Thank you to all who have applied for our grants so far – applications are still open here, with grants of up to £2,500 available for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations who are engaged with and supporting the Community Health Champions project in Stoke-on-Trent
With the first round of applications finalised, we wanted to showcase some of the brilliant local organisations that have been successful so far:
The Dyslexia Association of Staffordshire
A local charity based in Longton, who support people of all ages affected by Dyslexia, enabling people to achieve their full potential through the provision of information, advice, testing, tuition, and training.
A charity dedicated to improving later life both locally and across the country by sharing the voices of older people and pushing for positive change.
Their projects and services include dementia advocacy and support, The Bereavement Friendship Project, offering support to those who have experienced bereavement through groups and befriending. The PIER project in partnership with the Haywood hospital, supporting those with arthritis or a muscular skeletal condition. As well as regularly undertaking research and providing publications.
A not-for-profit created through the shared vision of grateful living to promote and encourage individuals, groups, businesses, and communities to adopt gratitude in their everyday lives, by: providing resources explaining the science behind gratitude and its benefits, connecting likeminded people and supporting organisations to implement gratitude programs within the workplace.
Projects have included their ‘Touching History’ project, where they created tactile, 3D versions of the Minton floor tiles seen around Stoke-on-Trent to make them more accessible for visually impaired people, and to encourage appreciation of the local environment.
Based in Christchurch Street, Fenton, The Hub supports the voice of young people by helping them develop their ideas and become more independent. In 2020 they were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
During term time, children of primary school age can join one of their many activities which take place as part of their LeaderLab, and there are informal Coffee, Craft, and Chat events each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning.
During school holidays the focus switches to intergenerational learning where families are welcome to join in, and during the summer break there are additional sessions such as arts and crafts, outdoor cooking, and socialising.
Human-Nature Escapes CIC
A not-for-profit social enterprise that connects people with nature to inspire wellbeing. Their ‘Nature’s Ways to Wellbeing’ approach aims to help people achieve a good work-life balance, as well as positive physical and emotional health.
North Midlands LGBT Older Peoples Group
The principal aim of the LGBT Older Peoples Group is to counteract isolation and feelings of loneliness through peer support and befriending. Members meet regularly on Zoom, and in person for meetings and social activities. They also offer health information and workshops to learn new skills.
The veteran support network provide support to veterans across the city, their newest venture is an Art Gallery in Harper Street, Middleport, where they run workshops and give veterans the opportunity and space to focus on new skills to improve their wellbeing. This space is open to the whole community and local artists are also invited to exhibit and sell their art.