Mental health support built around you
Positive Steps Rotherham is a friendly and dedicated mental health and independence support agency for adults aged 18 and over.
We provide person-centred support at home and in the community, helping people improve their emotional wellbeing, build confidence, develop everyday skills and live as independently as possible.
We understand that everyone's experience of mental health is different. There is no single approach that works for everybody, so we take time to understand you as a person—not simply your diagnosis, difficulties or support needs.
Support that puts you first
You will be at the centre of your support from the beginning. We will work with you to understand what matters to you, what you enjoy, what you find difficult and what you would like to change or achieve.
We are not here to label you, judge you or take over. Our role is to listen, encourage and guide you while helping you have as much choice and control as possible.
Progress looks different for everybody. It might mean leaving the house, attending an appointment, joining a group, managing a household task or feeling able to talk about how you are feeling. Every step matters and every achievement deserves to be recognised.
Our trauma-informed approach
We work in a trauma-informed way, recognising that past or ongoing experiences can affect how safe a person feels, builds trust, communicates and responds to everyday situations.
We prioritise choice, collaboration, clear communication, predictability and consistency, and avoid unnecessary pressure or approaches that could cause distress or re-traumatisation. You will never be required to disclose traumatic experiences to receive respectful support; this approach is not trauma therapy or clinical treatment.
Why Positive Steps was created
Positive Steps grew from a shared understanding of how deeply mental ill health can affect every part of someone's life.
Our personal and professional experiences showed us that many people need more than appointments or occasional conversations. They need consistent, compassionate support to put plans into practice, rebuild confidence, develop healthy routines and reconnect with everyday life.
We created Positive Steps to provide that support in a way that feels human, respectful and genuinely centred around the individual.
Nicola's Story
My passion for supporting people began during my teenage years when mental ill health affected people close to me. I saw how quickly someone's life and the lives of those around them - could change. I also learned how powerful patience, understanding and the right support can be.
In my twenties, difficulties with my physical health affected my confidence, motivation and mental wellbeing. During that time, I began studying for a degree in psychology and working towards rebuilding my own confidence and independence.
Later, following a traumatic experience, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. Receiving specialist support and taking part in trauma therapy helped me become stronger and further developed my determination to support others.
I volunteered with a crisis text service before moving into professional support work, progressing through different roles and completing my psychology degree with honours.
My experiences have shown me that people need to feel heard, understood and valued. That belief remains at the heart of everything we do at Positive Steps.
Gemma's Story
My own experiences of mental ill health taught me how frightening and isolating difficult periods can feel. I understand what it is like to feel that other people do not fully understand what you are going through and how hard it can be to ask for help.
Those experiences helped me recognise the importance of empathy, patience, consistency and having someone who sees the person behind the difficulty.
My journey has shaped the way I support others. I want people to know that they are not alone, their feelings matter and progress is possible - even when it takes time.
For me, Positive Steps is about helping people recognise their strengths, regain confidence and feel more hopeful about their future.
Contact Us Today &
Take your first steps towards a more positive future.
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here to help people living in Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley and the surrounding areas
Don't Trip On What Is Behind You
Our values
- Kindness, dignity and respect
- Support without judgement or discrimination
- Listening to the individual's choices and preferences
- Promoting independence, control and informed decision-making
- Recognising strengths rather than focusing only on difficulties
- Being honest, reliable and consistent
- Working in a trauma-informed way that promotes safety, trust and choice
- Working safely and protecting privacy and confidentiality
- Celebrating every positive step
Working together
With your agreement, we can work alongside your family, carers, social worker, healthcare professionals, housing provider, advocate and other services. This helps keep support consistent and ensures that your choices, needs and goals remain understood.
