About this Event
#bekind is a Community Benefit Society based in Stoke-on-Trent that has pioneered the development of the Potteries Pound, which is central to their economic strategy, 'Building an Alternative Economy' that frames an approach to genuine Community Wealth Building tailored to Stoke-on-Trent's specific issues and circumstances. Both can be adapted to meet the needs and challenges that other places face, and are designed to enable community-led regeneration in post-industrial towns and cities.
The Potteries Pound is a genuine innovation. It will be the world's first digital local currency, which will take the form of a Community Benefit Token and will help to measure Community Social Value.
#bekind is working with a range of partners across North Staffordshire to develop and promote the usage of the Potteries Pound, and on 1 May 2025, we will be looking to open 'Josiah's Pantry' in the Potteries Centre in Hanley, a social hub where we will be working with partners including YMCA North Staffordshire to support and develop 125 young people - with a specific focus on care leavers - from across the area with a view to growing the social entrepreneurs of the future. Josiah's Pantry will be a destination, a place where young people can benefit from mentoring and informal learning opportunities from experts across a broad range of fields and specialisms. And it will also be a place where you will get the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the world!
And most pertinently, Josiah's Pantry will be the first outlet that will accept the Potteries Pound which will be earned into existence through volunteering, activism, and by those that help their neighbours and communities.
On 6 December 2024, #bekind - alongside the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Keele University Business School - will be bringing together the voluntary and community sector, the business community, and our local political representatives to present our plan and to present the launch of our fundraising campaign, 'The Collective Goal', which is seeking to secure £250,000 towards the Josiah's Pantry project.
Come and join us at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on Festival Park for coffee, networking, and a chance to join a Potteries people-powered revolution!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Commerce House, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
