A Fairer Stockton-on-Tees

Inequality is a challenge in our Borough. Our Borough is home to around 200,000 people, with areas of places of affluence sitting alongside areas of deprivation. More than 25% of our wards are in the 10% most deprived in the country. There is a gap of up to 19 years in average female life expectancy between the most deprived and least deprived wards.

FSOT Strategic Framework

The FSOT Strategic Framework 2021-31 (PDF) [1MB] outlines five key areas of focus:

1. tackling fundamental issues across the Borough as a whole
2. reducing the inequalities faced by disadvantaged communities
3. deprived neighbourhoods/wards
4. closing the gap in outcomes for our most marginalised individuals and families
5. reviewing the impact of the Council as a major employer, commissioner and purchaser

The framework is one of the key priorities of the Council Plan.

In recent years, the rising costs of food, fuel and other essentials have combined with this existing disadvantage and vulnerability to put households under significant pressure. This leaves them at risk of hardship and poor wellbeing in the short-term and reduced opportunity in the long-term.

A Fairer Stockton-on-Tees focuses on shaping Council services and working with our partners to ensure the most vulnerable individuals and families receive the help they need to navigate these challenges.

Anti-Poverty Strategy 2024 to 2027

A Fairer Stockton-on-Tees have produced a new Anti-Poverty Strategy 2024 to 2027 which is now available to read. 

The Strategy and Action Plan have been developed with those affected by poverty who have lived experience, and in collaboration with wider Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners. Co-production has been informed by a 'bottom up' approach, ensuring that residents affected by poverty have contributed, influenced and been directly involved and engaged in formulating this work.

In 2022, our partners Catalyst secured almost half a million pounds in National Lottery funding to support the work of the Fairer Stockton-on-Tees framework. This provided funding over the next three years to address inequalities by identifying gaps in services, working with VCSE sector and statutory services to address these gaps and build volunteer support for individuals not currently accessing services in deprived communities.

Read more about Catalyst's Reducing Inequalities project on the Catalyst website.

If you or your organisation would like to get involved with our work, email fsot@stockton.gov.uk.

Community Spaces

The Fairer Stockton-on-Tees team alongside partner organisations including Catalyst, Thirteen, North Star Housing, Tees Active Leisure, and more, have built a directory of warm and welcoming community spaces across the Borough.

Community Spaces are inclusive, non-judgmental places where our residents can go to get warm, take part in activities, receive support and advice, avoid social isolation, reduce their anxiety about the cost-of-living and generally stay well.

Visit the Community Spaces page to view full details of what is on offer and where.

If you or your organisation has a suitable venue that could open its doors, the Fairer Stockton-on-Tees team wants to hear from you. Visit the Community Spaces application page to complete the online form.

Our Community Spaces have been featured by the Local Government Association as an example of great work done to support residents - you can read about it on the Local Government Association's case study webpage.

Here to Help Hub

These are difficult times with the price of energy, food and other bills rising steeply. Many people are finding it tough to keep up with the cost of living.

If you are struggling with money, it's important to remember that you're not alone and that help is available to support you.

Our Here to Help hub contains information and resources in a 'one stop shop' that covers energy saving schemes, welfare assistance, benefits guidance, employment and training advice, and support for families.

Here to Help events

Working with the Community Partnerships and VCSE partners, we are bringing a wide range of Council services and organisations under one roof to guide residents to the right support for their needs. From money worries and health concerns to just wanting to explore their local community, our Here to Help events can offer advice and support tailored to the resident.

Visit the Here to Help webpage for locations, dates and times.

The Bread and Butter Thing

The Bread and Butter Thing is an organisation that provides high-quality, low-cost food for everyone. Jointly funded with Thirteen Housing Group, we now have five The Bread and Butter Thing hubs across Stockton-on-Tees. Find out more on The Bread and Butter Thing webpage.

Databank

The Fairer Stockton-on-Tees team is supporting several Council services and partner organisations that work with vulnerable individuals and families to provide free mobile data, calls and texts.

Digital exclusion means people cannot access vital online public services, stay connected with family and friends, or get the health, housing, education or employment information they need.

We're currently distributing data vouchers and SIM cards to people and families in need across Stockton-on-Tees who may be in financial difficulty, refugees or asylum seekers, homeless or care leavers.

Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world. Their free courses can be accessed at any time and cover lots of topics including starting to use the internet, using email, safety and security online, managing your money and more.

Please be aware that there are many scams operating online, visit the Friends Against Scams website for the latest information where you'll also fine free online scam awareness training.

This work is supported by the Good Things Foundation.

Our Learning and Skills Service offer a wide range of computing and digital skills suitable for beginners to advanced learners, no matter what your ability - there is a course to suit you. Call 01642 527904 for an informal chat or book an initial assessment.