Steph Talbot

With more than a third of residents surviving on less than £16,000 a year, Stoke-on-Trent is among the poorest areas in the UK.
And with around 10,000 people in the area relying on foodbanks to supplement their ability to feed their family and the significant reduction of support services for vulnerable families, the poverty problem is too big for a one size fits all solution says Steph Talbot, Chief Executive of the Alice Charity.
Now the Alice Charity, which works to support the least fortunate families in North Staffordshire, has launched a new appeal by reminding families that the poverty in the headlines is actually on their doorsteps.
“At Alice, we believe that help starts at home and that local families want to support vulnerable families within their own neighbourhoods, so we are launching our Family Fiver campaign,” explained Steph. “The people of North Staffordshire never fail to amaze us with their kindness and compassion and if they knew that their neighbour was hungry, or had no bed to sleep in, would want to help.”
“We are looking for people to sign up to donate just £5 a month, that is just 15p a day or the equivalent of two cups of coffee a month from the major coffee chains.
Steph added: “While we may not like to think about it, the stark message is that the poorest families are all around us in the communities of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
The Stoke-on-Trent Hardship Commission’s 2015 report said there were 60,000 people in the city living in poverty. Alice charity currently has over 400 families waiting for their support with things that the rest of us take for granted: food, beds, clothing.
“Alice Charity provides practical support and encouragement to help people develop valuable life skills and improve their chances of returning to work, education or volunteering. Our work really is a catalyst for change,” Steph continued.
Alice support families who fall through the cracks of the system. Campaigns have helped to buy carpets, furniture and cookers for families and to support parents and grand parents as they attempt to return to work.
Family Fiver builds on the success of Alice’s Fortunate 500 campaign where local businesses donate £10 a month to help up to 500 less fortunate families in North Staffordshire.
To get involved in Family Fiver, or for information on the Alice Charity, contact Sam Warrilow: [email protected]
.
ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle by phone on 0776 2043436 or email [email protected]

Notes to Editors:
The Alice Charity was founded in 2011 to provide social, emotional and practical support for local vulnerable families in need of support. The charity’s vision is to help 5,000 families by 2017.
For further information please go online to www.alicecharity.com​