Better Together recognised with breakthrough award

A Stoke-on-Trent charity which began as a community group run from its founder’s home six years ago has won an award for its ‘significant growth and improvement’.

Better Together Community Support Group for Stoke-On-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme picked up the Breakthrough Award: Organisation at VAST’s Totally Stoked awards. The charity, which has its headquarters in Trent Vale, offers a range of services including parent and toddler groups, a weekly free community cafe and a community fridge providing free food and hygiene products to anyone in need.

The charity, which also runs a youth club, a men’s mental health group, a community garden and a bereaved parents’ group, now has six paid members of staff, as well as a team of volunteers.

Chief executive Bridge Allport started the organisation in 2018 because she wanted to provide somewhere for older people in Springfields and Trent Vale to meet and socialise, reducing loneliness and isolation.

But the popularity of the group spread and soon people from across the area were coming along to their activities and community meals – and in 2021 the group became a registered charity. The Trent Vale headquarters in Woodberry Close opened in October 2022 as a hub for the various activities the charity offers, as well as offering a warm space for the community.

Bridge said: “I started the group from my house with my husband Colin to create an opportunity for social interaction for Springfield and Trent Vale residents. Initially we just met for a brew and a chat, and a community meal once a week, but we quickly found that people from all areas of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle enjoyed attending.

“This was the indication that we were doing the right thing and we started growing to a point where we decided to register for charity status. Over the last six years we have met and supported many wonderful people.

“We aim to lift people's spirits in difficult times and create community spirit and a sense of belonging. We are able to help people who do not normally access services because we make them feel comfortable, and we actively encourage everyone that it is OK to ask for help and to reach out if needed.”

The charity also works in partnership with the NHS, the Royal Stoke University Hospital, schools, councils and other organisations to promote mental and physical well-being, and can offer residents help with form filling and signposting to further support if needed.