In 2023, we asked a simple question: What if loneliness could be replaced with friendship?

From that question, the Hubb Club was born.

Funded through the government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, Hubb Club set out to tackle isolation in Stoke-on-Trent—one conversation, one smile, one shared moment at a time. We partnered with five incredible local charities and recruited volunteers who believed that small acts of kindness could spark big changes.

And they did.

Over cups of tea and doorstep chats, through phone calls and community events, Hubb Club became a lifeline for those who felt forgotten. Volunteers didn’t just show up—they showed care. They helped with shopping, offered a listening ear, and encouraged people to step back into the world with confidence.

The results speak for themselves:

• 45 volunteers joined our mission (more than double our goal).

• 176 people rediscovered connection and independence.

• Friendships were formed, skills were shared, and lives were transformed.

Hubb Club proved that combating loneliness isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about human connection. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm drink and a chat to remind someone they matter.

Want to see the impact for yourself?

Watch the Hubb Club story on film →