Ruff and Ruby is an urban youth charity that sees itself as a movement of generation game-changers, legacy infusers, innovators and hustlers of culture.

Its mission is to raise self-worth and aspirations in young people, acting as a positive movement for change within Stoke-on-Trent.

It sets out to energise, engage and empower young people to realise their value, reach their potential and reshape their world, through innovative programs and services to inspire them to be the best they can be.

Ruff and Ruby also seeks to also bring together key stakeholders across the city to work together by being the catalyst for the Stoke-on-Trent Youth Collective.

The Ruff and Ruby Rooms is the charity’s all-age community hub, an innovative social enterprise that’s been based at The Potteries Centre in Hanley for the last nine years.

It’s an ‘open access space and place’ for anyone to just drop by, enjoy the atmosphere, engage with support services or volunteer. There’s a cafe, new and pre-loved ‘under a fiver’ clothing, as well as celebrity pre-owned clothing from charity patron Rachel Shenton and also charity supporter and BBC TV presenter Beccy Wood.

The Ruff and Ruby Rooms has a children’s stay and play area for age birth to seven years, a youth and community activity zone, art and make space, start-up incubator pods to create employment opportunities for young people, a space for training and workshops plus a music studio to inspire young people to create music with messages to foster positive mindsets.

Ruff and Ruby has entered the High Street Impact category of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.