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ESSENCE is a spectacular public art installation commissioned by Festival Stoke for Art Street 2020 and created by Artist/Sculptor Richard Redwin and Socially-Engaged Artist/Creative Producer Jodie Gibson.
ESSENCE features 12 large 3D sculpted faces made from reclaimed and recycled materials that light-up and form an art trail around Stoke town centre. ESSENCE celebrates twelve people from Stoke-on-Trent who are making a positive contribution to their community. These people might be described as change-makers, secret stars or hidden treasures; people who are putting others before themselves but as yet, have not been widely recognised for their positive actions. The twelve people featured were selected following a public nomination campaign in Dec 2019. Individually they represent the diverse ways people in Stoke-on-Trent are making a positive impact in their communities through volunteering, community activism, event organising, fundraising, mentoring and giving people in need, much valued support. Collectively they highlight the spirit and essence of Stoke-on-Trent. 
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Artists Jodie Gibson and Richard Redwin
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Angela Boote
Angie is a stalwart member of the North Midlands LGBT Older group; a peer support network combatting isolation amongst older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Angie serves as Treasurer for the charity, as well as offering person-to-person and online support. She is known for her dependability and willingness to listen and the support she offers peers is hugely valuable to those in need.
Born in Stoke, Angie moved to Kent for a career in nursing (general and mental health), before retiring and moving back to Stoke where she remains connected to healthcare through her involvement in a Critical Congress Group, (CCG); an advisory group for healthcare commissioners.
Angie is embracing an active retirement where she dances and performs with a number of local community groups, umpires cricket during the summer season and paints and sells artwork of seascapes.
Angie feels a positive community is one where people learn to get along and do things together, through which friendships can be formed between different types of people.
“I’ll help anybody me, that’s the way I am”
Angie is a stalwart member of the North Midlands LGBT Older group; a peer support network combatting isolation amongst older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Angie serves as Treasurer for the charity, as well as offering person-to-person and online support. She is known for her dependability and willingness to listen and the support she offers peers is hugely valuable to those in need.
Born in Stoke, Angie moved to Kent for a career in nursing (general and mental health), before retiring and moving back to Stoke where she remains connected to healthcare through her involvement in a Critical Congress Group, (CCG); an advisory group for healthcare commissioners.
Angie is embracing an active retirement where she dances and performs with a number of local community groups, umpires cricket during the summer season and paints and sells artwork of seascapes.
Angie feels a positive community is one where people learn to get along and do things together, through which friendships can be formed between different types of people.
“I’ll help anybody me, that’s the way I am”
De Anna Botfield
De Anna has been a volunteer for 2yrs with APPROACH, a charity who provides specialist support and advice for older people with dementia and related health issues across North Staffordshire.
Following a background working in the care sector, she finished work 16yrs ago to look after her husband of 50yrs when he became ill and was later diagnosed with dementia. De Anna nursed and cared for him until he passed away.
This personal experience combined with her drive to help others, led her to start volunteering at one of Approach’s dementia café’s as well as providing cover at other cafes and services during the holiday period or as required. De Anna’s role included preparing and serving refreshments for carers and ensuring they have an enjoyable few hours chatting with someone with lived experience.
De Anna has a colourful, warm and infectious personality that makes everyone she comes into contact with feel comforted and at ease. Nothing is too much trouble for De Anna and she is always happy to go above and beyond to support the charity and those who it supports.
“There’s no use being a shrinking violet otherwise you’re not helping anyone. They remember a smiley face rather than a miserable face… and then they come back”.
Aside from her voluntary work with Approach, De Anna also regularly supports an elderly neighbour, providing lunch and company once a week, as well as her long-standing role as a Brownie leader.
“People with dementia, if you had a word with them, they’d say… ‘I don’t know who you are on about duck’, but when they turn up at the café they say ‘oh it’s you’… especially last week when I was dressed up as an elf and they say ‘yes, I remember you from last year”.
De Anna has been a volunteer for 2yrs with APPROACH, a charity who provides specialist support and advice for older people with dementia and related health issues across North Staffordshire.
