• Step One Charity has been supporting people in Devon with their mental health and wellbeing for over 85 years, working closely with local NHS Trusts, GP surgeries and communities.

    Record numbers of people across Devon are seeking support for their mental health, and at BeWell@StepOne, we use our specialist knowledge of mental health service provision to meet some of that demand through our online and in-person courses, support groups and activities. We help people in need of mental health support to manage their own wellbeing and, through peer groups, support others in their communities.

    Available to people aged 18 and over living in Devon, our sessions are free and are run by professional, qualified and supportive tutors with lived experience of mental health conditions. 

    Please find below the sessions currently available for enrolment. You will need to create an account on this site to register yourself, though please note that availability on each course is limited.

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Available courses, groups, workshops, activities

Our Managing Your Anger course allows you to consider your emotions under your Anger, develop coping strategies, and allows you to discuss your own experiences. This isn’t about making anger disappear, but using anger in a healthy and controlled way. 

The course consists of 4 weekly 2 hour session each running from 10:30 - 12:30pm

Venue: online via Zoom.


Please note, this session won’t be taking place on 30th July and 6th August 2024 due to staff sickness. The sessions will resume on 13th August 2024.
This remote peer support group encourages self-help strategies to support your wellbeing, whilst meeting like-minded people. Open to all! We are a friendly bunch and use feedback to shape each weekly session.

Sessions run every Tuesday, 2pm to 4pm, online via Zoom.


Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm 

This online peer support group encourages self-help strategies to support your wellbeing and help understand and reduce the impacts of anxiety on day-to-day lives. It provides the opportunity for some peer support through meeting and sharing with like-minded people facing similar challenges. Open to all! We are a friendly bunch and use feedback to shape each weekly session.

Sessions run every Wednesday, 2pm to 4pm online via Zoom  


This weekly session is an opportunity for you to spend some time on your wellbeing by journaling or creating poetry.

Journaling has many aspects to consider to be a productive tool, it is important to question your thoughts and feelings to enable you to understand your emotions.

If you prefer poetry, then feel free to allow yourself to be creative in this session.

You will be provided with 3 weekly journaling questions in the session and then you can freely answer them in your journal. The same questions will be the topic of your poems, if you prefer poetry.

The facilitator will be available throughout the session for questions and discussions. So, grab yourself a cuppa and join us in this weekly ongoing group.


Start date: Every Monday, starting on 1st July 2024

Time: 3pm - 4.30pm

Venue: Online via Zoom


No one can take away the pain of losing a loved one, so the aim of this course is to learn to carry the person with you whilst still looking forward. On previous courses people have built a kinship with others and shared their feelings with people who understand.  We will work through the emotions that you may be feeling  and work together to look at small goals every week to bring back some of the things that you may have once enjoyed but have forgotten to care for yourself.

4 weekly sessions - 11am - 1pm

This 4 week online course will be divided into two sections, the first two weeks will include topics related to decluttering your home and the second 2 weeks will explore ways to help you with the decluttering of your mind.

This course will help you to realise the effect of clutter in your home on your mental health. Most of us want our homes to be our sanctuary, a place where we can feel relaxed in our bodies and minds, but clutter in the home can actually cause a lot of stress. When our homes are cluttered, we are constantly creating a mental to-do list and when we don’t manage to complete it, we feel that we have failed.  This can lead to us to feel  anxious and overwhelmed. When we declutter, it helps us to feel more in control.

The second part of our course will focus on decluttering our minds. Many of us suffer from having ‘too much on our minds’. When your mind is too busy it is difficult to focus and be productive. Everything can seem overwhelming, and it often leads to feelings of anxiety or panic. This course will focus on tools to enable you to filter your worries and to feel calm and focused. 

Please note that this session is available for anyone over 18.

