About Us

First Step is recognised as a highly professional, specialised, experienced and caring Family Support organisation based in the London Borough of Havering working with families of babies and young children with special needs and/or disabilities.

For over 35 years, families have contacted First Step at a moment of crisis and uncertainty, normally pre-diagnosis, fearing all is not well with their child.

Sometimes, they are struggling to be listened to by medical professionals, feeling overwhelmed with the implications of supporting a child with special needs and are isolated.

Families can be referred by professionals including Health Visitors, by friends or through our publicity and website research.

A family focus group recently highlighted how crucial the initial emotional and practical support provided was, as there is little other assistance available to them.

In the words of Andrea, Andrew's mother, "there’s no support anywhere else like it."

First Step’s mission is to provide the best possible environment to support each family and enable their young children with special needs and/or disabilities to maximise their individual potential.