Major community campaign launched in Stoke-on-Trent
The year-long campaign unites leaders from across the city
A year-long campaign has today (13 February) launched in Stoke-on-Trent, following disorder in the city last summer.
Called "One Stoke-on-Trent", the major government-backed community campaign aims to bring together all communities.
The £600,000 project involves a range of organisations, like the emergency services, NHS and schools.
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.
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.
"prejudice and discrimination are not welcome here"
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.”