Ruff and Ruby - urban youth charity

THE RUFF AND RUBY ROOMZ

The Ruff & Ruby Rooms is our award-winning community hub & social enterprise, located in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent at The Potteries Centre (next to Scotts / opposite Lush). The upper floor of the venue is also available for community use  &  creative engagement/activities.

​The Ruff & Ruby Rooms is a dynamic community space which provides a place of belonging, opportunity & purpose through its retail facet, as well as creative programmes & engagements. We are open to the public currently 4 days a week for shopping, socialising, donating & relaxing. Opening times/days can be found on our Facebook page & are updated each week.

​The Ruff & Rubyrooms delivers an engaging DESIGN YOUR FUTURE [feat. WORK IT] programme, which develops real-life employability & work-readiness skills for young people aged 16-24. We also have an innovative volunteer scheme for anyone aged 13 & above. Ruff & Ruby’s volunteers range from 13 to 65!

SOUND ADVICE

Sound Advice is a Music / Creative arts project, having full use of a professional music studio @ The Ruff & Rubyrooms, Potteries Centre, Hanley (next to Flannels / opposite Lush)

STUDIO SERVICES

• Recording
• Song Writing
• Music Production
• DJ Workshops
• Mixing & Mastering 
• Personal Branding & Content 
• Photography & Videography
• Graphics & Motion Design

FYI: Our studio uses Cubase / Logic Pro / Ableton Light / Akai & Ozone.

STUDIO BOOKINGS

The studio is FREE for individuals 11 - 18 years on a SATURDAY, as part of our Saturday community engagement, and is staffed by AJ+ (Ore), Dom Hitchins, & female singer/rapper Destiny Espino.

The studio is also available on a THURSDAY for individuals, group bookings and referrals from multi-agencies. Starts from £15 per hour.

VIP PROJECT

VIP [VALUED IMPORTANT PERSON] engages with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city, those who may be facing extremely challenging circumstances and those living in abject poverty and difficult family situations. These young people struggle with low self-esteem, contend with multiple barriers to learning and achieving, can be displaced, live in all types of deprivation, are coping with a terminal illness in the family, family breakdown, health issues, addiction and other issues that leave them feeling isolated and which affects their ability to feel motivated and significantly limits their aspirations. 

VIP: LOVE provides 121 ‘intentional acts of kindness’ to some of the city’s most vulnerable and marginalised young people aged 11 and over. This experience aims to demonstrate that they matter, to give value, to raise aspirations, to promote positive social experiences, to create positive memories, and to leave a positive legacy in the life of the young person who is identified as ‘in need’ or at risk’. 

​Some examples of our activities are:

• Outings and day trips to places such as outdoor activity centres, nature trails, shopping experiences, the cinema, afternoon tea, animal farms, etc
• Pamper sessions and personal grooming experiences
• Experiences such as recording studio sessions
• Practical Prom experiences including providing dresses/suits, accessories and transport.

We also deliver fun activities, develop confidence & help them experience new things and make them feel positive about themselves and their futures. We also provide practical assistance and items such as clothing, toiletries & food.

To find out more about VIP, please visit the website.

• Ruff and Ruby Roomz opening times/days can be found on our Facebook page & are updated each week.
• Sound Advice Open Saturdays: 11:30AM - 4:00PM