Asha North Staffordshire and Friends of Hanley Park unite communities through social inclusion activities
Asha North Staffordshire, working in partnership with Friends of Hanley Park, continues to bring people together through meaningful social inclusion activities that strengthen community connections across Stoke-on-Trent.
One of our most recent activities saw asylum seekers and local community members come together for a litter-picking session around Shelton Cemetery. The initiative was about far more than improving the local environment — it created a shared space where people from different backgrounds could work side by side, talk, and begin to build new friendships.
Despite often coming from very different life experiences, participants quickly found common ground in a simple but powerful shared purpose: caring for their local area. As bags were filled and pathways were cleared, conversations developed naturally, helping to break down barriers and encourage mutual understanding.
The atmosphere throughout the session was friendly and welcoming. There was a real sense of teamwork and collective pride in making a visible difference to the surroundings. Small moments of connection — a conversation while collecting litter, a shared laugh, or simply working together quietly — all contributed to a stronger sense of community spirit.
These kinds of activities are an important part of our wider work. They help to create opportunities for inclusion, reduce isolation, and support positive integration experiences for asylum seekers while also benefiting the wider community.
We would like to thank everyone who took part. The time and effort given by volunteers plays a vital role in helping to build a cleaner, more welcoming environment for الجميع
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Office: 01782 363122
Godfrey Seminega, Services Manager (works full-time): seminega@asha-uk.org
Jackie Gregory, Wellbeing Co-ordinator (works part-time Tuesday, Friday and occasional Saturdays): jackie@asha-uk.org
Lydia Mugoyikazi, Women’s Club Co-Ordinator and Caseworker (works part-time Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday): lydia@asha-uk.org
Helen Ranford, Finance and Administration (works Tuesday to Friday): helen.ranford@asha-uk.org
Facinet Keita, Digital Health/IT and Unaccompanied Young People Support Worker (works Monday to Thursday): keita@asha-uk.org
Tamba Musa, Asylum Guide, Social Inclusion and Men’sSupport Worker (works Tuesday to Saturday): tamba@asha-uk.org
Charity Reg. No. 11769634 (England & Wales) Company No. CE013097
