Stronger Together Empowering Parents (STEP) is a
practical and emotional peer-to-peer support project
hosted by Advocating Together Ltd and funded by –
We support families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or
Disabilities (SEND) in the Trafford area through groups, peer connections, and mentoring.
We Offer
- Guidance and resources to help families explore the world of SEND
- Support with early conversations with schools and services
- Emotional and practical support tailored to family needs
- Practical support with cost-of-living challenges
- Advice on understanding needs and managing key transitions
- Help with completing benefit applications (e.g. DLA, PIP)
Parent carers in Trafford often tell us how isolating and exhausting the journey can feel. At STEP, we want every parent to feel supported, connected, and understood. That’s why we’ve launched Behind the Smile – a new wellbeing project created especially for parent carers of children and young people with additional needs.
Behind the Smile includes:
- Support sessions – monthly gatherings in a calm, welcoming space
- Creative & wellbeing workshops – relaxation, mindfulness, and fun activities like sea glass art and sensory sessions
- Practical support – workshops on resilience, coping strategies, and self-care
- Community connections – with local partners like Mabel’s Café, Tortoise and the Hair, and Creation Station to build supportive networks
Our aim is simple: to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and help parent carers feel less alone. Together, we can find strength, hope, and community – Behind the Smile.
Autumn Term 2 Events
Upcoming events this half-term
Children’s Slime Session
Facilitated by Creation Station
Come along and inspire your kids and enjoy safe, hassle-free gooey, gloopy, glorious slime fun.
Date TBC. £10 per child
Reducing Parental Conflict
Facilitated by Rachel Valentine –
Trafford Collective
Date TBC.
Festive Crochet
With generous donations from Tesco and Asda, join us to crochet sprout pouches for Chocolates. All sprouted Chocolates will be going to support vulnerable families and children.
Date TBC.
💰STEP’s Easy Fundraising Page has been updated💰
You can now continue to support STEP when shopping online at no cost to yourself. If you haven’t used Easy Fundraising before you will need to create an account. If you are already using Easy Fundraising you are now able to update your cause to continue to support STEP.
Regular Peer Support Sessions
Tuesday Peer Support Sessions
Tuesdays during termtime. Peer support and 1-1 sessions. 10am till 12pm at
Mabel’s Café and Tea Rooms
Come along for a catch up with the team and mentors, drinks and refreshments will be available.
Pick up your copy of The Trafford Post.
Thursday Peer Support Sessions
Thursdays during termtime
Peer support sessions – 10am till 12pm at
TESCO Altrincham Community room.
Come along for a catch up with the team and mentors, drinks and refreshments will be available along with the TESCO Community shop
(Cash only – discounted items in store – proceeds to The Christie).
DLA/PIP Peer Support Sessions
DLA/PIP Peer Support Sessions are run in blocks of four each term. The next block will start during the Spring Term.
🙋 Volunteer Opportunities — Great for Young People & Families
🎨 Window Festive Design Challenge
- Submit a design idea, drawing, or photo
- Help decorate office windows
- Raffle entry for all participants!
📧 windowdesign@advocatingtogether.com
📬 Deliver The Trafford Post
- Families or young people helping deliver local newspaper
- Flexible — as much or as little as you like
📧 volunteer@advocatingtogether.com