Course session Dates: Friday the 29th, November & 6th, 13th and 20th December 2024 

11:00am – 1:00pm

Venue: Online via ZOOM


YOGA WELLBEING GROUP  Starting 25th of November

Face to Face at the X-Centre, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon. EX2 4AD

We invite you to start a new journey of self-discovery with BeWell@StepOne with our 6-week wellbeing beginners YOGA program offering many benefits, both physical and psychological, embracing the philosophy of Chinese medicine, and new in these sessions will be a greater focus on Yin.  Latest inclusions will encourage consideration of longer, deeper stretches and rehabilitation, attuning to the parasympathetic nervous system to a greater degree. We will look at relaxing (pranayama) with muscle relaxation (yoga nidra) alongside meditation.

The sessions are aimed at all abilities regardless of age/health status, with an aim of inclusivity*.  All postures will be adapted, and different levels will exist to incorporate everyone in the group.

·       An experienced Fitness Instructor qualified in Level 3 Yoga as well as Pilates, having a degree in Exercise, Science & Fitness

·       A qualified First Aider and risk assessed venue with Public Liability Insurance

·       In person course, making new connections 

·       Commitment of 1 hour per week, over 6 weeks. 

·       Good quality cushioned mats are provided

·       Gentle ambient music will support sessions over a related sound system.

We'd love to meet you. Why not try something new, support your wellbeing and give it a go?

Where? X Centre, Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD 

Google Maps:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/DNno3B3sQuToiL286

When? Our next 6 session program starts on the 25th of November 2024.

Time: 9.30am  - 10.30am 

Please note, we kindly ask that all potential attendees check there availability for all 6 sessions prior to enrolling, as spaces will be limited. Thank you

Session dates: 

November 25th & December 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th.

Pre-enrolment is required to participate on this course. Click on the course name at the top of this information to enrol. 

*Please note: We will require all participants to complete a consent form, a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and Pre-course wellbeing survey prior to the first session. These forms will be found on the course page on this site once you have enrolled, and can be completed electronically. If you have difficulties in completing them we will do all we can to help. Please contact us accordingly. 



Our  weekly Men’s Wellbeing Walk is specifically aimed at men to help support their mental health and wellbeing. In-light of this, we have launched our Men’s Wellbeing Walk in association with Bay WalksRamblers Wellbeing Walks and Active Devon. that will run every Tuesday morning, starting from The Community Hut behind St Paul’s Church in Preston, Paignton (behind St Pauls Church, accessible at the end of Locarno Avenue).  

When: Every Tuesday, meet 10.15am ,  Depart for walk at 10.30am*

Where: Starting and ending from The Community Hut, behind St Paul’s Church (accessible at the end of Locarno Avenue) Preston, Paignton, TQ3 2DH

Length: Roughly 1 hr (but can be longer depending on group pace and preferences) .  

*PLEASE NOTE: If it's your first time, please don't hesitate to check in via email to ensure the weeks walk hasn't been cancelled, as this can sometimes happen due to walk leader illness for example. 

Registering for the walk

Pre-registration for the walk is advised, as this will help us get an idea of the numbers to expect, and allow us to notify you of any cancellations due to weather or Walk Leader holiday/illness etc. (Pre-Registration is not a pre-requisite however, and we can help you to register you on attending, so you can just turn up on the day).  

Further recommendations and walk information:

Please remember to bring suitable footwear and clothing. We walk at a gentle pace allowing us to be as accessible as possible for all abilities and will do our best to pace the walk to the needs of our slowest walker where at all possible.

If you do have any physical health conditions that would be adversely impacted by gentle to moderate walking, then please check with your GP before participating. Please also bring a completed ICE card with you in case of emergency.

We look forward to welcoming you. 

Route: 


Walk Leader: Dee Allbrook

  


We are delighted to introduce to you our latest wellbeing activity, our new fortnightly Wellbeing Walking Group in Exeter. 

Increasing our activity levels and connecting with others can be a key strategy in lifting mood and reducing anxiety. Joining a walking group can be a wonderful way to start, one step at a time!