Following a background working in the care sector, she finished work 16yrs ago to look after her husband of 50yrs when he became ill and was later diagnosed with dementia. De Anna nursed and cared for him until he passed away.
This personal experience combined with her drive to help others, led her to start volunteering at one of Approach’s dementia café’s as well as providing cover at other cafes and services during the holiday period or as required. De Anna’s role included preparing and serving refreshments for carers and ensuring they have an enjoyable few hours chatting with someone with lived experience.
De Anna has a colourful, warm and infectious personality that makes everyone she comes into contact with feel comforted and at ease. Nothing is too much trouble for De Anna and she is always happy to go above and beyond to support the charity and those who it supports.
“There’s no use being a shrinking violet otherwise you’re not helping anyone. They remember a smiley face rather than a miserable face… and then they come back”.
Aside from her voluntary work with Approach, De Anna also regularly supports an elderly neighbour, providing lunch and company once a week, as well as her long-standing role as a Brownie leader.
“People with dementia, if you had a word with them, they’d say… ‘I don’t know who you are on about duck’, but when they turn up at the café they say ‘oh it’s you’… especially last week when I was dressed up as an elf and they say ‘yes, I remember you from last year”.
Theresa Conlon
“I like to help people with their special needs, because I do have special needs and I just like to help support everyone with what they are doing. I like to show everyone that anyone with special needs can help the public within the community”.
Theresa is an energetic, warm and friendly person who spends a huge amount of her time volunteering and helping others. This includes volunteering at the Samaritans charity shop in Stoke three days per week and supporting the Mitchel Arts Centre every Wednesday.
“My teachers tell me that I’ve got a new student who is a bit nervous so I volunteer to look after the new student. I make sure he is comfortable and I guide him around and show him all the spaces in college and stay with him for the rest of the week and make sure he is OK and well settled”.
In her role at the Samaritans charity shop Theresa is known for her hardworking attitude and for sprinkling her magic on everything that she does. Nothing is too much trouble for her and the shop would be lost without her.
Theresa is described by those who know her as a ray of sunshine who always looks on the bright side of life, seeing the good in everything and everyone.
“I love to feel happy and cheerful. I love to be smiling every week and every time I go to work. I often make people smile, to show them I am a happy person and friendly and I like to brighten people’s day”.
“I like to help people with their special needs, because I do have special needs and I just like to help support everyone with what they are doing. I like to show everyone that anyone with special needs can help the public within the community”.
Theresa is an energetic, warm and friendly person who spends a huge amount of her time volunteering and helping others. This includes volunteering at the Samaritans charity shop in Stoke three days per week and supporting the Mitchel Arts Centre every Wednesday.
“My teachers tell me that I’ve got a new student who is a bit nervous so I volunteer to look after the new student. I make sure he is comfortable and I guide him around and show him all the spaces in college and stay with him for the rest of the week and make sure he is OK and well settled”.
In her role at the Samaritans charity shop Theresa is known for her hardworking attitude and for sprinkling her magic on everything that she does. Nothing is too much trouble for her and the shop would be lost without her.
Theresa is described by those who know her as a ray of sunshine who always looks on the bright side of life, seeing the good in everything and everyone.
“I love to feel happy and cheerful. I love to be smiling every week and every time I go to work. I often make people smile, to show them I am a happy person and friendly and I like to brighten people’s day”.
Joe Cowen
Joe is the founder of a fundraising group called YETi, an informal group which includes three friends; Joshua Owens, Michael Colley and Ben Dox. YETi organises events to raise money for different charities and make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Joe, who runs a local gym, creates fundraising events linked to physically demanding challenges which YETi members participate in, whilst opening up opportunities and encouraging other people from diverse fitness levels to join in.
“The workout was just there so it was difficult and people would donate. The 60 minutes represented the 60 guys we lose every hour of every day to men’s suicide”.
Events have included a CrossFit workout to raise money for suicide awareness, a 24hr run around Apedale country park to raise money for Teddy, a little boy with a rare disease that needed treatment in America and most recently YETi have raised money for Pink Sisters Staffs Breast Cancer Charity.
