Stories with Impact: Step to Expand Potential (STEP) programme

Launched in February 2025, our Step to Expand Potential (STEP) programme targets anyone over the age of 16 who may have limited stimulation based on their support needs. We caught up with the Supported Learning team to learn more about the programme and the impact it has had.

Hi team, What is the STEP programme and why is it unique?

The STEP Programme supports individuals aged 16 and above who face barriers to education and independent living. These include Autism, physical and emotional disabilities, and speech or language disorders.

Held every Friday, its goal is to build confidence and self-expression, offering a safe and inclusive space for personal growth. Learning is practical with activities including crafts, cooking, personal care, physical exercise, and community visits.

What makes the STEP programme unique is that it is human centred with attendees in the driving seat of what they do and achieve. They also get to decide if they come to a session or not, attendance and participation is not mandatory.

What has been the impact from the programme?

The STEP programme has had a profound impact on its attendees and the wider community:

For the attendees, they have gained confidence, developed friendships, and taken on leadership roles within the group while learning vital life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and managing personal care. Through external trips, like a visit to RAF Lossiemouth they have explored new environments and build independence—such as using public transport for the first time. For their families, carers, and support workers there has been a sense of pride in seeing those who attends growth.

The programme has also allowed us to developer stronger connections with the social work department at Moray Council due to the recognition of the programmes value for adults with learning difficulties.

What (If Anything) is next?

For us, the next group has just started, and we have seen a few regular faces come back.

For them, a meaningful step toward independence and lifelong learning.

For more information about our Step to Expand Potential (STEP) programme please email steps.moray@uhi.ac.uk