy and satisfaction from my role helping people regain their confidence connecting back into society again, having assurance to go out shopping or even just for a walk. Over several weeks, we gradually build on your insecurities with full support and encouragement for you to eventually have enough confidence to achieve your goals independently. This achievement can give you a great sense of self-worth and you can begin to enjoy your life again. Many our clients have now conquered their fears of the outside world with our support and are now living a more enjoyable, fulfilled life and I feel honoured to have been a part of their journey.

If you, or someone you know could benefit from the Step Out service, please get in touch for a friendly chat around what's available.

01977 552114

Keep an eye out on our social media channels, Facebook and Instagram for more about Step Out over the month of April.