Due to Joe’s positive and supportive approach he inspires people to rethink what is possible and in particular is a mentor and role-model for many local young people. Having come through challenges times regarding his own mental health, Joe is now motivated to put others before himself and support people in whichever way he can.
“It was good to get people to chat which is the main aim of suicide awareness…When we did these workouts in different places people were just turning up just to have a chat, which might save a life or it might help them save somebody else life… which is what it is all about”.
Joe is the founder of a fundraising group called YETi, an informal group which includes three friends; Joshua Owens, Michael Colley and Ben Dox. YETi organises events to raise money for different charities and make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Joe, who runs a local gym, creates fundraising events linked to physically demanding challenges which YETi members participate in, whilst opening up opportunities and encouraging other people from diverse fitness levels to join in.
“The workout was just there so it was difficult and people would donate. The 60 minutes represented the 60 guys we lose every hour of every day to men’s suicide”.
Events have included a CrossFit workout to raise money for suicide awareness, a 24hr run around Apedale country park to raise money for Teddy, a little boy with a rare disease that needed treatment in America and most recently YETi have raised money for Pink Sisters Staffs Breast Cancer Charity.
Due to Joe’s positive and supportive approach he inspires people to rethink what is possible and in particular is a mentor and role-model for many local young people. Having come through challenges times regarding his own mental health, Joe is now motivated to put others before himself and support people in whichever way he can.
“It was good to get people to chat which is the main aim of suicide awareness…When we did these workouts in different places people were just turning up just to have a chat, which might save a life or it might help them save somebody else life… which is what it is all about”.
Jillian Flitcroft-Hurst
Jill is the Stoke-on-Trent representative for a self-funded charitable group called Angel Hearts & Crafts Team. The group has 31 x members who connect via a Facebook group. They collectively knit and crochet items to donate to four UK hospitals for angel babies from really early miscarriages, right up to stillborn babies.
As part of her role, Jillian spends her time making tiny cribs from ice cream tubs with knitted /crochet blankets. These are donated to bereaved parents to place miscarried babies in, as this isn’t something that hospitals provide. The group also supply neo-natal with blankets for the incubators, Children’s ITU with blankets, sheets, octopi, bonding squares and special incubator hats, alongside angel gowns, hats, cardigans and memory bags.
“I can’t do it on my own, I need support from the group because I just couldn’t keep up with the demand. We supply four hospitals up and down the country, so it is a group thing, but I do it for this area”.
Additionally, Jill is the lead for Stoke and coordinates deliveries and supplies from across the country to various departments at Royal Stoke University Hospital including the Bereavement Office, Children’s Intensive Care Unit, Early Pregnancy Unit and the Neo Natal Unit.
Born in Bolton, Jillian moved to Stoke-on-Trent 25yrs ago and has worked in the NHS throughout her career, mainly as an auxiliary nurse and currently in administration at an NHS health centre. Although Jill lives with various debilitating health conditions, she continues to donate her spare time and money to self-fund and support a cause that is dear to her heart. She has also just started knitting new clothes for recycled dolls, for nursing homes for residents with dementia.
“It seems, looking at charities there’s such a lot out there but I think something like this is sort of overlooked because people don’t really think about it unless they’ve been in that situation yourself”.
Jill is the Stoke-on-Trent representative for a self-funded charitable group called Angel Hearts & Crafts Team. The group has 31 x members who connect via a Facebook group. They collectively knit and crochet items to donate to four UK hospitals for angel babies from really early miscarriages, right up to stillborn babies.
As part of her role, Jillian spends her time making tiny cribs from ice cream tubs with knitted /crochet blankets. These are donated to bereaved parents to place miscarried babies in, as this isn’t something that hospitals provide. The group also supply neo-natal with blankets for the incubators, Children’s ITU with blankets, sheets, octopi, bonding squares and special incubator hats, alongside angel gowns, hats, cardigans and memory bags.
“I can’t do it on my own, I need support from the group because I just couldn’t keep up with the demand. We supply four hospitals up and down the country, so it is a group thing, but I do it for this area”.
