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The history of the club goes back to 1946 when Dr. G. D.
Morgan pioneered a way of integrating the mentally ill with the
community. Changes in public opinion towards the mentally ill
and the new methods of treatment had decreased the number of
patients receiving treatment on an out-patient basis. It was felt
that the very nature of the illness created an isolating effect, which
was heightened by public attitudes through ignorance, fear and
prejudice, and this not only hindered recovery, but often
reinforced the sense of social isolation. But as these patients
live in the community, Dr. Morgan and his colleagues made the
necessary efforts to involve the community in the social rehabilitation
of these patients. They gave a series of lectures and talks
to various voluntary and statutory agencies and associates in the
Bromley area. Fortunately there was a good response from the
community of Bromley, due partly to the interest which it had
always taken in the hospital, which was originally a Cottage
Hospital, and partly to the fact that the citizens of Bromley have
a strong civic sense.
Between 1945 and 1954, a great deal of work was done by
Dr. Morgan and Dr. Tylden and their Psychiatric Social Workers
in recruiting ordinary members of the community, who together
with the patients, all of whom are known as "club members",
were made responsible for the running of the club. The members
elected an Executive Committee which was to be responsible for
the administration of the club. In 1954, a grant was received from
the King Edward Fund and in 1957 Stepping Stones Club was
opened. The Bromley Group Hospital Management Committee
covers all overheads and maintenance connected with the day to
day running of Stepping Stones House and the club is responsible
for its own materials and equipment. The club raises funds
by an annual subscription of a minimum of 2/6d. and by other
fund-raising activities organised by the Appeals and Social Committee,
and these include Annual Bazaars, Jumble Sales and
Garden Parties. Every 2 years the club endeavours to hold Open
Day.
The Executive Committee is made up annually of elected
members and is fully responsible for the policy and for the running
of the club. The clinical staff, together with the hospital
secretary and delegates from the Hospital Management Committee
often attend the monthly meetings as observer/advisers, and
without any voting power, as the club is autonomous.
Apart from the Executive Committee, the club has 5 other
committees, i.e. Appeals and Social which is responsible for fund
raising and formal social activities; the Finance Committee,
responsible for allocation of funds and expenses; Premises Committee
which looks after the security of the building; the Liaison
Committee which is responsible for visitors, new members, and