What do clay, cake, table tennis and canals have in common? Here we shine a spotlight on Stoke and surrounding areas, sharing stories on how they aim to go from the 'Brexit Capital' to the Social Capital using Creativity, Culture and CounterCoin.

Many of us are facing the challenge of bringing our high streets back to life, this learning journey will focus on bringing together community champions using food, art, heritage, enterprise, volunteering and skills development to regenerate the high street and wider community. Newcastle under Lyme has been using a community led approach to create a shift in the status quo and build social and economic capital in new ways to boost the area and inspire people to act during a time of austerity. They have focused on using creative thinking, unlocking the talents of everyone, harnessing under-utilised assets and creating an alternative currency rewarding volunteering whilst boosting the local economy.

Join us in January for 2 days of ideas, energy and fresh approaches to making a difference in your area. This will also be a great opportunity to meet and mingle with social entrepreneurs from across the UK who are on the same journey as you.

Who is this for?

It is for people in Big Local and resilient communities’ areas who want to:

• Find out what social entrepreneurs are doing in other areas.
• Learn together about the challenges, pitfalls and ways to succeed.
• Find out about ways in which social entrepreneurs have addressed specific issue like inclusive and impactful volunteering, managing social enterprise cafes and catering ventures, being kind to yourself whilst supporting others, seeing strengths, assets and opportunities across communities despite adversity.

Places on this experience are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis and a detailed agenda will follow nearer the time.

UnLtd via The Local Trust will cover all reasonable travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

You will need to make your own travel arrangements, where possible.

Accomodation if required will be arranged by UnLtd.

We strongly advise you take out travel insurance. Should you be unable to attend at short notice, UnLtd cannot cover costs for cancellation.

If you would like to take part in this unique experience or have any questions, please contact:

Keely Woodley: keelywoodley@unltd.org.uk