About Next Steps Together
Who We Are
Next Steps Together (NeST) is a community organisation based at the Tumbly Hill Wellbeing Hub in Kingsbridge, South Devon.
We create opportunities for people to connect, learn, contribute and support one another through shared activities, services and community life.
People join us for many different reasons. Some are living with dementia or neurodivergence. Some are caring for a family member. Others come to meet new people, learn something new, volunteer or simply spend time with others.
Whatever brings you to NeST, we hope you'll find opportunities to connect with others, discover new interests and continue doing the things that matter to you.
How We're Run
NeST is a Community Interest Company (CIC) limited by guarantee, with an asset lock that ensures any surplus is reinvested into our community work.
Our Board of Directors brings experience from health, education, finance, safeguarding, voluntary organisations and lived experience. Strategic decisions are shaped through ongoing conversations with the people and communities we work alongside.
We are committed to transparency, good governance and continual learning. Our policies are reviewed regularly and made available on request.
Income from room hire helps us keep our services affordable while maintaining Tumbly Hill as a welcoming and accessible community space.
Our Journey
Conversations Around Loss
NeST began as a small community initiative, hosting Death Cafés and Grief Cafés across Kingsbridge and the South Hams.
Those conversations showed how much people valued having somewhere they could talk openly about subjects that are often difficult to discuss. They also shaped the values that continue to guide our work today.
2017
2020
Becoming a Community Interest Company
As NeST grew, so did the range of ways people could access support.
Becoming a Community Interest Company allowed us to develop counselling, therapeutic support, education and training alongside our commitment to creating welcoming spaces where people feel listened to, understood and included.
A Growing Focus on Dementia
Listening to local people highlighted the growing need for dementia support across the South Hams.
This led to new partnerships, specialist training and the development of activities that help people continue living well with dementia while supporting the people who matter to them.
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2023
2025
A New Chapter at Tumbly Hill
With support from The National Lottery Community Fund, NeST became home to Tumbly Hill Wellbeing Hub.
Today the building provides a welcoming base for a growing range of community activities, health and wellbeing services and partnerships, including our Meeting Centre for people living with dementia and those who support them.
Our Mission
Our Mission
To create welcoming opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn, contribute and live well together, particularly those affected by dementia, neurodivergence and other life changes.
Our Vision
Our Vision
A connected and compassionate community where everyone feels included, respected and able to live with meaning, purpose and connection.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Our work is guided by a few simple principles.
• Listen to lived experience and let it shape what we do.
• Create welcoming opportunities for connection across generations.
• Offer dementia-friendly and neurodivergent-affirming activities and services.
• Support wellbeing through meaningful relationships, creativity and learning.
• Build strong partnerships that strengthen our wider community.
Our Values
Our Values
The name Next Steps Together includes four Es, and each one represents a value that shapes how we work.
Educate
We share knowledge that builds understanding and confidence, helping people make sense of dementia, neurodivergence and wellbeing.
Engage
We listen to people, value lived experience and create opportunities for people to shape the activities, services and community around them.
Enrich
We create opportunities for creativity, connection and shared experience because everyday moments can strengthen identity, belonging and purpose.
Empower
We believe people should have the information, confidence and opportunities to make their own choices, have a voice and stay involved in decisions that affect their lives.
What Makes Us Different
What Makes Us Different
Every community is different, so every person's experience of NeST is different too.
We don't expect everyone to follow the same path or fit into the same programme. Activities often begin with conversations, ideas from participants or needs identified within the community.
Our work brings together professional knowledge, lived experience and everyday relationships. Whether someone joins a creative activity, attends counselling, volunteers or simply drops in for a coffee, they are encouraged to take part in ways that feel right for them.
We believe communities grow stronger when people are listened to, included and given opportunities to contribute.
Who We Work With
Who We Work With
Building stronger communities means working alongside many different people and organisations.
We work with individuals, families, volunteers, health and social care professionals, schools, colleges, community groups, businesses and local organisations who share our commitment to improving wellbeing.
These partnerships help create more opportunities for learning, volunteering, shared activities and community connection across the South Hams.
Our Volunteer Programme
Our Volunteer Programme
Volunteers are central to everything we do.
We're developing Tumbly Hill as a place where people can share their skills, gain experience, meet others and make a meaningful contribution to their community.
Whether someone is returning to work, studying, changing career, retired or simply looking to give something back, we aim to offer supportive, flexible volunteering opportunities that benefit both individuals and the wider community.
Training, supervision and ongoing support are provided throughout every placement.
How We're Funded
How We're Funded
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, our work is funded through a blend of income sources that help keep our services sustainable and affordable.
These include charitable grants, paid-for activities and services, room hire, fundraising and donations.
Every pound is reinvested into our staff, services and community hub, helping us continue creating opportunities for people to connect, learn and thrive together.