However, due to a growing team and support network, 40 people have so far received help in not just improving digital and social skills, but also gaining work placements and employment.

The Community Interest Company has collaborated with more than 25 businesses and charitable organisations, as well as working with The Spark Group, Black Business Society and Staffordshire Jobs and Careers, Job Centre, Innov8 Agency and social media marketing firm Narrative Social.

The organisation has also expanded with the hiring of a project manager, two coordinators and a part time marketing executive, as well as hiring two interns in recent months.

“PPE is all about supporting young people on their own career journeys and unlocking doors in which they can learn from experts to become experts in their own field,” said Paul Smith, who is a co-founder of PPE.

“When we were successful with the National Lottery Community Fund in 2023, we had a target to support 30 people in our first year, and we have already surpassed that, which is testament to the team we have and also the relationships we have with other community groups and organisations such as the local authorities in the area, schools, colleges and universities.

“To be able to collaborate on a wider scale allows for more opportunities for young people in Stoke-on-Trent – which is most important for the future – and we will continue to welcome more organisations to work with us to enable for more positive change.”

Johnathan Smith, Manager of PPE, added: “In the last 12 months we have formed great relationships with local businesses who have provided, not just work placements, but employment and have also given their time to be guest speakers at workshops – which has been great for the people we are supporting.”

PPE has also hosted sustainability workshops for schoolchildren and university students in partnership with The Spark Group and Climate Training following Awards For All funding.

The workshops have taken place at Staffordshire University’s Catalyst Building, with a third session due to take place at the same venue on 12 July, where young people, local businesses and entrepreneurs will be invited to attend.

Paul said: “We have ran two very successful sessions at Staffordshire University’s Catalyst building, which have not only provided an educational aspect, but also introduced young people to different career opportunities and have been supported by local councillors and other businesses.

“Our third workshop on 12 July, will see young people, local businesses and young entrepreneurs attending, as we continue to develop our network to support the young people of Stoke-on-Trent.”

To continue with their commitment to providing wider opportunities for the community, with thanks to support from the Big Green Fund – PPE are set to work alongside CIC’s, The Spark Group and The Mondrem Group, as well as Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Climate Training, to turn a disused piece of land near to their Meir hub, into a community garden in the coming months.

Plans are also in place for a one year anniversary celebration event on 30th August 2024.

Visit PPE here – https://www.ppecommunity.org/