Get inVOLved!
Project: inVOLved
inVOLved is a collaborative project between VAST and Expert Citizens that provides small and informal, interest-based activities to local people experiencing complex and multiple disadvantages such as homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges.
These activities take place in community venues and outreach settings across Hanley and Stoke. They are flexible sessions designed to accommodate the interests, needs, and moods of those inVOLved, allowing them to dip in and out of activities as and when they feel like it.
By providing regular low-pressure micro-engagement opportunities, inVOLved will help participants to build confidence and self-esteem, gain knowledge, and develop practical skills at their own pace, all while providing a warm and welcoming safe space to meet others and strengthen social connections.
For those who would like to, there is also an opportunity to take part in some informal learning and skills development opportunities like DIY and decorating, collecting references and endorsements along the way. These will be recorded in a ‘Skills Passport’ to record the progress of their journey and feel a sense of pride and achievement.
People experiencing multiple disadvantages can often feel lonely and isolated but inVOLved offers multiple opportunities to get involved in small, meaningful, strengths-based activities that complement their existing support pathways, promote positive engagement, and to connect with others.
Who’s inVOLved?
Meet the inVOLved team
Mariana
Phil
Vicky
Monica
Ange
Who’s behind the scenes?
inVOLved is delivered by VAST and Expert Citizens but it is very much a community project with a whole host of community members, partners, venues, and organisations.
But most importantly, inVOLved is designed by those who will be accessing the programme. It’s their project and it’s been shaped by them, by their experiences, and by their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
Designed by members, for members
Initially, inVOLved was co-designed through consultation with Expert Citizens and community members. In a world Cafe event in December 2025, these members came together to discuss what the project could look like, what members want to do, see, and learn, and ultimately, what will help them to overcome the challenges they face, and ultimately, what will support them to engage with their local community, take pride in their local area, and to develop the skills they want and need for the future. You can read more about this event and it’s findings here.
Even when it comes to outcomes and impact; this is also very much led by those involved; success and progress is defined by them. Through consultations, conversations, trust building, and reflective tools, the project outcomes are based upon what participants want to learn, do, and achieve by taking part. For example:
- What a “good day” looks like.
- What they enjoy and what activities they’d like to try.
- What they’re proud of.
- What they consider “small wins.”
How can I get inVOLved?
Becoming an inVOLved community partner
If your organisation becomes an inVOLved community partner, you can help support local people who are often marginalised to reconnect with the community through the provision of micro-engagement opportunities and accessible activities.
As an inVOLved community partner, you’ll work with the project to host pre-planned creative activities and practical sessions like arts, cooking, gardening, wellbeing activities, social games, and informal learning opportunities.
- You won’t just be a venue; you’ll be a valued partner providing a safe space and welcoming environment for others.
- You’ll be championing inclusive, trauma-informed practices, and the value of lived-experience.
- You’ll be empowering others and celebrating their achievements.
- You’ll be promoting a culture of inclusion.
- You’ll be challenging perceptions.
- You’ll be reducing stigma.
- You’ll be making a difference.
If you want to get inVOLved, get in touch on 01782 683030 or email involved@vast.org.uk
How can someone I’m supporting get inVOLved?
If you are currently working with someone who is on a pathway of support, and you think getting inVOLved will help them, please get in touch.
I’m getting support and want to get inVOLved!
There are lots of reasons to get inVOLved!
You’ll be getting out and about, having fun, and meeting new people.
You’ll build up your confidence, get some useful new skills, and find some training or volunteering opportunities.
You’ll be doing something that you’re interested in – something you’ll find rewarding, something you’ll get a great sense of achievement from, and we’ll be celebrating those achievements together.
But it’s all at YOUR pace – there’s no pressure.
We’ll give you the dates and times, and you can just drop in if you feel like it.
If you want to get inVOLved, please get in touch!
You can call 01782 683030 or email involved@vast.org.uk, or visit us at Expert Citizens, Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DD
