The first step takes courage. Your journey starts here...
We are very lucky to have some amazing people supporting us on this journey...
Meet the crew...
The team of awesome people taking their first steps....
Dodie Piddock
She wants to show the world that great things can be achieved by people previously ignored. The question isn’t who is going to let her; it’s who is going to stop her.
Tamara Piddock
The level 40 tech wizard, using the power of Google to make things do things.
Ron Tasker
With over 45 years in hospitality Ron has managed to build an impressive portfolio. He has experience of many forms of hospitality from high end fine dining, small intimate dinners and large functions to catering for the demands of a prestigious private school and all their discerning and often fussy diners.
He is well versed in a multitude of training methods and is looking forward to establishing a training kitchen with a reputation for innovation and excellence.
Nik Thomson
Our very own highly qualified Tree Whisperer. Passionate about all things gardening.
Jean Michel Bayer
Our Head Chef has a wealth of experience in many hospitality sectors, including running his own restaurant. Rascals is lucky to have found a Frenchman that can turn his hand to developing amazing and very tasty vegan food.
The Official Bit...
Our hard working Board:
Dodie Piddock
Chief Executive
Dodie has worked within the private, public and third sector. The last 13 years has seen her focussing on the third sector as she is driven by the need to make a difference and be the voice for those not heard, both 2 and 4 legged.
She brings her experience as a qualified teacher, financial advisor and business mentor and now an advocate of all things breathing to the enterprise.
Danielle Gaffney Du Plooy
Manager, founder and director at Uppertunity. Uppertunity is a community interest company providing a personal development service for adults with additional needs and learning disabilities. In 2019 Serendipities was opened; vegan cafe with a twist.
Ross Clark
As an experienced Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in a variety of sectors, we are thrilled to have him join us. He is skilled in Financial Crime Risk, Fund Accounting and Higher Education. Ross is a strong programme and project management professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in Politics from The University of Stirling.
Tamara Piddock
Secretary
Tamara brings years’ experience of working within the private sector in both customer facing and behind the scenes in system support settings. Her attention to detail and ability to multi task is invaluable.
David Breakspear
David brings with him nearly four decades of lived experience within the criminal justice system. He is an avid supporter of education in custody and not only is he studying for a degree in criminology and psychology studies with The Open University, in November 2019 David to the Tedx stage at the home of the OU in Milton Keynes where he presented a talk titled Education makes the impossible, possible
Graham Rolfe
Graham is a Partner at Hardies Property and Construction Consultants. Graham is an experienced Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 20 years Private practice experience.. Graham has significant Traditional, Design & Build, and Management Contracting procurement experience with an excellent track record in the Commercial, Healthcare, Education and Residential sectors.
Nik Thomson
Nik Thomson is a lifelong horticulturalist and educator who initially trained at Pershore College of Horticulture and has worked with many organisations including, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the National Trust for Scotland and The National Council for the Conservation of Plants & Gardens.
In addition to a wide-ranging horticultural experience Nik has a passion for horticultural training and education especially where linked to social inclusion and community. He has worked within, and consulted for, many educational organisations including Birmingham University, Kew Gardens, Hereford College of Agriculture and Abingdon & Witney College.
Our Community and Friends...
Scottish Prison Service Industries
Having had previous experience of the high quality furniture that S.P.S. Industries produce we are thrilled that they have agreed to work with us again to design and make bespoke furniture for Starting Step.
We are excited about the potential of working with this inspirational enterprise. Uppertunity is a social enterprise working with adults with additional needs, learning disabilities and autism, providing skill development, confidence building and social inclusion activities. They focus on an individual’s strengths and aspirations, and then work with them to realise their potential, leading to self-worth and independence.
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Trauma Healing Together is a holistic and collaborative service for anyone who has experienced any form of psychological trauma in Scotland. Our mission is for all trauma survivors in Scotland to have the resilience and skills needed to live a fulfilling and meaningful life despite their trauma. We are a newly established charity and hope to deliver Therapy, Training and Research in the future as part of our main body of work. Stay updated via our website or Facebook.
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Proudly supported by...
As a social business Starting Step has no private shareholders and all profits are reinvested into providing further training, support and tackling re-offending.
We want to be proactive in supporting those with multiple barriers and in helping to reduce crime.
Thank you for believing with us!