Our Story
How a conversation late into the night sparked a movement bringing hope and restoration to Stoke-on-Trent.
It was a cold, rainy night in North Yorkshire…
Every year, lifelong friends James and Tom visited a conference in Scarborough. In April 2016, sharing a room late into the night, they talked about their God-given calling to help those in need. Both shared visions of serving the community in a new way — providing high quality support with relationships at the core, addressing root causes rather than sticking plasters over problems.
Five months later (September 2016), James took a year out from his medical studies to get Number 11 off the ground. Months of conversations with friends, families, charities, councils, churches, and builders helped turn an idea into reality.
Tom & James (Founders)
Swan Bank Church agreed to provide a building on Chapel Lane, Burslem. But there was a major £350,000 shortfall. Funding applications were rejected or delayed, and problems cropped up left, right, and centre. Yet after members of the community, businesses, local churches, and The Methodist Church stood together, over £350,000 was raised!
In early 2018, a management group formed, hiring Dave as Centre Manager. Katie joined as Client Support Manager, and Julie joined in 2020 as Next Steps worker. On 24th May 2018, Number 11 opened its doors.
Could You Become Part of Our Story?
Whether you volunteer, donate, or partner with us, you help write the next chapter of hope in Burslem.
A Visual History
Early building work
Renovation underway
Community team
First visitors at Chapel Lane
Opening ceremony 2018
Clients laughing together