Walk Details:

When: Fortnightly on Wednesdays. Our first Exeter walk will be on the 25th 2024 September and fortnightly thereafter.  .

Meet at 10.45 am. Depart: 11.00 am. Finishes: approx. 12.30pm*

Where?The walk starts and ends at the X Centre, our new Step One HQ, which can be found on Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD.

Walk Difficulty: Easy (flat, with only a few minor inclines and declines. Paved paths and lowered curbs at crossing points). Toilet facilities and refreshment outlets available on the route.

Distance: Approx 3 miles

If you come along for a walk with us it will also give you the opportunity to have a chat about how you are feeling, and to discuss our range of wellbeing groups, courses, workshops and activities provided by BeWell@StepOne.

Registering for the walk

Pre-registration for the walk is advised, as this will help us get an idea of the numbers to expect, and allow us to notify you of any cancellations due to weather or Walk Leader holiday/illness etc. (Pre-Registration is not a pre-requisite however, and we can help you to register you on attending, so you can just turn up on the day).  

Further recommendations and walk information:

Please remember to bring suitable footwear and clothing. We walk at a gentle pace allowing us to be as accessible as possible for all abilities and will do our best to pace the walk to the needs of our slowest walker where at all possible.

If you do have any physical health conditions that would be adversely impacted by gentle to moderate walking, then please check with your GP before participating. Please also bring a completed ICE card with you in case of emergency.

We look forward to welcoming you. 

Walk Route:

Exeter Wellbeing Walk

YOGA WELLBEING GROUP  Starting 13th of December 2024.

Face to Face at the Shekinah Grow, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1DL.

We invite you to start a new journey of self-discovery with BeWell@StepOne with our 6-week wellbeing beginners YOGA program offering many benefits, both physical and psychological, embracing the philosophy of Chinese medicine, and new in these sessions will be a greater focus on Yin.  Latest inclusions will encourage consideration of longer, deeper stretches and rehabilitation, attuning to the parasympathetic nervous system to a greater degree. We will look at relaxing (pranayama) with muscle relaxation (yoga nidra) alongside meditation.

The sessions are aimed at all abilities regardless of age/health status, with an aim of inclusivity*.  All postures will be adapted, and different levels will exist to incorporate everyone in the group.

·       An experienced Fitness Instructor qualified in Level 3 Yoga as well as Pilates, having a degree in Exercise, Science & Fitness

·       A qualified First Aider and risk assessed venue with Public Liability Insurance

·       In person course, making new connections 

·       Commitment of 1 hour per week, over 6 weeks. 

·       Good quality cushioned mats are provided

·       Gentle ambient music will support sessions over a related sound system.

We'd love to meet you. Why not try something new, support your wellbeing and give it a go?

Where? Shekinah Grow,  Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1DL.

Google Maps:  https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=27707d2d-5790-43cc-9cd1-5a4cc2fead37&cp=50.469674~-3.538306&lvl=17&pi=0&imgid=4501bf00-136a-4e62-bbe3-ada7eba6b367&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

When? Our next 6 session program starts on the 13th of December 2024.

Time: 9.30am  - 10.30am 

Please note, we kindly ask that all potential attendees check there availability for all 6 sessions prior to enrolling, as spaces will be limited. Thank you

Session dates: 

December 13th, 20th & 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th of January 2025.

Pre-enrolment is required to participate on this course. Click on the course name at the top of this information to enrol. 

*Please note: We will require all participants to complete a consent form, a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and Pre-course wellbeing survey prior to the first session. These forms will be found on the course page on this site once you have enrolled, and can be completed electronically. If you have difficulties in completing them we will do all we can to help. Please contact us accordingly. 



