UTH City is a youth-facing app created to support young people in the community and build dynamic and hopeful communities for tomorrow.

Brought about by a collaboration between two prominent youth organisations in Stoke-on-Trent, the app is designed to offer life-changing support, trusted signposting and a safe digital space to help young people become happier, more engaged and connected in their community.

The app has been created after extensive research into the needs and challenges of young people in Stoke-on-Trent, by a collaboration between King’s Award recipients Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity and Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective (SOTYC), a consortium of 95 city-based youth organisations.

Ruff and Ruby Urban Youth Charity was founded by Dawn Reynolds, who has 25 years of experience working in the youth sector in the city, to engage and empower young people to achieve their own potential.

With a vision to be a ‘one stop shop’ for young people, the UTH City app has involved young people from day one to support its development. Through extensive research and feedback, they have carefully curated a platform that provides the personal support individuals need as well as a dynamic way for businesses and organisations to engage effectively with users.

At the top of the list of features is the Suicide Prevention button which allows a user quick and robust access to targeted support. The concept has been co-designed with local young people and a working group of mental health specialists including Crisis Care Team, NHS Young People Service, CYPISH, CAMHS, North Staffs MIND and CHANGES. This feature is unique in the UK and is specifically designed to reduce suicide rates in the young.

The app also features latest information about what’s on in the local area, from clubs to activities and help. This feature uses a location-based algorithm that gives the user quick and accurate results first time. The ‘Wotz On Where’ is closely followed by ‘Wotz Appnin’ too, which features youth events and holiday programmes that young people can get involved with.

Support is inside the app at every turn, providing a vital link between young people and those who can help. This includes areas for education and training (Bear Skillz), jobs (Graft) and apprenticeships (Boss Up).

UTH City has entered the Business in the Community and Innovation Award categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.