Additionally, Jill is the lead for Stoke and coordinates deliveries and supplies from across the country to various departments at Royal Stoke University Hospital including the Bereavement Office, Children’s Intensive Care Unit, Early Pregnancy Unit and the Neo Natal Unit.
Born in Bolton, Jillian moved to Stoke-on-Trent 25yrs ago and has worked in the NHS throughout her career, mainly as an auxiliary nurse and currently in administration at an NHS health centre. Although Jill lives with various debilitating health conditions, she continues to donate her spare time and money to self-fund and support a cause that is dear to her heart. She has also just started knitting new clothes for recycled dolls, for nursing homes for residents with dementia.
“It seems, looking at charities there’s such a lot out there but I think something like this is sort of overlooked because people don’t really think about it unless they’ve been in that situation yourself”.
Peter Herbert
Pete is well known across the city for his work, commitment and support of local arts organisations and businesses. He helps undiscovered bands and musicians through 'honeybox’, supports businesses through Coffee Connect networking events and is a true advocate for Stoke-on-Trent and the people within it.
“I grew up in a small mining town, with a very small-town mentality, so things like sexism, racism, homophobia, all those terrible things were all prevalent and people talked about them all the time, it was a natural thing. But as a young person I thought ‘that’s not right’.
Pete grew up in West Yorkshire before leaving for a career touring Internationally with large theatre productions, then making Stoke-on-Trent his home 20yrs ago. Since then Pete has become an important person in the arts and cultural sector within the City, advocating, supporting and nurturing talent and opportunities for audiences to access the arts.
“It’s not within my nature to sit back and let things that I think are wrong, happen. I think it is important to tackle these things, whatever the wrongs are”.
Pete's philosophy is based on helping others and extends across his work, his spirituality and the volunteering he delivers through his church, mentoring emerging artists and his role as a Foster parent which is has had for the past 6yrs. Pete is known for his positive attitude, ability to find humour in everything and for his relentless can-do approach.
“I think for a community to be positive, it needs to have a worldview and not an insular view. I think you always need to be open to outside influences and as long as you are open to outside influences it will remain positive. But the moment you start building walls and making it insular, I think that’s a downward spiral”.
Pete is well known across the city for his work, commitment and support of local arts organisations and businesses. He helps undiscovered bands and musicians through 'honeybox’, supports businesses through Coffee Connect networking events and is a true advocate for Stoke-on-Trent and the people within it.
“I grew up in a small mining town, with a very small-town mentality, so things like sexism, racism, homophobia, all those terrible things were all prevalent and people talked about them all the time, it was a natural thing. But as a young person I thought ‘that’s not right’.
Pete grew up in West Yorkshire before leaving for a career touring Internationally with large theatre productions, then making Stoke-on-Trent his home 20yrs ago. Since then Pete has become an important person in the arts and cultural sector within the City, advocating, supporting and nurturing talent and opportunities for audiences to access the arts.
“It’s not within my nature to sit back and let things that I think are wrong, happen. I think it is important to tackle these things, whatever the wrongs are”.
Pete's philosophy is based on helping others and extends across his work, his spirituality and the volunteering he delivers through his church, mentoring emerging artists and his role as a Foster parent which is has had for the past 6yrs. Pete is known for his positive attitude, ability to find humour in everything and for his relentless can-do approach.
“I think for a community to be positive, it needs to have a worldview and not an insular view. I think you always need to be open to outside influences and as long as you are open to outside influences it will remain positive. But the moment you start building walls and making it insular, I think that’s a downward spiral”.
Shakeela Hussain
Shakeela is a community organiser, volunteer and shining personality who is positively contributing to her local neighbourhood. Having walked into Cobridge Community Hub, just a few years ago for the first time, Shakeela has since helped out in a number of ways including establishing English language classes for adults, volunteering at the community hub as well as organising a number of successful events.
“The first thing you see is people working and you assume that this is their job, that they are getting paid to do it. What you don’t stop to think is that these are volunteers…when seeing this and finding out that most of the people are just volunteering, I thought, how good it is it that these people are taking their time out and helping others around them and there is a community out there that needs help, recognition & support. I’ve not even known or acknowledged this as a need and I’ve been living in the area for 13-14yrs. Sometimes we are blind to the needs of others even if they are in front of us.”
