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    Latest News 22 Mar 2023 Best smart wearables of 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More 21 Mar 2023 Gadget review: release of new Airy Pods This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More 20 Mar 2023 Long-term benefits of clean energy sources This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More 19 Mar 2023 How technology can help curb attention disorders This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More 18 Mar 2023 Entering a new era of IoT This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More 17 Mar 2023 5 most promising Fintech startups This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More

  • THE R&R CREW | Ruff & Ruby

    OUR CREW #OURCEO The team behind our urban youth charity is headed up by CEO & Project Founder Dawnie Reynolds, who has been involved in pioneering & innovating youth projects all over the UK & abroad for the last 35 years. Before founding Ruff & Ruby in 2010, Dawnie – an original ‘Stokie’ – has worked locally in education, inclusion & youth initiatives across the Potteries for 25+ years. ​ With extensive experience & expertise in her field, Dawnie continues to engage in daily ground-level youth work despite her role as Ruff & Ruby’s CEO. She is a highly acclaimed motivational youth communicator who pioneered the original UK-wide Soulsista movement & has spoken at large-scale national youth events in front of groups of up to 12,000 young people with The Message Trust, Manchester & Oasis Trust London. ​ Dawnie & the crew, along with associates & volunteers, have extensive experience delivering high-quality presentations & training for individuals & organisations looking to learn more about the needs of young people & youth culture. She is available as a motivational speaker & an MC for workshops, awards ceremonies, youth & young adult events, festivals, church services, project launches & staff training events. To check Dawnie’s availability, please contact +44 (0)7812 774632 ​ “Dawnie is not just one of the most compelling & dynamic communicators I know, but she also has a massive heart for people. It’s a winning combination & I can’t recommend her highly enough.” ​ ~ Andy Hawthorne OBE, Founder & CEO, The Message Trust "A job is something you're paid to do... a calling is something you're made to do!" The Ruff & Ruby crew are a team of incredibly creative workers & volunteers who come from a broad range of lived-experience backgrounds. Each of our members has their own story to tell, making them authentic & positive role models. We work closely together to reframe the negative messages within modern youth culture, encouraging disadvantaged young people in Stoke-on-Trent to make better lifestyle choices, raise their aspirations & realise their self-worth. We firmly believe young people should ‘stand for something, rather than fall for everything ’. #LIVEPON PURPOSE # TRUSTEES Ruff & Ruby’s senior leadership team is made up of four local trustees & a special advisor. Together, they have a comprehensive working knowledge of the criminal justice system, youth work, education, project management, finance & business, & tackling poverty. This group works alongside Dawnie & the rest of her team to deliver progressive & robust processes that place people at the heart of everything the charity does . If you’d like to learn more about Ruff & Ruby’s trustees or its annual accounts & reports, please visit our page on the Charity Commission website. # PATRONS Ruff & Ruby is blessed to have two fantastic local patrons: charity campaigner & mum of superstar Robbie Williams, Jan Williams; & Oscar-winning actor Rachel Shenton. ​ Rachel & BBC television presenter Beccy Wood both generously donate their pre-loved clothing, which can be purchased from the Ruff & Rubyrooms social enterprise in The Potteries Centre. All proceeds are invested back into the charity. YOU MATTER RUFF & RUBY urban youth charity energises, engages & empowers young people to realise their VALUE, reach their POTENTIAL & reshape their WORLD, through innovative programs & services that inspire them to BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE ​ #LIVEONPURPOSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

