Meet the Team:

We are a community-led charity, run by local people for local families.
Our team is united by a shared commitment to care, connection and inclusion.

Volunteers and Trustees:

  • Birgit (Bridge) Allport

    Founder

    I founded the Better Together Community Support Group for Stoke-on-Trent and N-u-L because I noticed there is vital support and points of contact missing. As a group made of community members, we aim to support where needed. No matter if someone need just a friendly chat, a food or hygiene parcel, sign posting to other support organisations or is looking for activities for every age group. We got you covered.

    My personal background, I am a historian, specialised in Women in the Intelligence community, worked 20 years as PA, proud Mum and Grandma.

    bridge@bettertogethercommunitystoke.org

  • Colin Allport

    Man with a van

    Small business owner, married to Birgit. I am the invisible man in the background and who drives the van for the collections.

  • Our secret Bosses, Paula and Mae

    Mascot and Volunteer

    Paula the Puppy - Assistance Dog and Mascot. Loves humans, cars and cuddles.

    Mae our equivalent to Tigger. Bouncy Cockerpoo, loves humans, water, cars and food.

  • Dawn O'Keefe

    Honarary CEO

    Click Here

  • Amie Ridgeway

    Director of Little Humans

    Click Here

  • Becci Clucas

    SEND Lead and Community Outreach

  • Adam Colclough

    Community Engagement and Outreach

    I joined Better Together to help to develop our activities so that we can continue to meet the needs of the people we support.

    I graduated from Staffordshire University with an Honours degree in Sociology and have wide experience of volunteering with local voluntary organisations, including Changes, B-Arts and Appetite.

    adam@bettertogethercommunitystoke.org

  • Matt Forrester

    Community Support

    Click Here

  • Vicky Cook

    Community Support

    I love working with people of all ages and I run various activities here at Better Together Community Support Group.

    I'm a mother of three and before working at Better Together, I was a regular visitor, then a volunteer and now I'm employed as community support worker. I previously worked as a barber for many years.

    In my spare time I love spending time with my family and reading.

    vicky@bettertogethercommunitystoke.org

  • Jess

    Community Support

    Click Here

  • Jessie

    Art and Gardenening Lead

    Click Here

  • Margate

    Community Support

    Click Here

  • Amie

    Director and head of Little Humans Staffordshire CIC

  • Becci

    SEN lead and Community Outreach

    becci@bettertogethercommunitystoke.org

  • Jess R

    Benefit and SEN advise, research

  • Matt

    Volunteer

  • Sarah

    Volunteer

  • Kamila

    Volunteer

  • Jessie

    Volunteer

Trustees

  • Dave Clewes

    I am Dave and live local. and I support our local community for years. Therefore, I am happy to be part of the Better Together Community family. I am a Landlord (Jollees Cabaret Venue) with a big heart who like to help where possible.

  • Paul (Tube) Deakes

    My name is Paul Deakes aka Tube I own a small pottery business in Longton. Also, I am born and bred in Trent Vegas, went to school with Colin and still live locally. I’ve joined the trustees after being approached by Birgit and realising what a fantastic service they are providing for the local community before and during the pandemic and will be after so hopefully I will be able help in some way.

  • Adam Colclough