Supporting the Next Step Trust

Wilkinson Woodward supports a number of charities, including the Next Step Trust, to provide pro bono legal support when required.

Our Managing Director, Maureen Cawthorn, is a long-time trustee and a member of the personnel committee at the Next Step Trust, so their work is very near and dear to our own hearts.

In this brief piece, we want to highlight the wonderful work the charity does in the community and our work with them.

What is The Next Step Trust

The Next Step Trust wants to “continue to be the best bespoke provider and recognised specialist for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities providing day opportunities, outreach and respite.” They do this by providing services to people who need them at the highest standards, being fiscally & organisationally responsible and inspiring the wider world to get involved. Founded in 2006, they’ve been awarded and recognised several times by the Community Spirit Awards, the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, the Halifax Courier Community and Environment Awards and more. 

They are an approved provider with Calderdale MBC for Day Service and Outreach Provision, registered with the CQC to provide short break respite, a CHAS Accredited Contractor and Disability Confident Committed provider with multiple facilities offering services and interventions like a sensory room, catering, hydrotherapy and adapted technology & facilities. Beginning as a group founded by a few concerned parents, the charity now manages four centres where people with complex health needs or learning disabilities can access the support and tailored services they rely upon.

Our work with The Next Step Trust

We’ve supported the Next Step Trust on several occasions since their founding in 2006 by offering free legal work relating to the Trust’s properties, staff and clients. Most recently we completed pro-bono conveyancing work towards their purchase of Marsh Meadows. This is a new Respite property under the Next Step Trust banner which is now in the process of refurbishment. By offering the charity complementary legal services, we’re doing our part to improve our community’s access to the appropriate day services, respite, tailored support and holidays for people living with learning disabilities and/or complex health needs.

For our next engagement with the Next Step Trust we will be in attendance at the their Summer Party on the 31st of July 2024 at the Hoover Building, Westfield Street, Halifax, HX1 2DN. It’s sure to be a fabulous event in honour of an incredible organisation and their very vital work.

To find out how you can get involved with Next Step Trust too, have a look at their volunteer and donation pages.