One example of an event is the community get-together, family fun day Shakeela organised for Eid, with the aim of involving people from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate through a process of networking, with a variety of different cultural communities.
“Me and my daughter went out with a megaphone and shouted out to everybody ‘don’t let the rain spoil it, you guys come out, bring the children, you’ll have fun, I promise rain or shine we will make it a pleasant fun filled time’… and people started coming out. I think we had 300-400 people coming and going, even though it was pouring down with rain... it was absolutely amazing”.
Shakeela moved to United Kingdom when she was 3yrs old. Aged 4 she started nursery where she quickly gained excellent English-speaking skills and by the age of 5, she was teaching her mum. This has led to a life-long interest in learning which has included her qualifying with a Bachelor of Law, alongside multiple other courses and certificates.
Shakeela has an infectious enthusiasm that helps bring people together, as well as a keenness for social justice. She has Special Guardianship of her niece and is currently a foster carer. She is an author of a children's book "We Are A Family", supports homeless people where possible and enjoys taking part actively in helping with charities where possible and has boundless compassion for people across society.
“I’ve realised there is a world out there that needs us all and we can become too busy in our own worlds, to give that world time.”
Shakeela is a community organiser, volunteer and shining personality who is positively contributing to her local neighbourhood. Having walked into Cobridge Community Hub, just a few years ago for the first time, Shakeela has since helped out in a number of ways including establishing English language classes for adults, volunteering at the community hub as well as organising a number of successful events.
“The first thing you see is people working and you assume that this is their job, that they are getting paid to do it. What you don’t stop to think is that these are volunteers…when seeing this and finding out that most of the people are just volunteering, I thought, how good it is it that these people are taking their time out and helping others around them and there is a community out there that needs help, recognition & support. I’ve not even known or acknowledged this as a need and I’ve been living in the area for 13-14yrs. Sometimes we are blind to the needs of others even if they are in front of us.”
One example of an event is the community get-together, family fun day Shakeela organised for Eid, with the aim of involving people from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate through a process of networking, with a variety of different cultural communities.
“Me and my daughter went out with a megaphone and shouted out to everybody ‘don’t let the rain spoil it, you guys come out, bring the children, you’ll have fun, I promise rain or shine we will make it a pleasant fun filled time’… and people started coming out. I think we had 300-400 people coming and going, even though it was pouring down with rain... it was absolutely amazing”.
Shakeela moved to United Kingdom when she was 3yrs old. Aged 4 she started nursery where she quickly gained excellent English-speaking skills and by the age of 5, she was teaching her mum. This has led to a life-long interest in learning which has included her qualifying with a Bachelor of Law, alongside multiple other courses and certificates.
Shakeela has an infectious enthusiasm that helps bring people together, as well as a keenness for social justice. She has Special Guardianship of her niece and is currently a foster carer. She is an author of a children's book "We Are A Family", supports homeless people where possible and enjoys taking part actively in helping with charities where possible and has boundless compassion for people across society.
“I’ve realised there is a world out there that needs us all and we can become too busy in our own worlds, to give that world time.”
Pamela Ndebele
Pamela is a care leaver who has had a huge impact mentoring young people through her work at 4U Progress, a not for profit care leaver-led movement in Stoke-on-Trent.
Pamela grew up in Zimbabwe. When her mother died, she was 9yrs old and the closest family support she had were her Aunties living in the UK. She moved to England when she was aged 10, but due to some issues within the family, Pamela was soon moved into foster care.
In her late teens Pamela moved from Berkshire to Stoke to study Law at University. She then took some time out to have her daughter, before returning to her studies and now balances her university work alongside her parental responsibilities and her work, advocacy and mentoring with 4U Progress.
“Now I go into care homes and speak to girls and boy who feel so alone, feel like there is no one around to give them comfort, to ask them ‘are you OK’, to ask how I can help”.
Despite the barriers and challenges faced by Pamela, she has worked hard to become a role model for many young people. She is passionate, hardworking and dedicated to changing the perceptions of those who have been in care.
