Middleport Matters offers practical, social and environmental support for the communities of Middleport, Longport, Dalehall and Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent.

It began as a volunteer group in 2015 and became a registered charity in 2024 thanks to successful funding and grant applications as well as partnerships with other local organisations.

In 2024 Middleport Matters ran 243 regular social sessions and hosted eight large-scale events, with 162 people attending weekly sessions.

3,170 individuals received support with food, hygiene products and other essential items. At Christmas, 105 selection boxes, 30 chicken dinner bags, 150 books, 36 hampers, 50 boxes of biscuits and more than 150 toys and games were distributed to the local community.

Middleport Matters is supported by 45 formal and 294 informal volunteers who collectively contributed 3,361 hours of their time in 2024.

Additionally, 56 young people regularly attended the newly established youth program from September 2024. This year Middleport Matters is opening a new youth hub, co-designed by young people in the local community.

Ongoing activities include social sessions to help reduce isolation and foster community connections, creative workshops that promote wellbeing and environmental initiatives that encourage people to use local green spaces.

Other activities include gardening, toddler groups, family support, community fun days, youth groups, heritage sessions and canal water activities.

Middleport Matters has entered the Business in the Community category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.