Trailblazing change starts here – let’s grab It with both hands

This week, something extraordinary happened for our city. Ubberley and Bentilee – proud communities at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent Central – were named one of just 25 Trailblazer Neighbourhoods in the country.

The new Labour Government has backed us with £20 million of long-term investment to support community-led regeneration. This is not another short-term scheme or empty promise. It’s serious, sustained funding over 10 years – announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her first major spending review – and it’s designed to do things differently.

This isn’t about Whitehall deciding what’s best for us. It’s about us – residents, families, volunteers, youth workers, faith groups, local businesses – deciding what our community needs, and leading the change ourselves.

That’s why together weneed Stoke-on-Trent City Council, community groups, and every resident in Ubberley and Bentilee to seize this opportunity. We can set a national example of how a community can lead its own renewal. Let’s show what Stoke-on-Trent can do when given the tools and the trust.

Trailblazer Neighbourhoods were chosen because they face significant social and economic challenges. Let’s be honest – for too long we’ve seen local assets neglected, community spirit stretched, and opportunities disappear.

But these neighbourhoods are full of people who care deeply about where they live, who support one another, and who want better – for their children, their neighbours, and the next generation.

This is a Government that understands real change starts from the ground up. Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, said this funding will “support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement, and strengthen social cohesion.” That’s exactly what we need here.

But let’s be clear: money alone doesn’t build stronger communities. People do.

If we want lasting change, we all need to be part of it. That means showing up to meetings, sharing your ideas, volunteering, and speaking up.

I’ll do everything I can in Parliament and here in Stoke-on-Trent to support this effort. I’ve already spoken to city council leaders, urging them to act quickly and boldly. We need momentum from day one. This is not the time for slow starts or top-down bureaucracy – it’s a time for energy, creativity, and community ownership.

We’ve got a chance to make Ubberley and Bentilee a national example – not just of regeneration, but of community-led change. That kind of success gets noticed. It gets replicated. That’s how Stoke-on-Trent becomes known for its resilience, not its problems.

So here’s my challenge to every resident: get involved.

Your ideas and experiences matter. Whether you’ve lived here for 60 years or six months, you have something to contribute. This is your neighbourhood. This is your chance.

There’s already fantastic work happening in the area and here are just a few examples.

Thrive at Five has made a strong impact, helping families create positive home learning environments and build confidence in the early years. Local partnerships have been key.

At St Stephen’s, dedicated staff and volunteers run trusted, engaging sessions that have made the church a hub for early years support.

Ten Count Boxing Gym CIO also plays a crucial role – providing a welcoming space for dads and male carers to connect, build relationships, and learn how to support their children’s development.

These efforts show what’s possible when local people work together to understand needs and drive improvements.

So let’s build on this momentum. Let’s invest in our green spaces, community centres, young people, and local services in ways that reflect our own priorities. Let’s celebrate our culture and heritage, support local businesses, and make our streets safer and more welcoming.

The next few months will set the tone for the years ahead. Let’s make sure Stoke-on-Trent hits the ground running.

Because this isn’t just a £20 million investment in bricks and mortar. It’s a vote of confidence in us. Let’s prove we’re worth it.