  • WHO ARE WE? | Ruff & Ruby

    OUR#DNA WHO AREWE Ruff & Ruby est. 2010 is more than just a Stoke-on-Trent-based homegrown youth charity. We are an urban movement of generation game-changers, legacy infusers, innovators & hustlers of culture. ​ Ruff & Ruby is a KINGS AWARD-winning urban youth charity that exists to promote positive self-worth & aspirations in young people through innovative programmes & services. ​ Our positive, asset-based approach has been designed to promote an attitude of gratitude. ​ We foster an ‘I CAN’ culture, encouraging each young person to BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE regardless of their life chances or opportunities. ​ As a faith-influenced charity, Ruff & Ruby is committed to supporting young people aged 11 & above of all faiths & no faith. OUR AIMS Our mission is to raise self-worth and aspirations in young people, acting as a positive movement for change within our city. We seek to engage, energise and empower yo ung people to believe in their INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL, LIVE ON PURPOSE, & realise that THEY MATTER . THE NEED Local government indices have identified that 31% of Stoke-on-Trent’s lower super output areas (LSOAs) are in the 10% most deprived in the UK (Indices of Deprivation/English Indices of Deprivation 2010 – Communities and Local Government). The city has also been identified by the UK Government as one of 12 Opportunity Areas (OAs) nationally, launched by the government to raise education standards and provide every child and young person in the area with the chance to reach their full potential, including a focus on the choices young people make from the age of 16. Social, mobility ‘coldspots’ (including the city centre) have been identified using the new Social Mobility Index which sets out the differences between where children grow up and their chances of succeeding in adult life. In addition, social prescribing is also high on the agenda with local GPs and healthcare professionals in the city, looking to connect patients with community activities and services. It’s estimated that around 20% of GP visits are for social problems rather than medical ones, at a cost of nearly £400 million (A Very General Practice – CAB 2015). There is a need to provide non-clinical services that can meet the social, emotional and practical needs of the community to improve health and well-being. # THIS IS HOW WE ROLL Our programmes and services include: ​ MOTIVATIONAL TED-style talks delivered by our CEO & award-winning youth communicator, Dawnie Reynolds & lived-experience Crew members. Suitable for events, festivals, churches, & fundraisers. ​ FRESH PERSPECTIVE : Multi-media topic-based Workshops for educational establishments (Year 6 primary, high schools [years 7-13], ALPs, PRUs, colleges, youth groups & community groups. ​ ​ LIVE: Our positive mental health & suicide prevention roadshow, in conjunction with MIND North Staffs mental health charity, features the story of Caitlin O Reilly & Charlie Maccas. ​ # VIP ​ #VIPMYCRIB Bedroom revamps & packs for disadvantaged young people in poverty aged 11+ ​ #VIPLOVE 1:1 Practical support & acts of kindness for girls aged 11+ ​ #VIPREDLETTERS: An affirmation postal service for young girls 11+ ​ SOUND ADVICE Music Studio / Digital Suite & a lived experience mentoring program. ​ # DESIGNYOURFUTURE ​ WORKSHOP: A 6-week x 1-hour innovative employability experience for young people struggling with low aspirations & lack of motivation. Aged 16 - 24. ​ WORK-IT: An inspiring volunteer opportunity & experience within our community hub, The Ruff & Ruby Roomz within The Potteries Shopping Centre. ​ ​ The RUFF & RUBY ROOMS An all-age retail-based community hub / social enterprise based within The Potteries Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. # SAFEGUARDING Ruff & Ruby’s lead child protection officers have been trained by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) to a Level 2 standard. Our team also works closely with The Potteries Centre’s security personnel, & both floors of the Ruff & Rubyrooms are monitored by CCTV for safety. The fast-growing SOT YOUTH COLLECTIVE was established in September 2021 by Dawnie Reynolds [Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity]. This was birthed out of a passion to see youth-focused organisations of all sizes & shapes work more effectively together promoting a ‘joined up approach’ in order to more effectively impact a generation & shape a decade of young people to be able to foster the cities legacy ‘ UNITED STRENGTH IS STRONGER ‘ promoting a joined-up approach rather than ‘silo mindset’ in order to deliver on a more effective impact. The SOTYC has now over 90 multi agencies, third sector, private, public & local voluntary organisations w orking together modelling AUTHENTIC PARTNERSHIP & GENEROUS LEADERSHIP . ​ The Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective is an all-talk, all-action purpose-driven movement for change. The network is to support & connect organisations delivering on early intervention, prevention & innovative engagement w ith young people living in Stoke-on-Trent. ​ The collective provides a platform to share good practices, resources and knowledge and to coordinate their delivery to maximise the offer for young people with a highly effective joined-up approach. OUR PURPOSE SOTYC WEB OUR AWARDS #YOUMATTER RUFF & RUBY Youth Charity promotes positive self-esteem & aspirations in young people to be ‘the best version of themselves’. #LIVEON PUR POSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

