Elevation & Inspiration in Stoke-on-Trent

- Written by Emily Whitehead, Business Support Officer

Ruff & Ruby founder, Dawn Reynolds said in November 2023, ‘We are truly blessed and honoured to receive The King's Award for Voluntary Service’ and then took it one
step further by delivering an inspiring event called ‘Rise’ at the Doubletree Hilton
Hotel in Etruria on April the 25th in recognition of the impact Ruff & Ruby,
alongside other volunteer organisations, have in the city for young people.

This is a double celebration as they continue their work with the help of another 4 years of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Ruff & Ruby is an urban youth charity which energises, engages and empowers
young people to realise their value, reach their potential and reshape their world,
through innovative programs & services that inspire them to be the best they can be.

Rise was an evening of inspiration and stories to showcase young people, their
achievements and triumphs as well as to celebrate the work of Ruff & Ruby and the wider Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective which brings together key stakeholders across
the city to work together easily and effectively.

The event was attended by Lord Lieutenant, Ian Dudson, patron Jan Williams
(Robbie William’s Mum), BBC presenter, Beccy Woods and patron, and actor,
Rachel Shenton joined them via video.

The purpose of the evening was to showcase the progress and impact that Ruff & Ruby has for so many young people across the city including incredible stories of
positive change around mental health and suicide prevention.

Ruff & Ruby’s music project, Sound Advice Crew performed their new track, Rise to
the delight of the audience and there were multiple small business stalls on hand for
people to buy from. There was a spectacular dance showcase to kick off the evening
by young people from Co-op Academy, Stoke-on-Trent and Ormiston Horizon
Academy.

Of course the evening was also an opportunity to fund-raise too with an auction and
raffle to help change the lives of young people across Stoke on Trent in poverty &
disadvantage. Ruff and Ruby is an entirely volunteer run social enterprise who totally
rely on fundraising and donations for their survival.

It’s clear to see the powerful and positive impact Dawn and her team have and you can find out more about how to support and share their progress at Ruff & Ruby | Urban Youth Charity (ruffandruby.com)