This has been a year of transition and consolidation at multiple levels across Stepping Stone and we can be truly proud of what has been achieved. 

Financially…With the ending of general pandemic payments such as JobKeeper, we are proud of the success of our transition out of the COVID emergency and into a new “business as usual”. Our NDIS Service income has grown this year by 26% which is an outstanding achievement on the back of the 59% growth in the previous financial year and despite the effects of COVID and floods. NDIS Services now constitute 48% of our income for the year. As predicted last year, we have reduced our dependence on grants from 95% in 2018 to 47% this year. Nevertheless we cannot be complacent. We need to be looking now at renewing or replacing the very valuable special funding provided by the Queensland Government which expires in 2024 while ensuring the continuance of ongoing grants and collaborating within the sector to respond to any potential reductions in NDIS funding.

Organisationally…We have now fully implemented the recommendations of an organisational review which provided us with a pathway for more sustainable organisational arrangements. In addition to the new full time Employment and Education role already in train at the start of the year, we have invested in additional senior staff to address the fragmented NDIS service management, to bring the finance function back in-house and to consolidate temporary staffing arrangements. We can see the results emerging in improved NDIS administration, enhanced staff training and induction, more efficient operations and expanding community engagement along with, hopefully, gradually reducing the workloads and stress levels for our senior staff.

Strategically…Recent reports have highlighted the need for multi-layered system for mental health services which cannot fall entirely under the umbrella of the NDIS but will still rely on other funding for a second tier of support. The Queensland Parliament’s Mental Health Select Committee has highlighted the unique benefits offered by the Clubhouse model and our approach at Stepping Stone Clubhouse in particular. There is growing recognition of the economic case for changes which overcome barriers to employment for people with disabilities. We are confident that the evaluation of our services currently under way with support from the Queensland Government will provide important evidence in support of the ongoing funding and potentially expansion of our services. The development of the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan has provided the impetus which will assist us to make the most of these opportunities.

People…As a Management Committee, we thank all the leadership team and our wonderful staff for their constant hard work, skilled engagement and dedication. Melanie Sennett, our CEO has again provided positive leadership as Stepping Stone has navigated the continuing challenges of the COVID environment and the implementation of the organisational review. We thank Morag, Jaimi and Dan for their continued contribution as well as the new leaders, Joe and Amanda and now Mareesa, our new Corporate Services Manager who are all having a significant impact on our success.

Governance…It has been a pleasure and privilege this year to work with a consistent and highly professional Management Committee. We have grown and learned together as we have continued to progress the interests of good governance for Stepping Stone Clubhouse. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances and constitutional limitations, we have, over the last six months, missed having effective representation on the Committee from Clubhouse members. However we appreciate the number of Clubhouse Members who have taken the opportunity to attend our meetings and look forward to achieving an expanded committee at the coming AGM.

Impact…It is all about our Members. The focus on community engagement leading to new Members coming into the Clubhouse, the consolidation and gradual growth of our Transitional Employment opportunities, the return of a full range of social and recreational activities and the psychosocial recovery coaching provided through the NDIS all complement our core Clubhouse activities and ensure that we are working collaboratively with our Members to truly create pathways to better mental health.. 

Anne-Marie Carroll
President

This was my 25th year with Stepping Stone.  In many ways it seems like only yesterday that I walked through the doors of 9/61 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo.  Maybe it’s a sign of my age – b2021-2022 was again another challenging year thanks to our second year of experiencing the pandemic and a flood added to the equation. With the increase in COVID numbers, we endeavoured to keep our community safe and supported in the Clubhouse. In true Clubhouse style, it also provided us with many opportunities, further bringing our community together to support each other.

This year’s Annual Report highlights many of our achievements in line with our strategic plan. A couple of highlights include:

1. Community Engagement – throughout the year, we quickly realised that an impact of COVID was social isolation. That many of our existing members were spending more time at home. We were also not receiving the usual number of new referrals. Therefore, for the last six months of the year, our main focus was community engagement – encouraging new members to join our community and existing members to reconnect.

2. Community Events – we hosted some amazing events this year. We hosted our third book event with Trent Dalton and we were also involved in the Brisbane Festival, hosting a Street Serenade event at a part in Coorparoo.

3. Stepping Stone was involved in the State Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into the Opportunities to Improve Mental Health Outcomes for Queenslanders. This was an amazing opportunity to highlight the importance of the Clubhouse model.

4. Another milestone for Stepping Stone was the commencement of our evaluation program. Queensland Health provided funding to conduct an evaluation, in collaboration with Queensland Mental Health Commission, of the effectiveness of Stepping Stone.

Stepping Stone is a partnership of staff, members and Management Committee. A huge thank-you to our Management Committee, who tirelessly devote hours of time to Stepping Stone. The Management Committee consists of people with generous hearts and amazing minds. Thank-you to Anne-Marie Carroll, Jess Watkinson, Ross Morgan, Scott Brown, Fotina Hardy and Brian Goodall, not only for what you achieved this year, but for your passion for mental health.

