Today
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Description
Step Ahead Trust is a registered charitable organisation dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of people who experience chronic mental health conditions.
Our purpose is to provide opportunities for connection, growth, and recovery by offering a supportive, inclusive community where individuals can participate at their own pace and in ways that suit their interests and goals.
We welcome new members to join us and explore the wide range of activities we provide. Our programmes are designed to promote wellness, confidence, and community participation – supporting people to build skills, foster relationships, and enjoy meaningful involvement in daily life.
Members choose for themselves which activities they would like to engage in. Options include physical activities such as walking, tramping, swimming, biking and Tai Chi, alongside creative, social and skill-building opportunities including sewing, arts and crafts, shared meals, computer and digital support, education sessions, and community outings. Most activities are low-cost (typically under $5) and some are offered at no cost.
We invite you to contact us to arrange a visit, meet our team, and see how Step Ahead Trust can support your recovery and wellbeing journey.
Ages
Adult / Pakeke
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free, Partial fees apply
Fees and Charges Description
No annual charges
Some charges on activities. Please refer to our Programme for costs. Most are free or a very low cost.
Hours
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Mon – Fri | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|
Most activities take place between 10.00am and 4.00pm weekdays, with some held in the evenings.
Location operating days:
| Stanmore Road, Christchurch | Monday - Friday |
| Puriri Street, Christchurch | Monday - Friday |
| North Cantybury Musical Society, Rangiora | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Walnut Avenue Pavilion, Ashburton Domain, Ashburton | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
Public Holidays: Closed Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (3 Apr), Easter Sunday (5 Apr), Easter Monday (6 Apr), ANZAC Day (observed) (27 Apr), King's Birthday (1 Jun), Matariki (10 Jul), Labour Day (26 Oct), Canterbury Anniversary (13 Nov).
Christmas: Open 22 Dec — 24 Dec. Closed 25 Dec — 28 Dec. Open 29 Dec — 31 Dec. Closed 1 Jan — 4 Jan. Open 5 Jan — 9 Jan.
Languages Spoken
English
Programmes
Members enjoy a diverse range of activities and events on a weekly basis. Most activities take place between 10am and 4pm weekdays, with some held in the evenings. Activity programmes are sent to members each month, and can also be accessed on the Programmes page. Activities fall under the following categories: Creative e.g. art, craft Health & Fitness e.g. healthy cooking/lifestyle, walking, sport and recreation Social & Life Skills e.g. coffee mornings and meals, educational speakers, volunteer opportunities Special Events e.g. outings and day trips Our web page always has an up to date programme of the activities that are available so check that out to find out about the wide range of activities that are on offer.
Members enjoy a diverse range of activities and events on a weekly basis. Most activities take place between 10am and 4pm weekdays, with some held in the evenings. Activity programmes are sent to members each month, and can also be accessed on the Programmes page. Activities fall under the following categories: Creative e.g. art, craft Health & Fitness e.g. healthy cooking/lifestyle, walking, sport and recreation Social & Life Skills e.g. coffee mornings and meals, educational speakers, volunteer opportunities Special Events e.g. outings and day trips Our web page always has an up to date programme of the activities that are available so check that out to find out about the wide range of activities that are on offer.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
Canterbury, South Canterbury
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
If you are
- between the ages of 18-65
- have a diagnosed chronic mental health condition
- are able to attend and participate independently
we’d love to hear from you! To find out more, our Membership Info Booklet may be helpful. You can refer yourself, or be referred by your support person or clinician at your request. There is no formal referral form.
Membership application process here
Description
Members enjoy a diverse range of activities and events on a weekly basis. Most activities take place between 10am and 4pm weekdays, with some held in the evenings. Activity programmes are sent to members each month, and can also be accessed on the Programmes page.
Activities fall under the following categories:
- Creative e.g. art, craft
- Health & Fitness e.g. healthy cooking/lifestyle, walking, sport and recreation
- Social & Life Skills e.g. coffee mornings and meals, educational speakers, volunteer opportunities
- Special Events e.g. outings and day trips
Our web page always has an up to date programme of the activities that are available so check that out to find out about the wide range of activities that are on offer.
Members at Step Ahead regularly provide support to one another. Also several members of the staff have had lived experience. Members provide support to each other in a number of different ways. They might just listen, be a buddy to new members, offer encouragement, steer you in the right direction to someone who may be able to help or share their own experience of what has been helpful to them. If members require additional support over and above the peer support services that we offer, information and access to an appropriate service will be provided.
Members at Step Ahead regularly provide support to one another. Also several members of the staff have had lived experience. Members provide support to each other in a number of different ways. They might just listen, be a buddy to new members, offer encouragement, steer you in the right direction to someone who may be able to help or share their own experience of what has been helpful to them. If members require additional support over and above the peer support services that we offer, information and access to an appropriate service will be provided.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Peer support (mental health)
- Regions
Canterbury
- Age Groups
Adult / Pakeke
- Referral Types
Self referral
Referral Process
If you would like to know more about peer support at Step Ahead, including who the peer supporters are, talk to any staff member.
Description
Members at Step Ahead regularly provide support to one another. Also several members of the staff have had lived experience.
Members provide support to each other in a number of different ways. They might just listen, be a buddy to new members, offer encouragement, steer you in the right direction to someone who may be able to help or share their own experience of what has been helpful to them.
If members require additional support over and above the peer support services that we offer, information and access to an appropriate service will be provided.
Additional Details
Face to face / Kanohi ki te Kanohi
Website
Contact Details
189 Northbrook Road, Rangiora
Canterbury
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-
Phone
(03) 389 4001
-
Fax
(03) 389 4042
Email
Website
189 Northbrook Road
Rangiora
Canterbury 7400
Street Address
189 Northbrook Road
Rangiora
Canterbury 7400
Postal Address
PO Box 32-025
Linwood
Christchurch 8147
167 Stanmore Road, Christchurch
Canterbury
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-
Phone
(03) 389 4001
Email
Website
9 Puriri Street, Christchurch
Canterbury
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-
Phone
(03) 389 4001
-
Fax
(03) 389 4042
Email
Website
Ashburton Domain Pavillion, 45 Walnut Avenue, Allenton, Ashburton
Canterbury
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-
Phone
0800 OUTREACH (0800 688 732)
-
Fax
(03) 389 4042
Email
Website
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This page was last updated at 5:46PM on November 27, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by Step Ahead Trust.