Tunstall Together CIC – Community Group of the Year nomination
Tunstall Together CIC – Community Group of the Year nomination
Less than a year after it was launched, Tunstall Together CIC is already improving the town and the lives of its residents.
Successes include securing funding, opening an office, bringing volunteers on board and creating a safe and happy space for members of the community to spend time.
Founder Kyle Smallwood explained: “We started in September 2025 with zero pence in the bank. People have trusted in the vision. We moved into an office in January and had to find the first month’s rent. The landlords have taken a chance and believe in us.
“We’re all about action so we’ve been asking what the problems are, what’s on people’s minds and what we can do to really make a difference and put pride back into Tunstall.”
Kyle has secured National Lottery Awards for All funding which means Tunstall Together has a base for the next 18 months.
He has also brought on board 23 active members of all ages and backgrounds who support the group’s projects around Tunstall. Active volunteers include Dot Matthews and Sue Viggars.
The CIC now has a physical location, a website to connect people with support organisations and charities, a social hub and is out and about in the town staging events and improving whatever it can.
Recent projects have included wrapping children’s books and leaving them in the community for families to find.
There will be a day of action on August 26 and heritage talks and walks are being planned.
“I haven’t done it alone,” said Kyle. “I’ve listened to what the community and our members want. It’s easy to moan but this is all about connecting people.
“I’m just bursting with pride to see where we’re taking this and the people who are actively involved.
“One organisation can’t do everything but we’re reaching out to as many other organisations as we can.”
Tunstall Together CIC has been nominated in the Community Group of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Sarah Jones said: “Kyle set up Tunstall Together CIC to help to make Tunstall the town it used to be. Within its first year he has opened up an office with safe space, a social coffee shop and community hub and work is underway to renovate other areas of Tunstall. He’s worked tirelessly despite health issues to build Tunstall back up.”
Kyle added: “Tunstall has its problems but rather than being negative we’re coming up with positive solutions.”