Thank-you to our staff for your commitment to the Clubhouse – for your humour and your hard work. Thanks to the Management Team, Jaimi Rogers, Dan Helton, Morag Roseby, Amanda Lee, Mareesa Robertson and Joe Nguyen. The combined skills of these talented people astounds me everyday.

And finally thank-you to Stepping Stone members. Thank-you for inspiring me every day, for sharing your stories and for many times, making me laugh out loud. 

Melanie Sennett

In the words of our staff and members, the following highlights key achievements made towards our Strategic Goals in the 2021-22 financial year:

1. Improve Individual Health Outcomes

Started opening at 7.30

In the second half of this year, we changed our opening hours, and have started opening at 0730 in the morning. Since then the Cafe has had more time to get breakfast and coffee out to people before the morning meeting, while leaving time to work on our HALP activities such as our morning walk. This has also have a positive impact on members who now have the option to come in early and socialise before the Work Ordered Day, or before members have to head out on TE, or other employment, developing more of a routine, and giving them a space and community if they need support. 

Author – Sammy G and Art

Strengthened Employment and Education Program

During the strategic planning consultation sessions we held with the Stepping Stone community there was a strong theme around our Employment and Education program. As a result we have created a new position – Employment and Education Co-ordinator- to work specifically to that goal and to raise awareness of the programs that members can access and support members in their employment and education goals. The E&E Co-ordinator has enabled noticeable improvements in member support in their employment and study, staff support as they work in TE teams and assist members individually with their E&E goals, and raising awareness in the wider community of Clubhouse programs with Employment-related connections being fostered. A growing number of members are investing in furthering this revitalisation of our programs. 

Authors – Michael Cullen and Amanda Lee

Community Engagement

In line with our strategic plan for the next 3 years, we have had a huge focus on community engagement this year. Together, the Clubhouse community chose groups to focus on strengthening our relationships with organisations within the areas of CALD, homelessness, AOD. We have met some wonderful people and cherish the relationships we are building.

Community is everything to us, and we thank all of the organisations that have welcomed us too

This year we held an Open Day in order to showcase who we are and what we do to the broader community. It was a huge success with over 165 people attending. This was a great community engagement opportunity and all staff and members did their best networking. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the future and hopefully welcoming some new members and supporters!

Every year, Christmas Day sees the whole community of Stepping Stone come together to celebrate. We had lots of food for members to eat and there was a really good turnout. Everyone had a good time and we saw some members we hadn’t seen for a while. Joe Kelly paid a visit and gave his donation of hams as usual. This is important for people who don’t have other people to share the day with to come in and celebrate with the community. 

Authors – Jaimi Rogers and John Kenniff

2. Safe/inclusive environment

Stepping Stone wants to have a positive impact on the environment whenever we can as well as save costs. As a result we implemented the following. 

• 2 hybrid vehicles - this year we acquired two new hybrid automobiles which allows us to use significantly less fuel for our everyday needs while also reducing our emissions.

• Upgraded solar panels - we received a grant for the installation of solar panels which were successfully installed and are currently supplementing our energy supply to reduce electricity costs.

• Removed single use plastic, recycle soft plastic - The Hospitality Unit started to recycle all soft plastics after the single use plastic ban came into effect in Queensland.

3. Measure our Impact

EHC Evaluation Project

Stepping Stone commenced worked collaboratively with Enable Health Consulting and QHMC to prepare for an evaluation of Stepping Stone and its programs. The evaluation aims to measure Stepping Stone’s effectiveness in supporting members in their journey towards mental health and wellbeing. Specifically, Enable Health Consulting will be using both quantitative and qualitative data to measure factors associated with mental health and wellbeing, such as members’ functional progress, symptom management, social connectedness and quality of life. The 12-month data collection period commenced in August 2022. The project was given ethics approval by The University of Queensland, the publication of the reports expected in early 2024 will contribute to the literature on the Clubhouse Model within the Australian context. This project is being funded by Queensland Health. 

Authors – Dan Helton and Andrew McClean

Parliamentary Inquiry

Stepping Stone was invited to host and present at a public hearing for the State Government Mental Health Parliamentary Inquiry into the Opportunities to Improve Mental Health Iutcomes for Queenslanders. This involved the committee spending the day at Stepping Stone, having a tour and having lunch with staff and members. In addition, staff, members, Management Committee and carers presented at the hearing and Stepping Stone also provided a written submission. The Parliamentary Committee released their findings - Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders, Report

No. 1, 57th Parliament Mental Health Select Committee. Stepping Stone features throughout the report – including in two recommendations

Recommendation 16 – Expand employment opportunities for people experiencing mental ill-health and alcohol and other drugs issues 86

The committee recommends the Queensland Government:

a) investigates ways to expand employment support programs such as Skilling Queenslanders for Work that are responsive to the needs of people experiencing mental ill-health and alcohol and other drugs issues, including implementing transitional employment programs similar to services provided by the Stepping Stone Clubhouse.

