Why we do what we do
At Step by Step, our vision is simple: to help Young People move forward with confidence, through meaningful relationships and the right kind of support. This page shares what drives us, and the values behind the way we work.
A few words from our Founder, Leeroy…
With over 17 years’ experience supporting vulnerable young people and their families, Leeroy has a BA in Law and Childhood and Youth Studies going on to work across local authority children’s homes, alternative provisions, and community settings. These experiences have given him a deep understanding of the challenges young people face - and a lasting belief that real progress starts with relationships, not just routines.
As the founder of Step by Step Mentoring, Leeroy’s goal is to create a space where every young person feels seen, supported, and capable of taking positive steps forward.
Below, he shares more about why Step by Step was created, what makes the service different, and the impact he hopes to make through mentoring.
What inspired you to set up Step by Step Mentoring?
I wanted to Step by Step to give Young People with additional needs the chance to connect, grow, and build confidence in a way that feels right for them. Over the years, I’ve seen how many Young People shy away from traditional mentoring because they don’t always see how it could help. By combining mentoring with enrichment activities, we’ve found that engagement naturally increases, and this often has a positive knock-on effect in other areas of life, including school.
At its core, Step by Step is about helping Young People rebuild trust in Professionals and recognise that there are people in their corner, ready to listen and support them at their pace.
How do you ensure your team delivers meaningful support to each Young Person?
For us, it all starts with the right people. We only work with Mentors we know personally, have worked with before, or who come highly recommended by Professionals we trust. This way, we can be confident in their character and experience, both inside and outside of work.
We’re growing slowly and intentionally because quality matters more than speed. If that means waiting a little longer to find the right Mentor for a Young Person, we’re comfortable to do that. The right match makes all the difference.
What makes Step by Step different from other mentoring services?
Our standards and relationships. We know “high standards” gets thrown around a lot, but for us, it’s how we work. There’s a reason we have a waiting list, high attendance, and Young People who genuinely look forward to seeing their Mentors. That kind of engagement speaks for itself.
We also believe in being honest from the start. If we don’t think we’re the right service for a Young Person, we’ll say so, before support even begins. That way, Caregivers and Professionals don’t waste time and can find the right fit elsewhere.
We stay in close contact with Caregivers too, speaking with them every day we support their child. It helps us understand the full picture and make sure the Young Person is getting what they need.
What kind of impact do you hope to make with Young People?
It might sound strange coming from a business, but the biggest success would be if one day services like ours weren’t needed - because every Young Person already had the right support in school or in smaller, nurturing settings where they can thrive.
Until then, we’ll keep doing everything we can to help Young People build confidence, achieve, and see what they’re capable of.
To learn more about what mentoring with us looks like day-to-day, click here to see the kinds of activities and guidance we offer.