  • SOUND ADVICE | Ruff & Ruby

    SOUND ADVICE is a Music / Creative arts project, having full use of a professional music studio @ The Ruff & Rubyrooms, Potteries Centre, Hanley (next to Flannels / opposite Lush) The team is also available to deliver workshops in schools & citywide youth establishments within the community. Positive Music. Positive Message. Positive Mindset. OPENING HOURS: FRIDAY 10:00AM - 3:00PM THURSDAYS 10:30AM - 4:00PM SATURDAYS 11:30AM - 4:00PM STUDIO SERVICES - Recording - Song Writing - Music Production - DJ Workshops - Mixing & Mastering - Personal Branding & Content - Photography & Videography - Graphics & Motion Design FYI: Our studio uses Cubase / Logic Pro / Ableton Light / Akai & Ozone. STUDIO BOOKINGS The studio is FREE for individuals 11 - 18 years on a SATURDAY , as part of our Saturday community engagement, and is staffed by AJ+ (Ore) , Dom Hitchins, & female singer/rapper Destiny Espino. ​ The studio is also available on a THURSDAY for individuals, group bookings and referrals from multi-agencies. Starts from £15 per hour. TEENAGE RAP BIRTHDAY PARTIES! (Saturdays Only) We charge £60.00 for 2 hours to book the studio & technician to record & mix tracks that your teen(s) wants to make for their phone, as a birthday activity. Max 4 young people. ​ STUDIO HIRE For 18+, we hire the studio out between £15.00 & £20.00 per hour for young adults depending on the staffing required. All proceeds go directly to the work of the charity. ​ Book now by contacting us at: info@ruffandruby.com or text us at 07812 774632 ​ WORK SHOPS All of our workshops are delivered by experienced musicians , who are passionate about music and helping you to grow as an artist and find your own personal taste. SOUND ADVICE OUTCOMES This project focuses on ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS music, also delivering lived experience mentoring to support young people / young artists. This project provides a positive ‘counter-culture’ option to tackle ‘negative music influences & influencers’ that are prevalent in today’s youth culture & aims to be diversionary in nature providing positive platforms, performance opportunities & PURPOSE . BOOK NOW Looking to use the studio? Complete the form below to inquire today, and we will get back to you ASAP with further details. Complete Form If you're under the age of 18 , you will need to complete an additional form here . JAMO, 14 ‘if it wasn’t for doing Hip-Hop school with Ruff & Ruby on a Saturday I would have got into ‘bare trouble’ in the shopping centre causing chaos & stealing - my YO worker told me about it & ive been working on my ‘verse’ talented to tell my story of child abuse & being in the care system- I even designed a tee shirt to big up my mates & my city that said ‘STOKE- Swag That Other Kids Envy – R & R helped me to realise that I can turn about what happened to me for good & not hate the world cos’ of it. #YOUMATTER RUFF & RUBY Youth Charity promotes positive self-esteem & aspirations in young people to be ‘the best version of themselves’. #LIVEON PUR POSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

  • THE R&R ROOMZ - COMMUNITY HUB | Ruff & Ruby

    #THERUFF AND RUBYROOMZ The Ruff & Ruby Rooms is our award-winning community hub & social enterprise, located in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent at The Potteries Centre (next to Scotts / opposite Lush). The upper floor of the venue is also available for community use & creative engagement/activities. ​ The Ruff & Ruby Rooms is a dynamic community space which provides a place of belonging, opportunity & purpose through its retail facet, as well as creative programmes & engagements. We are open to the public currently 4 days a week for shopping, socialising, donating & relaxing. Opening times/days can be found on our Facebook page & are updated each week. ​ Creative media pieces are played in-store & our walls are decorated with artwork featuring positive & inspirational messages. We also create innovative themed window displays & slogan t-shirt campaigns, which add value to the charity’s work. ​ The Ruff & Rubyrooms delivers an engaging DESIGN YOUR FUTURE [feat. WORK IT] programme, which develops real-life employability & work-readiness skills for young people aged 16-24. We also have an innovative volunteer scheme for anyone aged 13 & above. Ruff & Ruby’s volunteers range from 13 to 65! See our ‘Get Involved ’ page for more information. # FEATURES.... SOUND ADVICE music studio & digital suite REFRESH COMMUNITY CAFÉ YOUTH AREA with Playstation, Air-Hockey, Table Football, Sofas, Games, Table Tennis & Pool Table MAKE Textile & Art Workbench CATWALK & PERFORMANCE Staging Area for Local Fashion Shows & Musicians FREE 2 PLAY Cajón Drum, Guitar, Conga's and Piano PRE-LOVED CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR ADIDAS Vintage Jackets STRENGTH ASYLUM Gymwear & Products CELEB Clothing Ranges from Oscar-winner Rachel Shenton & BBC Presenter Beccy Wood FEATURING THE CAITLIN O'REILLY FASHION COLLECTION OUR COMMUNITY HUB #YOUMATTER RUFF & RUBY Youth Charity promotes positive self-esteem & aspirations in young people to be ‘the best version of themselves’. #LIVEON PUR POSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