Recommendation 20 – Expand community-based services and programs 104

The committee recommends the Queensland Government reviews existing community-based mental health services and programs and finds opportunities to expand services to support people recovering from and experiencing mental ill-health, such as the Stepping Stone Clubhouse model and other alternative models providing psychosocial interventions and supports.

The full report can be found here Inquiry into the opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders : Report No. 1, 57th Parliament (nla.gov.au)

We were pleased to see in the Queensland Government’s response to the report that under the Better Care Together the Queensland Government will continue to fund Clubhouses. For the full report of the Queensland’s response click here

Author – Melanie Sennett

Events – Trent Dalton and Brisbane Festival

Stepping Stone hosted our third event with Trent Dalton. The evening was a conversation with Trent Dalton and Sean Sennett, discussing Trent’s third book – Love Stories. As always, the conversation was entertaining, funny and brought us to tears. There were over 75 people who attended. The event raised over $5000 that we used for our Christmas festivities, including Christmas Day.

Stepping Stone was part of the Brisbane Festival, hosting the Coorparoo Street Serenade concert. This involved us providing a sausage sizzle cheese platters, cupcakes and brownies. Members of the Coorparoo community joined us when the Brisbane Festival Street Serenade truck arrived, then we were entertained by Cairns band Zennith. Fiona Cunningham, our local Councillor provided us with funding to help host the event.

Author – Melanie Sennett

4. Strengthen sustainability

Clubhouse International – Virtual Training – Haus Bung

Stepping Stone facilitated its first virtual Clubhouse International training with Haus Bung from Papua New Guinea Pretty much every emotion was experienced while talking and learning with Kesia and James from Haus Bung, as the systems and supports in Papua New Guinea are very different to those here. When we think about why we are working to improve people’s lives and how we can reduce the stigma associated with mental illness looking at the way mental health is dealt with around the world is an eye opener.

We also heard about the earthquake there and how difficult things had become. We hope they are safe and doing as best as they can. We will continue to check in with them when we and they are able. 

Author – John Kenniff

Clubhouse Seminar

“In October 2021 I had the opportunity to participate in an online panel discussion as part of the Clubhouse International World Seminar. There were 15 forums presented over 4 days from the 5th-8th October. Clubhouse Members, Management Committee and staff from all over the world were involved in panel discussions, videos spotlighting different clubhouses, or watching the forums live. Stepping Stone Clubhouse was well represented with a number of members and staff members sitting on panels or facilitating forums throughout the seminar, and our Clubhouse was featured in some of the videos.

It was an exciting and thought provoking event to take part in. There was a real buzz and energised feeling as we worked with the panel and an AV technician to get set up online. The topic our forum discussed was “The future of the clubhouse model in a rapidly changing world”. Frank Kelton from Potential Place Canada was the facilitator and the other members of the panel were Kailey Fiedler Gohlke form HERO House NW, Washington and Melanie Sennett and myself from Stepping Stone Clubhouse. We had an interesting and lively discussion with people able to make comments and ask questions through chat as panel discussion was happening.” 

Author – Rebecca Stack

View our audited financial statements

“My name is Harley Johnman and I am a member at Stepping Stone Clubhouse. I have been a member for a few years—since 2017. I came here after having been hospitalised at Belmont Private Hospital. I was told about this place by my psychiatrist, Dr Guha. Ever since then I have really enjoyed my time here because it is a wonderful service with wonderful people. There is such a variety of things to learn and do here, both recreationally and in the work ordered day. Since coming here I have mostly worked in the hospitality unit such as the cafe. My favourite things to do are working as a barista and baking, since those are things that I so rarely get to do anywhere else. I do remember doing a course in barista work a year or so before that, but it did not really go anywhere because I was so unskilled at the time that I was not able to keep up. It felt like a waste. I am very glad that I was finally able to put it into practice once I got here. Since I had those basic skills, I had a baseline understanding to work from. After being here for a few years I was able to finally go into transitional employment. I first worked at Barton Motors car washing and detailing, although that only went for a few weeks because I had a bit of an accident and then was fired promptly within two weeks. That was a bit of a roadblock for me then. Then I was able to get another job at the PA as a groundskeeper for nine months. Being able to keep that job, I was able to build confidence and decided that I was finally ready to go back to university, which I had flunked out of years before since emotionally I just kind of collapsed. After this many years I was able to build resilience and realise that I was ready for that kind of commitment. I finally completed my first successful year last year and I have just enrolled in semester 1. I am looking forward to going back into the creative industries to do creative writing and editing.”

From left to right Fotina Hardy, Scott Brown, Jess Watkinson, Anne-Marie Carroll, Ross Morgan (absent – Brian Goodall)

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