Stoke-on-Trent Mayor Raises £15,000 for Local Charities: what residents need to know

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-06-08 20:19 2 min read

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Former Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, has concluded his year in office by securing £15,884.49 for three community-focused organisations. The funds were generated through a series of local events and a collaborative literary project intended to benefit residents across the city.

Fundraising through community initiatives

The total sum was collected over a 12-month period. Key highlights of the fundraising efforts included a 1920s-themed afternoon tea and the publication of a children’s book authored by Councillor Lynn Watkins. The book, which provides a unique perspective on the Lord Mayor’s year in office, proved popular with local families and served as a primary driver for donations.

Beneficiaries of the Lord Mayor’s appeal

The proceeds have been distributed equally among three organisations, each selected for their service to the Stoke-on-Trent community:

Help for Heroes: The donation will support veterans with psychological wellbeing services and provide financial relief for essential household costs.
Saltbox: Funding will be directed toward the Carelink service, which provides telephone befriending for older, isolated residents, alongside the operation of five local ‘Chatty Cafes’.
National Literacy Trust Stoke-on-Trent: The contribution will facilitate the delivery of ‘Tales in the Park’ family storytelling festivals during the summer school holidays.

Reflecting on the year, Councillor Steve Watkins noted that the generosity of those who attended events and purchased the book has made a tangible difference for these organisations. Representatives from the beneficiary charities confirmed that the funds are already being integrated into their operational budgets to support ongoing services for veterans, older people, and children across the city.

Source: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

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Source check Fact-checked local report

This report is based on the official 2026 civic records regarding the former Lord Mayor's charitable fundraising outcomes.

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