An innovative youth charity based in Stoke-on-Trent has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity has been recognised for engaging, energising and empowering young people to realise their value, reach their potential and reshape their world.
The social enterprise delivers a Design Your Future programme to develop employability and work readiness skills in 16-24s.
It is one of eight organisations from Staffordshire recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in this year’s honours – full story here.
From its all-age community hub called Ruff & Ruby Rooms in the Potteries Centre the charity also runs a WORK:IT Volunteering Scheme for anyone over the age of 13.
Ruff & Ruby aims to promote positive self-esteem and aspirations through purpose-driven programmes and services alongside a mix of volunteering and employability opportunities.
Activities include hard hitting topic-based roadshows and workshops, bedroom makeovers for young people in severe poverty, music and creative arts, lived experienced programs, 1-2-1 mentoring and solution focused life coaching, social enterprise and open access youthwork.
Representatives from the charity, which was also the catalyst for the thriving youth movement known as the Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective, will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant Ian Dudson, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, at an official presentation.
In addition, two members from charity will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Dawn Reynolds, founder & CEO, said: “We are honoured and delighted that our group’s work has been recognised – we wouldn’t be able to deliver our extensive work in the community and staff our all-age community hub without our fantastic volunteers.
“We believe in investing in ‘lived experience’ and volunteers bring their ‘No struggle, no story’ DNA to the table which we highly value.
“They work tirelessly to support young people and the wider community of Stoke-on-Trent from ages between 13 and 65. They are incredible, passionate and loyal.”
Business leaders wishing to get involved in the work of Ruff & Ruby as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility remit can email [email protected] or phone 07812-774632. The charity’s website is: www.ruffandruby.com
Congratulations on your award. Great to see such work with young people and wonderful to have it recognised,