Nestled in Richmond’s vibrant Alberts area, just opposite The White Horse pub, Small Steps is a local charity making a life-changing difference for young children with physical disabilities and their families. For more than 25 years, the charity has provided specialist early intervention support, helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive while creating a welcoming community for parents navigating similar challenges.
Founded in 1998 by Greenmead Special School Headteacher Angela Laxton, Governor Joanna Brotherstone and Anita Coppola MBE, Small Steps was created with a clear vision: to provide specialised support for young children with physical disabilities during the crucial early years of development. Today, that vision continues to transform lives across Richmond and beyond.
At the heart of Small Steps is Conductive Education, a structured learning approach that helps children develop physical, social, and emotional skills through guided activities and play. The charity works with children on all areas of development, with a particular focus on physical milestones that many families may take for granted. Skills such as sitting independently, balancing, standing and taking first steps can be especially challenging for children with neurological conditions, making targeted early support invaluable.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Small Steps is that its service is completely free for families. While this removes financial barriers and ensures support is available to all who need it, it also means the charity must raise more than £800,000 every year through fundraising, donations and community partnerships to keep its services running.
The impact of this work is significant. Small Steps currently runs 25 sessions each week and supports more than 115 families on a regular basis. Over the past 28 years, the charity has worked with over 1,100 families, helping young children build foundations that continue to benefit them throughout their lives.
Some of the charity’s earliest “Small Steppers” provide inspiring examples of what early intervention can achieve. Former attendees have gone on to become successful actors, university graduates, published writers, IT specialists and accomplished athletes in sports including tennis and rowing. Their stories demonstrate that with the right support at the right time, children can be empowered to reach their full potential.
Beyond the developmental benefits for children, Small Steps also addresses the isolation many families experience following a diagnosis. As the only free Conductive Education service in London for this age group, the charity provides a vital support network where parents can find understanding, practical advice and connections with other families on similar journeys. By signposting families to local services and resources, Small Steps helps ensure no one feels they are facing these challenges alone.
Community support plays a crucial role in the charity’s success. Local businesses contribute in many ways, from sponsoring fundraising initiatives and providing raffle prizes to donating essential supplies and undertaking team fundraising challenges. These partnerships not only raise vital funds but also strengthen the sense of community that lies at the heart of the charity’s work.
Looking ahead, Small Steps is focused on meeting growing demand and ensuring more families can access its services. The team also hopes to strengthen relationships with local professionals and organisations so that every family who could benefit knows where to turn for help.
There are plenty of ways for Richmond residents and businesses to get involved, including supporting fundraising events such as the charity’s annual Christmas Fair. Residents can also make a small regular donation, while local businesses are encouraged to adopt Small Steps as their charity partner and help raise vital funds throughout the year. Small Steps also welcomes visitors and operates an open-door policy for those interested in learning more about its work. As the charity receives no statutory funding, community support is essential. Without sufficient fundraising income, the future of this much-needed service is vulnerable.
As the charity’s story proves, small steps really can lead to extraordinary journeys. To find out more, visit www.smallsteps.org.uk or follow @smallstepscharity on Instagram.
