MS commends work of Wrexham based Stepping Stones North Wales

Lesley Griffiths, Member of the Senedd for Wrexham, has praised the work of Wrexham based charity Stepping Stones North Wales. The charity provides free counselling and support services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse across the six counties of North Wales.

During a meeting at the charity’s offices on King Street in Wrexham, members of the Stepping Stones North Wales team outlined the charity’s work and the positive impact of its services for so many survivors. The team also highlighted that, although demand is continuing to increase across the whole region, securing the funds to meet increasing demand is becoming ever more challenging.

Lesley Griffiths MS heard first hand from service users about the impact that the charity has had on the lives of both themselves and their families of the charity’s recent success in securing a prestigious GSK Impact Award and full accreditation of its services from The Survivors Trust.

Following the meeting, Ms Griffiths said:

“2024 was the charity’s 40^th year and, over the last four decades, Stepping Stones North Wales has made an invaluable contribution to Wrexham and throughout North Wales.

“I was moved by the accounts of the survivors I spoke with, and inspired to learn more about the hugely positive impact of the charity’s dedicated counsellors and inspirational volunteers.

“The charity sector throughout Wales, and indeed throughout the UK, is facing immense pressures.  I have raised this issue directly with the First Minister and will continue to do all that I can to secure the long term support from Welsh Government that the sector needs to deliver invaluable services throughout Wales.”

Stepping Stones North Wales CEO, Phil Eastment, said:

“The whole Stepping Stones North Wales team is hugely grateful to Lesley Griffiths for meeting with us to discuss the challenges we face in meeting increasing demand for our services and to hear first-hand about the team’s recent successes in securing a GSK Impact Award and accreditation from The Survivors Trust.

“It was a huge honour, as always, to highlight the inspirational commitment and dedication of our counsellors, our support team, and our volunteers who provide such crucial support across North Wales.”

To learn more about Stepping Stones North Wales or to donate to the charity visit www.steppingstonesnorthwales.co.uk.