The Bridge Centre’s auditorium has been praised as a “perfect” location to hold a charity’s recently held special awards night.
The Alice Charity has been a lifeline for children and families facing hardship in the community in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme since it was formed in 2011.
The Fenton based charity recently held its Hands of Hope Awards in The Bridge Centre’s main auditorium.
The Hands of Hope Awards were created to shine a light on the remarkable individuals, organisations, businesses, and families who make a meaningful difference within the third sector.
The event was a success, and the charity has already booked The Bridge Centre to host its 2027 Hands of Hope Awards ceremony.
And Sarah Sambrooks, Support Services Manager for The Alice Charity, said: “We chose The Bridge Centre auditorium as the venue for the Hands of Hope Awards because it is a true community space that reflects the spirit and purpose of the event. As a welcoming, accessible, and locally rooted venue, it embodies the values of unity, support, and collaboration that the awards were created to celebrate.
“These awards were established to celebrate the compassion, dedication, and collaborative spirit that strengthen communities and improve the lives of children and families across the region.
“They were held to recognise the often-unseen efforts of people who go above and beyond, whether through frontline support, organisational leadership, volunteering, partnership working, or personal resilience. The awards provide a platform to honour those whose actions bring hope, stability, and positive change, and to acknowledge the vital role that community-driven support plays in transforming lives.
“At their heart, the Hands of Hope Awards exist to celebrate kindness, amplify impact, and inspire others to get involved in building a stronger, more connected community.”
The Auditorium is the largest space available at The Bridge Centre and can hold 350 people theatre style or 180 cabaret style.
Sarah added: “We value The Bridge Centre because it is a true community venue — welcoming and accessible. Its atmosphere reflects the spirit of togetherness and celebration that the Hands of Hope Awards were designed to honour.
“We particularly appreciated that The Bridge Centre offered everything needed to deliver the event successfully. The auditorium provided a spacious room with a stage and an excellent sound system, ensuring the awards ran smoothly. The venue also offered ample parking, was fully accessible for all attendees, and was supported by helpful, friendly staff who contributed to a positive experience throughout.”
The Alice Charity is always in need of donations to help it run its services and its priorities in 2026 include growing community groups, enhancing early years support and deepening partnerships with local organisations to ensure families receive coordinated, wraparound care.
Sarah said: “With rising levels of child poverty and financial pressure across the region, The Alice Charity aims to increase its capacity and develop sustainable models of support that can meet these growing needs.
Through its continued dedication, the charity will remain a lifeline for families facing crisis, a champion for early intervention, and a driving force for positive change within the community.
“Alice Charity stands as a beacon of compassion, dignity and hope in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme – a community‑rooted organisation driven by the unwavering belief that every child deserves safety, joy and opportunity.”
The charity’s work focuses on meeting immediate needs while addressing the deeper challenges that can lead to long-term hardship. Through practical assistance, emotional support, and community based programmes, The Alice Charity helps families build resilience and move towards greater independence. Its approach is holistic and personalised, recognising that every family’s circumstances are unique and require tailored support.
To find out more about The Alice Charity and consider a donation visit https://alicecharity.org/
