Stepping Stones

13/03/2026

📣✨ Carers Roadshow 2026 Dates 📣✨
See below all 19 upcoming roadshows happening throughout the year!👇

"The Carers Roadshows are relevant to everyone from all walks of life, no matter what station in life you hold, we will all benefit from the advice & support the roadshows offer freely.
No one is selling anything or raising any money or funding, it's all free, the stalls are free, access is free, covering Health, Mental Health & Social Care issues, because we only want to help" - Trevor Clower BEM, Founder and Director.

03/03/2026

When was the last time you checked in with yourself… or a mate.

03/03/2026

Today I said “I’m fine”, not once
But five times altogether
When people asked “how are you?”
Then made small talk of the weather

And so I hid behind my mask
The one I’d worn a while
I set in place my bravest face
And dressed it with a smile

And that was how the day went
All “I’m fine” and talk of rain
Until somebody asked me how I was
Then asked again

They asked if I was truly fine
And I said I was not
And they said they were sorry
That they couldn’t do a lot

But then they sat beside me
Whilst I spoke the truth at last
They listened and they held me
As the tears slipped through my mask

And where before, I’d felt I should
Maintain this brave façade,
I realised there was much to gain
By letting down my guard

See, though my load was still the same
It now was not as heavy
‘Cause sitting and offloading it
Had helped a bit already

Today they asked “how are you?”
And I told them I was fine
‘Til someone saw behind the mask
And asked me one more time

And though they may have felt
That there was little they could do
They’ll never know how much it meant
To tell someone the truth

*******

Becky Hemsley 2022
Artwork by Iaroslav Tymonko

“I’m fine” is from my second collection: https://amzn.to/4bid25R
(affiliate link)

25/02/2026

Statement from Tourettes Action CEO, Emma McNally:

This month has been one of real highs and deep lows for our community. Seeing I Swear recognised with six BAFTA nominations was a moment of pride — the Tourette’s community were on a high, people were understanding the condition and acceptance was coming. Yet that moment was quickly overshadowed by the backlash that followed John’s involuntary tic during the ceremony, creating a wave of hurt felt across multiple communities.

I have read many things these past few days, some extremely hurtful and some raising very valid points. There are a few articles which I encourage you to read.

The Genius Within article (https://buff.ly/uhZwgIH ) emphasises that John is not a villain but someone living with an isolating and misunderstood condition, and that both racism and ableism shape how such moments unfold and are interpreted.

Variety's interview with John (https://buff.ly/QwY3Oqp) further underlines the personal cost of these misconceptions. John describes the overwhelming shame, distress, and years of discrimination that accompany tics like his, and he reiterates that these vocalisations are uncontrollable, and never a reflective of personal beliefs. He also expressed sincere efforts to apologise to those directly affected and spoke openly about the need for better understanding of Tourette’s beyond stereotypes.

The hurt experienced and the impact felt by the Black community is real and deeply valid — words like these carry historical and emotional weight that cannot be ignored. At the same time, the trolling, abuse, and hostility directed toward John and the Tourette’s community in the aftermath have been profoundly painful. Nobody wins when communities are pitted against one another.

In moments like this, we are reminded of our shared responsibility: not to divide, but to educate. It’s not a case of “them and us,” but of moving forward together with empathy, and a commitment to understanding. These incidents, as difficult as they are, can become opportunities — opportunities to challenge misconceptions, build bridges, and reinforce the humanity at the heart of all our communities.

We know this has been a very difficult time for those with Tourette’s. Many have expressed feeling the need to hide away. Please remember you are not alone. We are here to support you. Take care of yourselves, and please reach out to us for support.

Much Love Emma

25/02/2026

We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.

However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt and we are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.

People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John - like many others with Tourette’s - lives with every single day.

The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through. This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition. People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis. The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by su***de.

We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.

20/02/2026

🚨 Scam Awareness Session 🚨

Join us for an engaging and practical session designed to help you stay one step ahead of fraudsters in partnership with IInspire Beeston Library In today’s fast-changing digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated—targeting emails, phone calls, text messages, and social media.

Learn how to spot the red flags, protect your personal and financial information, and respond confidently if you suspect a scam.

Don’t miss this opportunity to safeguard yourself and your community—awareness is your first line of defence! 💡

18/02/2026

Difficult emotions like guilt can feel overwhelming, yet they often hold hidden messages. They show us what matters, where we want to do better, and how we can move forward with greater awareness. Embracing guilt as a teacher rather than a burden opens the door to growth.

18/02/2026

Toxic positivity often silences real emotions, while genuine optimism acknowledges them and offers compassion. The way we respond to others can either dismiss their struggles or help them feel seen and supported. Choosing empathy over empty positivity creates space for healing and connection.

19/11/2025

Happy International Men's Day ! Here is an article James from Stepping Stones wrote for NG9 News back in 2023.

Today (19th November) is International Mens Day celebrated internationally since 1999, and 2009 in the U. K, the day is to celebrate the positive value that men bring to the world, their families a…

19/11/2025

07/11/2025

This "No"vember, give yourself permission to protect your energy, set your boundaries, and prioritise your mental health.