  • Ruff & Ruby | Urban Youth Charity

    Urban Youth Charity Stand up. Stand out. Stand with. RUFF & RUBY urban youth charity energises, engages & empowers young people to realise their VALUE , reach their POTENTIAL & reshape their WORLD , through innovative programs & services that inspire them to BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE . #LIVEON PURPOSE #THISMUSTBE THEPLACE Who are we? Join the Fam Our Projects Live to Give Connect with Us About Us Get Involved What We Do Donate Contact Supported by: To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. #YOUMATTER RUFF & RUBY Youth Charity promotes positive self-esteem & aspirations in young people to be ‘the best version of themselves’. #LIVEON PUR POSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

  • CAITLIN O'REILLY FUND - SUICIDE PREVENTI | Ruff & Ruby

    The Caitlin O'Reilly Project inspired by the life of Caitlin 1999 - 2019 #YOUMATTER RUFF & RUBY Youth Charity promotes positive self-esteem & aspirations in young people to be ‘the best version of themselves’. #LIVEON PUR POSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

  • Gadget review: release of new Airy Pods

    < Back Gadget review: release of new Airy Pods Daniel Williams 21 Mar 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

  • How technology can help curb attention disorders

    < Back How technology can help curb attention disorders Sarah Jones 19 Mar 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

  • VIP | Ruff & Ruby

    THE PROJECT "I used to feel invisible. Now I feel VISIBLE ." VIP [VALUED IMPORTANT PERSON] engages with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city, those who may be facing extremely challenging circumstances and those living in abject poverty and difficult family situations. These young people struggle with low self-esteem, contend with multiple barriers to learning and achieving, can be displaced, live in all types of deprivation, are coping with a terminal illness in the family, family breakdown, health issues, addiction and other issues that leave them feeling isolated and which affects their ability to feel motivated and significantly limits their aspirations. VIP: LOVE provides 121 ‘intentional acts of kindness’ to some of the city’s most vulnerable and marginalised young people aged 11 and over. This experience aims to demonstrate that they matter, to give value, to raise aspirations, to promote positive social experiences, to create positive memories, and to leave a positive legacy in the life of the young person who is identified as ‘in need’ or at risk’. ​ Some examples of our activities are: • Outings and day trips to places such as outdoor activity centres, nature trails, shopping experiences, the cinema, afternoon tea, animal farms, etc • Pamper sessions and personal grooming experiences • Experiences such as recording studio sessions • Practical Prom experiences including providing dresses/suits, accessories and transport. We also deliver fun activities, develop confidence & help them experience new things and make them feel positive about themselves and their futures. We also provide practical assistance and items such as clothing, toiletries & food. ​ Please click on the form below to review the criteria & make an introduction. Complete Form VIP #MYCRIB V alued I mportant P erson Many of these young people live in significantly deprived areas and in homes with extreme social and economic challenges, challenging and often traumatic circumstances, often leaving them with extremely low self-esteem, in some cases suicidal, lacking in confidence, self-worth and aspiration, and very often feeling isolated from friends and social circles. Not only are these young people dealing with some of the most difficult and heart-breaking emotional, mental and life circumstances, the majority are also living in abject poverty, in homes and in bedrooms that are in some cases unfit for living. Through VIP, we see some of the worst of the worst living conditions for young with some not even having carpets on the floor or a bed to sleep on. ​ VIP#MR CRIB bedroom makeovers ( & practical acts of kindness & support) give young people the chance to feel special, to feel valued, and listened to – that ‘they matter’ and that they are worth it. This is possible because we spend valuable time alongside them & ‘with them’ repurposing their bedroom space (& in some cases their siblings & parent(s) in need also) to infuse Hope & positivity - creating a psychologically informed environment. Please click on the form below to review the criteria & make an introduction. Complete Form RED LETTERS For our postal service "Red Letters" affirmation subscription, click the button below. (Girls 11 - 18) Learn More #YOUMATTER RUFF & RUBY Youth Charity promotes positive self-esteem & aspirations in young people to be ‘the best version of themselves’. #LIVEON PUR POSE Phone 07812 774 632 Email info@ruffandruby.com Connect

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