This year we're proud to be part of a new short film to celebrate 100 years of social housing across Stoke-on-Trent.
The film forms part of the city’s Centenary celebrations and reflects on the story of social housing over the last century – while also looking to the future as Stoke-on-Trent enters its next 100 years.
Honeycomb Group Charitable Services Board Chair Alice Hemsley-Myers, Executive Director of Finance Greg Van Enk-Bones, Chief Executive Julie Guildford Smith, Resident Ivy and her son Justin, Board Member Tim Edwards and Chair of the Board Peter Hay,
Social housing in Stoke-on-Trent dates to a similar time of the Addison Act of 1919, which made local councils responsible for providing housing in Britain.
The project – filmed by Reels in Motion and created in partnership with Honeycomb Group, EPIC Housing, Brighter Futures and Stoke-on-Trent City Council - launched on Tuesday 18 November at a special event at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley.
The event included the first screening of the film and a Q&A panel discussion featuring our Chief Executive Julie Guildford Smith, Cllr Christopher Robinson, Tracey Johnson (Epic Housing), Maxine Bradbourn (Brighter Futures), City Council Director of Housing Management, Paul Parkinson, Historian Fred Hughes, Housing and Regeneration Expert, Dave Proudlove and Reels in Motion Creative Director, Phil Bland.
Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Tracey Johnson, CEO of EPIC, said: “This collaboration between our four organisations is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose. The video marking 100 years of social housing is not just a celebration of the past, but a testament to the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that have shaped generations. By joining forces, we honour the legacy of social housing while inspiring future progress in creating homes that truly transform lives.”
The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “Over the past 100 years, our city has grown into a vibrant community with social housing at its core. This video celebrates that journey and captures the heart of our city, its people, its culture and its homes. It’s a chance to recognise the difference that safe, secure and affordable homes make to people’s lives and to look ahead to how we continue this work as we enter our next century.”
The film blends archive footage, personal stories from residents - including Honeycomb Group customers Ivy and Axel - and conversations about the future to offer a moving tribute to the progress and resilience of the city. It charts how social housing began, why it was created and how it continues to change lives across Stoke-on-Trent – offering a moving tribute to the progress and resilience of the city.
Honeycomb Group customer Axel taking part in filming
Matt Hubbard, Director at Reels in Motion, said: “It’s truly an honour to have been involved in the making of this film. Being awarded the opportunity to tell the story of a city we’re so proud to work in is something we never take for granted. We knew it was important to capture the heart and soul of social housing and what it means to the people who live here, and this film encapsulates exactly that.”
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Social Housing provides a stable and affordable home for people who cannot rent or buy on the open market. This film really captures the story of our city through its social housing over the last 100 years, from the moment we became a city in 1925 through to today and our plans for the future. Schemes are already underway that will see homes retained for social rent.”
