News

Catch up with the latest from the Hubb Foundation!

Digging Deep for Christmas Cheer

This Christmas JCB employees have once again shown the power of generosity, gathering a record breaking 1,787 gifts as part of the company’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal. The total comfortably surpassed last year’s impressive haul of 1,700 presents, making this the most successful appeal to date. Launched in November, the appeal quickly gathered momentum, with donations flooding in from 15 collection points across JCB’s UK sites. Employees went above and beyond, contributing a wonderful variety

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Making Christmas Brighter: Rebus Training’s Ongoing Support

At The Hubb Foundation, we are continually inspired by the incredible organisations and individuals who choose to stand with us in supporting vulnerable children and families across Stoke-on-Trent. And one of those longstanding partners is Rebus Training, whose commitment to community action has made a real difference year after year. A Partnership Rooted in Compassion Rebus has supported The Hubb Foundation for several years through Christmas appeals, summer holiday food bank collections, charity raffles, the

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October of Giving: A Month of Generosity and Community Spirit

Filled with generosity, community spirit, and incredible support from local businesses, organisations, and individuals – October has been a month to remember at The Hubb Foundation. From charity runs and community events to generous cheque presentations, each gesture of support represents something much bigger, a shared commitment to helping children and families in our city to access safe, enriching, and nourishing opportunities throughout the school holidays. The Hubb Foundation exists because the need in our

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Celebrating Grace’s First Published Paper – Researching the Power of Holiday Provision

We’re delighted to celebrate Grace Podmore Baker, our PhD student working in partnership with The Hubb Foundation, whose first academic paper has just been published by Cambridge University Press, in the Journal of Nutritional Science. Grace began her PhD in 2023 with Staffordshire University, exploring the impact of The Hubb Foundation’s work on children and families across Stoke-on-Trent. Through her research interviewing teachers, analysing data, and listening to parents and children, she has seen firsthand

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A Summer of Success – HAF 2025

Summer in Stoke-on-Trent has been bursting with energy and laughter as The Hubb Foundation have once again delivered another successful Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. Across 29 days of fun, more than 28,000 activity places were offered to local children and families. From sports and adventure to arts, tech, and wellbeing, there truly was something for everyone. With 161 partners and 51 schools working hand in hand, the city came alive with creativity and

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Diwali 2025 – A Festival of Light, Community & Giving

Last year’s Diwali celebration with Indian Fusion was sold out, and with only a few tickets remaining this year, it’s clear that our community is just as excited to come together again. Doing it bigger and better this year, once again our partner Harji from Indian Fusion is the organiser behind the Diwali 2025 Charity Event – raising money for The Hubb Foundation. Following the great success of last year’s celebration, this year promises to

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Leading the Way with Bee Active’s Sports Leadership Programme

Now that this year’s Summer HAF programme has come to an end and we await the final feedback from providers and families, it feels like the perfect time to pause and reflect. Following on from the success of the Sports Leaders Level 1 Programme in 2024, Bee Active offered those young people aged 12 to 16 the chance to progress through the nationally accredited Level 2 Sports Leadership qualification, as part of the Easter HAF

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A Look Back at Holiday Activities

As we await the final feedback from this summer’s HAF programme – with providers gathering their reports and parents sharing their thoughts, we’ve taken a moment to look back at our springtime HAF, reflecting on a unique activity that made a real difference earlier in the year. Trying Something New The Spring Programme marked the first time Longton Snooker & Pool Club became part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. Instead of the

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Serving Up Good News – HAF Programme Extension

Brilliant news for families up and down the country – the Government has confirmed a £600 million investment to extend the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for another three years. Since its national rollout in 2021, HAF has been transforming school holidays by offering children from low income families access to free meals, fun activities, and safe spaces. The programme has already reached more than half a million children in the last year alone.

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From Research to Race Day: Grace Runs for The Hubb

This is the final blog in our series introducing the incredible runners taking on the Hanley Economic Potters ’Arf Marathon on Sunday 28th September 2025 in support of The Hubb Foundation. First in the series, we introduced Rebus Training team who have set themselves the bold target of clocking up a combined 500 miles. Next, we met Hettie, who has stepped well outside her comfort zone and will take on her first ever half marathon.

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Hettie’s First Half Marathon Raising Funds for The Hubb

The countdown to the Hanley Economic Potters ’Arf Marathon on Sunday 28th September 2025 is on. In our last blog, we introduced the Rebus Training team, who set themselves the ambitious goal of clocking up 500 miles in the run up to and on race day. Now it’s time to meet Hettie Williams, who is preparing to take on her very first half marathon, all in support of The Hubb Foundation. Q: What does taking

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Hettie, Grace and Team Rebus: Running for The Hubb

The Hanley Economic Potters ’Arf Marathon returns to Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday 28th September 2025, bringing with it the excitement, challenge, and community spirit the event is famous for. Known for its warm atmosphere, challenging course, and the infamous Heartbreak Hill at 11.5 miles, the ’Arf has become a highlight in the local and national running calendar. This year, among the runners, walkers, and relay teams taking part are Hettie Williams, Grace Baker, and the Rebus

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From Potteries to Heartbreak Hill: ’Arf Marathon 2025

Stoke-on-Trent is gearing up for one of its most iconic events, the Hanley Economic Potters ’Arf Marathon – returning to the streets on Sunday 28th September 2025. Known for its warm local atmosphere, challenging course, and community pride, this half marathon (or ‘arf’, as it’s affectionately known) has earned its place as a firm favourite on the national running calendar. Runners, walkers, relay teams, and junior racers will once again take on the challenge of

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Summer HAF 2025 is Here! Let the Fun Begin…

The summer holidays are here and that can only mean one thing… HAF is back! In partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and funded by the Department for Education, The Hubb Foundation is bringing together local providers to deliver the HAF programme for another summer. Open to children aged 5 to 16 (including 4 year-olds in reception) who are eligible for benefits related free school meals, this summer is set to be filled with exciting activities,

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HAF a Blast This Summer – Book Now!

Get ready Stoke-on-Trent! The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is back this summer with an exciting lineup of activities, delicious food and enriching experiences for children and young people. Running from Monday, 21st July to Sunday, 31st August 2025, the Summer HAF sessions are completely free for eligible families and promise to make this holiday one to remember. Thanks to our amazing partners, this year’s summer programme is packed with fun, food and adventures

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