Our AGM 2026

There was a wonderful sense of community at our Annual General Meeting this week.

As guests arrived for refreshments (and made a beeline for the fans in the summer heat!), it was lovely to see parents, staff, trustees, fundraising champions, supporters and local representatives chatting together before the evening began. We were also delighted to welcome Deputy Mayor of Trowbridge, Councillor Julie Vine, and Mayor of Melksham, Councillor Saffi Rabey, who joined us to learn more about our work.

Our AGM gave us the opportunity to reflect on the year we've had and the road ahead.

We shared that Stepping Stones is entering an exciting new chapter as we welcomed our new Centre Manager, Aby this year. While there has been change within our team, the heart of Stepping Stones remains exactly the same. For over 50 years, we've been here to support children with additional needs and their families, and that commitment remains as strong and reassuring as ever.

We also spoke honestly about the increasing demand for our services. More children and families than ever are walking through our doors looking for support, and while we're proud to be able to help so many, we continue to have a waiting list.

We also spoke openly about the financial challenges facing charities. Like many organisations, we've seen our running costs continue to rise, from increased employer costs such as National Insurance contributions to higher energy bills and the everyday costs of keeping our centre running. Despite these challenges, we're committed to ensuring Stepping Stones remains a great place to work by attracting and retaining skilled, experienced staff, because we know that our people are at the heart of everything we do.

None of what we do would be possible without our incredible community. Throughout the year we've been supported by grant funders, businesses, community groups, volunteers, donors and our amazing fundraisers, who continue to go above and beyond to help ensure children receive the specialist support they deserve.

The evening also gave us the chance to thank some of our trustees as they stepped down from their roles after years of dedication and commitment to Stepping Stones. Their support has helped shape our charity, and we are incredibly grateful. As we look to the future, we're also looking for new trustees to join our committee. If you've ever thought about getting involved with a local charity, we'd love to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who came along and made the evening so special. It wasn't just an AGM; it was a chance to celebrate what we've achieved together, reconnect with familiar faces, welcome new ones and look ahead with optimism.

Whilst the financial pressures facing charities continue to grow, so does the demand for our services. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we remain committed to being there for every child and family who needs us, now and into the future. Together, we're giving children with additional needs the best possible start in life.