Last week, we were thrilled to join thousands of residents across Stoke-on-Trent to mark a truly special milestone - our city’s 100th birthday.
To celebrate, we took part in a city-wide record-breaking attempt to host the largest simultaneous afternoon tea. Over 15,000 people across Stoke-on-Trent came together in homes, community spaces, and local venues to raise a cuppa in honour of the centenary – and we were so proud to be part of it.
Across our services - from over 55s villages to safe accommodation refuges and supported housing schemes - residents, customers and colleagues came together to host their own special tea parties. There were plenty of sweet treats, lots of laughter, and, above all, a real sense of togetherness.
We also added our own creative twist to the day with a very Stokie challenge: painting 100 decorative ducks to mark 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent. Residents and customers across all our services got stuck in, bringing each duck to life with vibrant, imaginative designs. It was a joy to see everyone’s creativity on display - and even more special to see people connecting, relaxing and having fun through something so simple.
At our Glow refuges, families took part in crafts, colouring, and play activities in a safe, supportive space. Donna Boon, Service Manager at Glow, said: “Events like this are amazing for our customers.
"They provide opportunities to build connections beyond staff support and help children and adults alike enjoy something new together.”
We heard from so many customers who felt the same. One resident at West End Village shared: “It’s great to get together and reflect on our memories of Stoke-on-Trent. It’s the perfect excuse to celebrate, while also being proud of our heritage and our local area.”
A young person supported by Concrete added: “As someone who’s experienced homelessness, doing something like painting helps me to relax and take my mind off things. It does wonders for my mental health and helps me connect with other residents and staff.”
Celebrating Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary was more than just a party – it was a reminder of the power of community, creativity, and connection. It’s moments like these that bring our Thriving Futures commitment to life, as we continue to work alongside others to help individuals, families and communities across our city truly thrive.
