On September 27th 2024, the Stoke-on-Trent Pathfinder of Thrive at Five celebrated its three-year anniversary, hosted within the local community at the Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre. We had the pleasure of being joined by many local faces, organisations and VIP’s including the Lord Mayor, Cllr Lyn Sharpe, Jon Rouse, City Director of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, CEO Aida Cable, and co-founder Larissa Joy; the celebration was a real testament to the collective power of partnerships.
Since our inception we have fostered alliances across Abbey Hulton and Bentilee, mobilising collaborative efforts to improve early childhood outcomes.
This event was a chance to celebrate the invaluable role of partners, and the deep impact made within the local communities.
We celebrated our journey so far by highlighting Thrive at Five’s progress and impact over the past three years. We shared key milestone moments that showcased our expertise and collaboration with local and national organisations. These milestones include our local team enabling community events, our parent connectors playing a vital role in the community, our work strengthening practice networks through events like Thriving Babies Brains and our focus on our key workstreams.
"The reward is what we’re seeing happening with our children—us being here together, collaborating, and working together."
Aida Cable CEO, Thrive at Five
We have grown steadily, creating meaningful change with a focus on ensuring this work is embedded and sustainable for the long term This collaboration is more than managing problems; it’s about solving them together, creating the best outcomes for families.
The graphics below demonstrate the breadth of the work Thrive at Five have supported in the ward areas across the key workstreams supporting local families from pregnancy to school.
With a five-fold increase in baby and toddler groups, we have been able to support over 1,500 children, improving language skills, early development, and parent engagement.
"Thrive at Five doesn’t just work in Abbey Hulton and Bentilee; the learning we gain spreads throughout Stoke-on-Trent."
Jon Rouse City Director, Stoke-on-Trent City Council
As we look to the future, Thrive at Five is committed to continuing its work, ensuring young children thrive in their formative years. Here’s to the next three years
"We’re in it for the long term, joining arms to make this work."
Larissa Joy Co-Founder, Co-Chair, Thrive at Five