“When I start talking and saying ‘oh I grew up in care’… it is a different response all together. It’s like ‘what you grew up in care and you’re doing this and you’re achieving that and you are driving your car’…just giving them a glimpse of hope”.
Pamela is a care leaver who has had a huge impact mentoring young people through her work at 4U Progress, a not for profit care leaver-led movement in Stoke-on-Trent.
Pamela grew up in Zimbabwe. When her mother died, she was 9yrs old and the closest family support she had were her Aunties living in the UK. She moved to England when she was aged 10, but due to some issues within the family, Pamela was soon moved into foster care.
In her late teens Pamela moved from Berkshire to Stoke to study Law at University. She then took some time out to have her daughter, before returning to her studies and now balances her university work alongside her parental responsibilities and her work, advocacy and mentoring with 4U Progress.
“Now I go into care homes and speak to girls and boy who feel so alone, feel like there is no one around to give them comfort, to ask them ‘are you OK’, to ask how I can help”.
Despite the barriers and challenges faced by Pamela, she has worked hard to become a role model for many young people. She is passionate, hardworking and dedicated to changing the perceptions of those who have been in care.
“When I start talking and saying ‘oh I grew up in care’… it is a different response all together. It’s like ‘what you grew up in care and you’re doing this and you’re achieving that and you are driving your car’…just giving them a glimpse of hope”.
Connie Nixon
Connie is a fundraiser, activist and change-agent who has established an organising group in her local community. Meir Matters focuses on providing activities, support and inclusive events in Meir, that nurture community development and bring people together.
Born in Weston-Super-Mare, Connie moved to Stoke-on-Trent when she was 11yrs old and has lived most of that time in Meir. She passionately believes that love, respect and happiness generate a positive community and actively demonstrates this through the fundraising and activities that she is involved in.
Connie has brought her neighborhood together through offering craft sessions for children, food hampers for families in need, pamper experiences for mums and bowling sessions for dads. With the support of her husband, they have given free garden makeovers to four of their neighbours, creating a safe outdoor place for the children and families to play.
“I love Meir to bits… that’s what drives me to support Meir because there isn’t much here anymore… which is why I wanted to start Meir Matters”.
Despite the physical and mental health problems that Connie endures, she is driven to create special moments for people to experience. Some of the events she has organised include a Christmas party for 40-50 families, a coach trip to the seaside and a community carnival.
Connie raises money through selling jewellery on Facebook and fundraising activity, such as shaving off her hair recently, which raised £400.
“My goal in life is to help and support the world. That’s all I want to do in life. I want people to know that there are people out there who truly care, who don’t expect anything in return and just know people do love them unconditionally”.
Connie is a fundraiser, activist and change-agent who has established an organising group in her local community. Meir Matters focuses on providing activities, support and inclusive events in Meir, that nurture community development and bring people together.
Born in Weston-Super-Mare, Connie moved to Stoke-on-Trent when she was 11yrs old and has lived most of that time in Meir. She passionately believes that love, respect and happiness generate a positive community and actively demonstrates this through the fundraising and activities that she is involved in.
Connie has brought her neighborhood together through offering craft sessions for children, food hampers for families in need, pamper experiences for mums and bowling sessions for dads. With the support of her husband, they have given free garden makeovers to four of their neighbours, creating a safe outdoor place for the children and families to play.
“I love Meir to bits… that’s what drives me to support Meir because there isn’t much here anymore… which is why I wanted to start Meir Matters”.
Despite the physical and mental health problems that Connie endures, she is driven to create special moments for people to experience. Some of the events she has organised include a Christmas party for 40-50 families, a coach trip to the seaside and a community carnival.
Connie raises money through selling jewellery on Facebook and fundraising activity, such as shaving off her hair recently, which raised £400.
“My goal in life is to help and support the world. That’s all I want to do in life. I want people to know that there are people out there who truly care, who don’t expect anything in return and just know people do love them unconditionally”.
Bernardo Pezo
Bernardo is a founder of 4U Progress, a not for profit 100% care leavers led movement in Stoke-on-Trent, providing a range of social and personal development services for care leavers and those still experiencing the care system.
