If you want to find out the weekly schedule of events running in the virtual hubs just follow this link to the Virtual Hub Page and view the Schedule on the right of the page.

Members of Starfish Social Hub take part in a Wellbeing Wednesday workshop at the 2019 British Ceramics Biennial. Photo by Nick Cassidy, BBC Radio Stoke.

(Header image by https://www.jennyharperphotography.com)

“Square pegs and round holes – Starfish says actually, no matter what your shape is, there is a hole that fits you and Starfish helps you to find that hole”

Quote from a Stoke Social Hub member

The Connecting Choices programme is managed by Ixion Holdings, part of Shaw Trust. We believe in fairness, equality, and opportunity, and helping to build a future where rewarding employment is accessible for all.

This project is co-funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Improving social and emotional wellbeing through the Starfish Social Hubs in Stoke and North Staffs

Hello and Welcome to YOUR website. Yes, this is your space, just as the Social Hubs are YOUR hubs, and how they work is agreed with you, this website operates in the same way and will give you a space to share ideas, achievements, worries, concerns. It also gives you a space to access useful information to help you through this very difficult time we live in, and lots of activities to distract yourself from the anxiety many of you tell us you are feeling.

So, have a look around, see what we have here, register on the site by pressing on the blue button at the top of the right column. By registering you will enable us to send you updates when new stuff appears on the website including information about training and jobs if you are ready for this. Its tough for everyone at the moment, but we hope this virtual social hub and all the resources will give you something and somewhere to go. Take care of yourselves and each other and hope to see you soon at the next virtual social hub – details on the virtual hub page.

We hope it will go some way to filling the huge gap in social interaction that has been created through Covid-19.

How we aim to do this

Below you will see links to different parts of the website – just follow these, or use the menu on the top right of this page to take you to:

  • Latest news and information to help you through the current challenges
  • The Gallery with Creative Writing, Art projects, Video and Photographs sent in by members
  • A Chat room – not yet live but watch this space
  • Links to Connecting Choices Social Hub Twitter Feed and Facebook page

As part of our socialisation programme, we found a sponsor to purchase 10 ukeleles. With the help of Werrington Ukelele Band member John Swindale and his friend, we have been running ukulele sessions at the social hubs. These ukuleles are now out with members who were interested to allow them to practice their playing for when we return.