We’re pleased to open voting for EPIC’s Charity of the Year 2026–27.
Each year, staff and tenants choose one local charity to receive our support.
Read on to find out more about this year’s shortlisted charities. When you’re ready, click here to cast your vote.
Animal Lifeline – rescuing and re-homing dogs in need
Animal Lifeline is a volunteer-led dog rescue charity based in Stoke-on-Trent. For over 40 years, they have been dedicated to rescuing abandoned and unwanted dogs and puppies across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
Operating from their kennels in Cellarhead, they provide safe accommodation, veterinary care, daily exercise, training and socialisation while dogs wait to find permanent, loving homes. Each year they rescue and re-home around 300 dogs, with more than 11,000 saved since the charity was founded.
Animal Lifeline offers vulnerable animals a second chance and helps bring joy to families through responsible re-homing.
Meir Matters CIC – supporting local people through hardship, isolation and financial pressures
Meir Matters CIC is a community-led organisation based in the heart of Meir. They provide practical support to residents facing rising living costs, food insecurity and social challenges.
Their community pantry offers emergency food parcels, fresh food and essential hygiene products throughout the week, ensuring people in crisis can access help with dignity. They also run a welcoming community lounge three days a week, offering warmth, company and advice for those experiencing loneliness or fuel poverty.
Working closely with partners such as Social Prescribers, Citizens Advice, the DWP, housing teams and mental health professionals, Meir Matters provides a “one-stop” approach so residents can access a wide range of support in one familiar place.
Compassionate and highly responsive, they play a key role in strengthening wellbeing, resilience and connection within the Meir community.
North Staffs Asperger / Autism Association (NSAAA) – providing support, community and understanding for autistic people and their families
NSAAA is a long-established local charity supporting autistic individuals and their parents and carers across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
They offer trusted advice, a helpline, parent support sessions and regular coffee mornings and evenings with guest speakers. These sessions give families the opportunity to share experiences and access guidance in a welcoming, supportive setting.
The charity also runs a wide range of clubs and social activities for different age groups, from children’s Lego and craft clubs to young adult sessions and adult social evenings. Seasonal events and holiday activities provide safe, structured and enjoyable opportunities to socialise.
NSAAA creates an inclusive, non-judgmental space where autistic individuals can feel understood and families can feel empowered and connected.
Stoke Thrive at Five – helping children get the best start in life
Thrive at Five is an early-years initiative supporting babies and children from pregnancy to age five, working mainly in Bentilee and Abbey Hulton.
They focus on improving early childhood development by strengthening the support around families. Through parent, baby and toddler groups in schools, family hubs and community spaces, they help parents build confidence, reduce isolation and support their child’s learning through play.
Their multi-agency approach brings together professionals such as Social Prescribers, health visitors, Citizens Advice and mental health specialists, ensuring families can access holistic support in one place. They also deliver programmes such as Talking Time in local nurseries to boost early language and communication skills before children start school.
Thrive at Five helps families feel connected and supported, giving children the strongest possible foundation for the future.