As a child, when his father became suddenly ill and without any other family available to support, Bernardo was placed temporarily with a foster family. What unfolded were placements with multiple foster families and care homes and in total, 13yrs growing up within the care system.
Bernardo has now harnessed the challenges he faced and his lived-experience, to become a peer mentor, supporting young people who are leaving care, so that they can make positive decisions about their lives and constructive contributions to their communities.
His work also includes advising foster parents, city council staff and others about the best way to work with care leavers to give them the best outcomes. He passionately advocates for the rights of care leavers to be listened to, not just heard. He is adamant that the system can only change for the better, if care leavers are deeply listened to and systemic changes made accordingly.
Bernardo is a father and a committed Christian who has held various leadership positions within his church. He was a keen footballer playing for Port Vale, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra Academy, before injuries suffered from a serious car accident shifted his focus to coaching, where he is currently growing a successful squad with Stoke-on-Trent’s YMCA.
“I have now found myself, in terms of who I am…I am proud to be a care-experienced young man, who has come out of the care system, and who has come from a different country. At the same time, I’ve been able to make a success out of my life and hopefully that is going to encourage many others from my position, who have been through what I’ve been through, to use me as a reference point to show them how they can be a successful individual in life”.
Bernardo is a founder of 4U Progress, a not for profit 100% care leavers led movement in Stoke-on-Trent, providing a range of social and personal development services for care leavers and those still experiencing the care system.
As a child, when his father became suddenly ill and without any other family available to support, Bernardo was placed temporarily with a foster family. What unfolded were placements with multiple foster families and care homes and in total, 13yrs growing up within the care system.
Bernardo has now harnessed the challenges he faced and his lived-experience, to become a peer mentor, supporting young people who are leaving care, so that they can make positive decisions about their lives and constructive contributions to their communities.
His work also includes advising foster parents, city council staff and others about the best way to work with care leavers to give them the best outcomes. He passionately advocates for the rights of care leavers to be listened to, not just heard. He is adamant that the system can only change for the better, if care leavers are deeply listened to and systemic changes made accordingly.
Bernardo is a father and a committed Christian who has held various leadership positions within his church. He was a keen footballer playing for Port Vale, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra Academy, before injuries suffered from a serious car accident shifted his focus to coaching, where he is currently growing a successful squad with Stoke-on-Trent’s YMCA.
“I have now found myself, in terms of who I am…I am proud to be a care-experienced young man, who has come out of the care system, and who has come from a different country. At the same time, I’ve been able to make a success out of my life and hopefully that is going to encourage many others from my position, who have been through what I’ve been through, to use me as a reference point to show them how they can be a successful individual in life”.
Fahmida Rahman
Fahmida is a founder and leader of Stepping Stones, a well-established not-for-profit education and training academy that has been serving the community since 2001. Stepping Stones aims to give every child, young person and adult an opportunity to progress academically and socially, whilst developing self-confidence.
Whilst at Secondary school Fahmida moved from Birmingham to Stoke–on-Trent, but as a British born Asian female, experienced challenges and discrimination regarding people’s ability to connect and identify with her. Later in adulthood she observed that other young people were experiencing similar challenges and thereby saw the need for a platform whereby people from different cultures could come together and learn about one another, with the aim of creating a truly cohesive society. Together with her passion for education and helping others to achieve their potential, the idea for Stepping Stones was created.
Through the charity, Fahmida has helped hundreds of families, women and vulnerable children and young people to access education and training opportunities, mentoring and support to gain employment. She has been the first person to hold two consecutive Solidarity Events in Stoke-on-Trent, which has brought together diverse communities in order to grow a better understanding of one another. Fahmida has recently overseen a capital build project at the community centre and has generated community initiatives such as a Children's Theatre and Drama Festival; giving disadvantaged communities bespoke opportunities to try new things.
Furthermore, Fahmida is currently networking with public service organisations such as the North Staffs NHS Partnership Trust, to identify gaps in provision particularly for BAME communities.
