Celebrating partnership success in Stoke-on-Trent: Honeycomb Group and Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Last month, Honeycomb Group Chief Executive, Julie Guildford Smith, hosted Stoke-on-Trent City Director, Jon Rouse, on a tour of Stoke-on-Trent schemes.

The two organisations have supported, partnered and collaborated together for several years, providing quality services and homes that meet the needs of local people across the city.

Following the launch of several innovative projects in 2023 and 2024, SOTCC City Director Jon reached out to Honeycomb Group to arrange a tour of new, and existing, schemes. Honeycomb Group Chief Executive Julie was delighted to host Jon and provide an insight into the Group’s latest schemes and projects.

The tour began at Honeycomb Group homelessness specialist Concrete’s latest scheme. The innovative scheme, which opened in December 2023, supports disabled men at risk of homelessness. The space includes 14 adapted ensuite rooms, uplifting communal spaces, a kitchen workshop and nurses office, alongside 24/7 staff support.

Julie Guildford Smith and Jon Rouse

The tour also included one of three domestic abuse refuges managed by Honeycomb Group’s domestic abuse specialist Glow. Last year the team received over 400 new referrals for refuge or safe community accommodation, with 118 women, men and children supported by Glow. Within the wider community 100 young people were supported through group play and activities at refuge with 133 receiving 121 support sessions.

The pair also visited a Honeycomb Group affordable homes site in Goldenhill which was completed in August 2023. The 20 new-build homes, including an adapted bungalow, 20 x 2 and 3 bed family homes and 1 bed apartments, were initially let to Stoke-on-Trent City Council residents. Going forward the homes will be let and managed by Honeycomb Group’s social landlord Staffs Housing.

The tour concluded at another Staffs Housing scheme, West End Village. The village provides independent living for those over 55 with 110 apartments. The scheme empowers residents to remain independent, with onsite facilities including a gym, hair salon, café and restaurant. Daily activities and social groups also reduce loneliness and isolation, supporting residents with their wellbeing.

Honeycomb Group Chief Executive Julie was delighted to host Jon. She said: “It was my privilege to share an insight into the incredible support provided by our Honeycomb Group teams. Many of our projects are funded through Stoke-on-Trent City Council so it was a fantastic feeling to share the impact these services and schemes are having across our local community.

“We have enjoyed a close relationship with Stoke-on-Trent City Council for many years and continue to work together to deliver services that support local people. Following the launch of our Corporate Plan in July 2024, we hope to further our relationship with the Council and extend our support in order to create Thriving Futures for more Stoke-on-Trent residents.”

Jon Rouse, City Director at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “It was great to spend time with Julie and members of her team, and to see some of the wonderful work that Honeycomb are doing in our city. Honeycomb Group are an incredibly important partner for the city council, helping us meet the needs of some our more vulnerable residents as well as providing a range of high quality, affordable homes. We are committed to doing more together going forwards.”