We are delighted to introduce to you our newest wellbeing activity, our new fortnightly Wellbeing Walking Group in Torquay. We will start from the Spanish Barn controversially connected to the Spanish Armada in a bygone age.  From here we will pass through a harbour with around 1000 berths which we see from a birds eye perspective whilst traversing it's distance along the connected pier.  The walk also takes in the The Princess Theatre which opened in the early 60s and The Pavilion, a Grade II listed building of historic and cultural importance.

Increasing our activity levels and connecting with others can be a key strategy in lifting mood and reducing anxiety. Joining a walking group can be a wonderful way to start, one step at a time!

Walk Details:

Where?: The walk Starts at Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey, The King's Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE.   We meet in front of it's main doors.

When: Every other Friday. Our first walk of 2024 will be on the 9th of August and fortnightly thereafter. 

Meet at 2pm. Depart: 2.15pm. Finishes: approx. 3.15pm*

PLEASE NOTE: MEETING TIMES HAVE CHANGED TO 2PM 

Walk Difficulty: Easy (flat, with only a few minor inclines and declines. Paved paths and lowered curbs at crossing points). Toilet facilities and refreshment outlets available on the route.

Distance: Approx 2.7 miles

If you come along for a walk with us it will also give you the opportunity to have a chat about how you are feeling, and to discuss our range of wellbeing groups, courses, workshops and activities provided by BeWell@StepOne.

Registering for the walk

Pre-registration for the walk is advised, as this will help us get an idea of the numbers to expect, and allow us to notify you of any cancellations due to weather or Walk Leader holiday/illness etc. (Pre-Registration is not a pre-requisite however, and we can help you to register you on attending, so you can just turn up on the day).  

Further recommendations and walk information:

Please remember to bring suitable footwear and clothing. We walk at a gentle pace allowing us to be as accessible as possible for all abilities and will do our best to pace the walk to the needs of our slowest walker where at all possible.

If you do have any physical health conditions that would be adversely impacted by gentle to moderate walking, then please check with your GP before participating. Please also bring a completed ICE card with you in case of emergency.

We look forward to welcoming you. 

Walk Route:       

MapLatestNEWWellbeingTorquayWalk

We are delighted to introduce to you our latest wellbeing activity, our new fortnightly Wellbeing Walking Group in Torquay. On route we will be taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Babbacombe and St Marychurch, which includes a stroll through Tessier Gardens, St Marychurch Precinct and along the beautiful Babbacombe Downs.

Increasing our activity levels and connecting with others can be a key strategy in lifting mood and reducing anxiety. Joining a walking group can be a wonderful way to start, one step at a time!

Walk Details:

Where?The walk Starts at Cary Park Tennis Club, Cary Ave, Torquay TQ1 3QT.   We meet at the Clubhouse next to the courts.

When: Every other Friday. Our first walk of 2024 will be on the 5th January and fortnightly thereafter. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO WALK ON THE 29th MARCH as it's Good Friday.  

Meet at 2pm. Depart: 2.15pm. Finishes: approx. 3.15pm*

PLEASE NOTE: MEETING TIMES HAVE CHANGED TO 2PM (from the 10.11.23 onwards) with a 2.15 PM start, to accommodate for the clocks going back and reduced light in the afternoons.   

Walk Difficulty: Easy (flat, with only a few minor inclines and declines. Paved paths and lowered curbs at crossing points). Toilet facilities and refreshment outlets available on the route.

Distance: Approx 2.2 miles

If you come along for a walk with us it will also give you the opportunity to have a chat about how you are feeling, and to discuss our range of wellbeing groups, courses, workshops and activities provided by BeWell@StepOne.

Registering for the walk

Pre-registration for the walk is advised, as this will help us get an idea of the numbers to expect, and allow us to notify you of any cancellations due to weather or Walk Leader holiday/illness etc. (Pre-Registration is not a pre-requisite however, and we can help you to register you on attending, so you can just turn up on the day).  

Further recommendations and walk information:

Please remember to bring suitable footwear and clothing. We walk at a gentle pace allowing us to be as accessible as possible for all abilities and will do our best to pace the walk to the needs of our slowest walker where at all possible.