Fahmida is mother to 7 children, a qualified teacher and has obtained a Masters Degree in Education that specializes in Leadership and Management.
“I tell my children that YOU can change the world, and you can change it right now, and that’s by YOU changing. If YOU change, everything has changed. It just takes those subtle little bits of differences that will change the bigger picture”.
Fahmida is a founder and leader of Stepping Stones, a well-established not-for-profit education and training academy that has been serving the community since 2001. Stepping Stones aims to give every child, young person and adult an opportunity to progress academically and socially, whilst developing self-confidence.
Whilst at Secondary school Fahmida moved from Birmingham to Stoke–on-Trent, but as a British born Asian female, experienced challenges and discrimination regarding people’s ability to connect and identify with her. Later in adulthood she observed that other young people were experiencing similar challenges and thereby saw the need for a platform whereby people from different cultures could come together and learn about one another, with the aim of creating a truly cohesive society. Together with her passion for education and helping others to achieve their potential, the idea for Stepping Stones was created.
Through the charity, Fahmida has helped hundreds of families, women and vulnerable children and young people to access education and training opportunities, mentoring and support to gain employment. She has been the first person to hold two consecutive Solidarity Events in Stoke-on-Trent, which has brought together diverse communities in order to grow a better understanding of one another. Fahmida has recently overseen a capital build project at the community centre and has generated community initiatives such as a Children's Theatre and Drama Festival; giving disadvantaged communities bespoke opportunities to try new things.
Furthermore, Fahmida is currently networking with public service organisations such as the North Staffs NHS Partnership Trust, to identify gaps in provision particularly for BAME communities.
Fahmida is mother to 7 children, a qualified teacher and has obtained a Masters Degree in Education that specializes in Leadership and Management.
“I tell my children that YOU can change the world, and you can change it right now, and that’s by YOU changing. If YOU change, everything has changed. It just takes those subtle little bits of differences that will change the bigger picture”.
Christine Thorley
Christine has volunteered for the past 4 years with APPROACH, a charity who provides specialist support and advice for older people with dementia and related health issues across North Staffordshire.
Following a 33yr career working in the NHS, latterly as a Senior Care nurse in Orthopedics, Christine is now retired and volunteers her time assisting at Approach's weekly day centres and at their monthly Dementia Carers Cafes.
From preparing tea and toast, to supporting group members with activities, Christine supports all aspects of the centre. Nothing is too much trouble and her help and efficiency ensures the smooth running of Approach’s services.
Christine also participates in regular fundraising activities and events; most recently through modeling clothes in a fashion show. This is another example of how Christine always gives 100% effort when supporting Approach, constantly putting others before herself and inspiring others.
Outside of her voluntary work, Christine works on her allotment and regularly enters Newcastle in Bloom where she has won awards for the past 4 years. She is also a keen gardener, cook and has recently started making her own range of Christmas cards.
“Along with many charities, Approach wouldn’t survive without volunteers. They need our help to keep going and to know the different characters that are there and to learn what is wrong with them, because each person is affected in different ways”.
Christine has volunteered for the past 4 years with APPROACH, a charity who provides specialist support and advice for older people with dementia and related health issues across North Staffordshire.
Following a 33yr career working in the NHS, latterly as a Senior Care nurse in Orthopedics, Christine is now retired and volunteers her time assisting at Approach's weekly day centres and at their monthly Dementia Carers Cafes.
From preparing tea and toast, to supporting group members with activities, Christine supports all aspects of the centre. Nothing is too much trouble and her help and efficiency ensures the smooth running of Approach’s services.
Christine also participates in regular fundraising activities and events; most recently through modeling clothes in a fashion show. This is another example of how Christine always gives 100% effort when supporting Approach, constantly putting others before herself and inspiring others.
Outside of her voluntary work, Christine works on her allotment and regularly enters Newcastle in Bloom where she has won awards for the past 4 years. She is also a keen gardener, cook and has recently started making her own range of Christmas cards.
“Along with many charities, Approach wouldn’t survive without volunteers. They need our help to keep going and to know the different characters that are there and to learn what is wrong with them, because each person is affected in different ways”.