City leaders join as ‘One Stoke-on-Trent’ following August protests

Stoke-on-Trent today (Thursday 13 February) launches a major government-backed community campaign aimed at bringing together all communities as “One Stoke-on-Trent".

The year-long campaign unites leaders from the city council, police, fire services, NHS, schools and colleges, local football teams, the media, and faith and voluntary sectors.

It is backed by £600,000 of funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Community Recovery Fund.

Some £240,000 of that money will be made available through a community grant scheme to amplify initiatives that promote cohesion and bring people together. Three categories of grant will be on offer: small (£500-£1,000), medium (£1,000-£5,000) and large (£5,000-£10,000).

Separately, the campaign will include a major engagement and “listening” exercise, working with residents and business to explore crucial questions about the city’s collective identity and what more needs to be done to make Stoke-on-Trent a place where everyone feels welcome, and can thrive.

Key messages from the campaign will be promoted by partners, making clear that Stoke-on-Trent is committed to being a welcoming city, which believes in fair opportunity for everyone and sees diversity as a strength.

The grants will be administered by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, supported by VAST – a charity dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life for local communities - which will provide dedicated support to grassroot groups looking to apply for funding and deliver projects.

One Stoke-on-Trent has been developed on the back of public disorder in August 2024, which saw hundreds of protestors and counter-protesters descend on Hanley city centre. The incident was one of several national protests which took place last summer following the devastating murder of three young girls in Southport.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, the leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We have made it clear that everybody in Stoke-on-Trent has a right to feel and be safe - and that prejudice and discrimination are not welcome here, but we know that more needs to be done to understand the individual challenges facing our local communities.

“This will mean confronting some uncomfortable realities, engaging in difficult but necessary conversations and managing misinformation that can so easily spread hate and division.

“As we mark our city’s Centenary, we also need to recognise the contributions our diverse communities are making to our city and celebrate our unique history, heritage and individual character of each of our six towns.

“Our goal is to foster a greater sense of pride, trust and belonging among all residents regardless of their origin, background, race or religion.”

Fahmida Rehman, CEO of Stepping Stones Community Organisation, said: "The clear message emerging from this partnership is one of inclusivity and respect.

“Stoke-on-Trent is a city where everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to feel safe, valued, and heard. 

“The multi-agency approach - bringing together council leaders, local services and community organisations like ours - signals a commitment to real, sustainable change.

“This is about more than just addressing the immediate concerns; it is about fostering long-term resilience, ensuring that prejudice and discrimination have no place in our city, and nurturing a future where all communities can thrive equally."

Superintendent Dave Wain, of Staffordshire Police, said: “We know our communities in Stoke-on-Trent want to see more visible policing and for us to take robust action to address the issues that matter to them.  

“We recognise that policing is only part of the solution and that is why we’re looking forward to working with our partners to tackle key community priorities.”

Matt Hancock, Chief Executive at Port Vale, said: "As a football club at the very heart of a diverse community within Stoke-on-Trent, we are fully supportive of the One Stoke-on-Trent initiative and committed to continuing to bring people together.

"We want our city to be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and are proud to be working collaboratively to deliver this strong message."

Leanne Macpherson, Head of Programmes at the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, said: “We are pleased to be able to work with so many partners across the city to launch the grants scheme to support our local communities. 

“It will empower organisations to deliver impactful projects, to build social trust, and strengthen community resilience and cohesion. By supporting grassroots initiatives, we can create more connected, inclusive and resilient communities.”

To learn more about the community grant scheme, or to apply, visit: https://staffordshire.foundation/grants/one-stoke-community-grants/