Nominations open for the return of the Totally Stoked Awards!
The time has come for local communities to submit nominations for the best and brightest voluntary organisations and community groups across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
The Totally Stoked Awards are a celebration of the local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Together with local partners and sponsors, VAST will be presenting awards to some of the most dedicated charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises—across eight categories—in recognition of their commitment to people in local communities. This is your chance to nominate those who stand out in your community, with eight categories to choose from!
- Collaboration Award: Celebrating partnerships that bring organisations, projects or businesses together to achieve more than they could alone. This award recognises the power of collaboration to strengthen communities across the local area.
- Breakthrough Award: Recognising a new organisation or project that has made a significant impact on the community. This award celebrates fresh ideas, bold thinking, and social impact.
- Alliance Award: Celebrating a non‑VCSE individual or team who champion true partnership working that crosses sectors. This award celebrates those who advocate for true co‑design and help bring different voices and perspectives together.
- inVOLve Award: Celebrating those who are making a real difference by supporting historically marginalised groups in their community. This award particularly recognises lived experience leadership and a strong commitment to EEDI.
- Changemaker Award: Recognising individuals, organisations, or projects that have overcome significant challenges or navigated significant change with resilience. This award celebrates learning, growth, and coming out stronger.
- Grounded in Community Award: Celebrating small, hyper‑local organisations that are making a big difference in their communities. This award recognises the impact, passion, and dedication of grassroots groups and hyper-local community action.
- Community Hero Award: Honouring a project, business, or individual who has made a lasting difference in their organisation or local area. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond for their community.
- Totally Stoked Recognition Award: This award recognises outstanding contribution to Stoke‑on‑ It celebrates an organisation, project, or individual who has made a truly positive impact and long-term positive change on the city.
Together, we are celebrating the people, partnerships, and projects that go above and beyond to support local communities and create lasting positive change.
At the heart of Totally Stoked is a simple belief: everyone has something to give. Whether it is time, skills, resources, or lived experience, it is this collective contribution that strengthens our communities and helps us respond to local challenges with creativity, compassion, and resilience.
The Totally Stoked Awards are all about celebrating the spirit and stories that demonstrate the incredible strength of our sector and the difference we all make to people’s lives every single day. From powerful collaborations and bold new ideas to grassroots organisations and inspiring individuals, each award shines a light on the impact being made
Lisa Healings, outgoing Chief Executive at VAST said:
“The Totally Stoked Awards are about celebrating the people, organisations and partnerships that make Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire such vibrant and resilient communities. Every day, voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations go above and beyond to support local people, tackle inequalities and create opportunities for positive change.
“Through the Totally Stoked Awards 2027, we have a unique opportunity to stand alongside these local changemakers, demonstrate their commitment to social value, and help to shine a spotlight on the incredible impact being made across our communities. Together, we can recognise those who are making a real difference and inspire even more collaboration, innovation and community action for the future.”
Andy Meakin, incoming Chief Executive at VAST said:
“It’s wonderful to be joining VAST at a time when we have the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable organisations, projects, and individuals that make such a positive difference for local people. The Totally Stoked Awards showcase the very best of our voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector, celebrating people who are driven by a passion to support others and strengthen their communities.”
Find out more and nominate here
Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship opportunities for the Totallly Stoked Awards are also available. For more information on the sponsorship packages available, please visit the VAST website or get in touch. By supporting the Totally Stoked Awards, you’ll gain meaningful visibility as an organisation that champions and invests in local communities. It’s an opportunity to align your brand with the incredible work of charities, CICs, voluntary organisations, and community groups across the area, while strengthening your commitment to social value, corporate responsibility, and positive ESG impact.
Find out more about sponsoring the Totally Stoked awards here.
For more information about the Totally Stoked Awards, please get in touch on 01782 683030 or email hello@totallystoked.org.uk.
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