If you do have any physical health conditions that would be adversely impacted by gentle to moderate walking, then please check with your GP before participating. Please also bring a completed ICE card with you in case of emergency.

We look forward to welcoming you. 


Walk Route             



THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS

This new wellbeing walk has been made possible thanks to the support of: Step One, Torbay on the Move (Torbay Council), Cary Park Tennis Club and Torquay United Supporters Trust, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks and Active Devon)   


This in -person wellbeing group is focused around craft, so you can get creative, put your artistic skills to the test and create something. You can just come along for a coffee and a chat, bring your own project, do a puzzle or play a game. We'd love to meet you. 

Getting crafty over a cuppa is the perfect way to meet with others who can personally relate to your experiences. Not only is this group supportive, it’s also a lot of fun! Please feel free to contact us for details of what we have planned.

This session is open to everyone in Devon over the age of 18.

How to join this weekly peer support group:

When: Every Wednesday, 10am – 1pm
Where: The X Centre, Commercial Rd, Exeter, EX2 4AD.

You can enrol into the group once registered on this site by clicking on the group name above or click here , but pre-enrolment is not required to attend so you can just turn up on the day and we can register you there!

How to get there:

Driving: The car parks closest to the Quay such as Cathedral & Quay Car Park are pay and display. Explore other nearby car parks a short walk away from the Quay here.

Public transport: You can use journey planning apps or website like Citymapper or Google Maps to find the best route for you.

Walking: The walk from Exeter Central Station to the Quay takes around 15-20 minutes. Head south-west from the station, following signs for the Quay or the River Exe. You can also use Google Maps or Citymapper for walking directions.

Have a question? Feel free to get in touch with us at: bewell@steponecharity.co.uk or contact us through this site  

We look forward to meeting you soon. 


Tuesday Peer Support Group

Our BeWell Tuesday Peer Support Group meets face-to-face in Paignton each week from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Location: The Community Hut, behind St Paul’s Church (accessible at the end of Locarno Avenue) Preston, Paignton, TQ3 2DH.

This group is focused around craft, so you can get creative, put your artistic skills to the test and create something, or just have a coffee and a chat. It is the perfect way to meet with others who can personally relate to your experiences. Please feel free to contact us for details of what we have planned.

The group is very supportive but having fun is also a valuable part of the benefits joining this group can offer.

Have a question? Feel free to get in touch with us at: training@steponecharity.co.uk 

Currently there is no option to enrol onto this group as you would our online courses, groups and workshops. Instead you will be asked to complete a brief registration and consent form on arrival. 


The BeWell Toolbox: A weekly in person peer support group that offers the opportunity to explore and discuss a variety of self-help and self-management tools to support good mental health and wellbeing.

Each week a different topic or ‘tool’ will be covered and discussed, including strategies that can help reduce the impact of depression and anxiety, offering an insight into an array of coping strategies that can help improve and maintain our wellbeing. We aim to add more tools to your personal wellbeing 'toolbox', and to help keep any skills you may already have ‘well oiled’ so they are at hand and ready to use when you most need them. The group also offers the well-known benefits of peer support, and is a great way to increase connection with others. We look forward to meeting you and please feel free to contact us for details of what we have planned.

Location: The Community Hut, behind St Paul’s Church (accessible at the end of Locarno Avenue) Preston, Paignton, TQ3 2DH.

Date: Every Thursday*

Time 10am to 12 pm

Refreshments, toilets and free parking available at the venue.  

Have a question? Feel free to get in touch with us at: training@steponecharity.co.uk or send us a message via the learning portal.  

Currently there is no option to enrol onto this group as you would our online courses, groups and workshops. Instead you will be asked to complete a brief registration and consent form on arrival.

*occasionally due to staff holiday/sickness the group may not run on a given week so please do contact us if it's your first time to ensure it is running on the week you wish to attend. Thank you.