We’re incredibly proud to share that our Executive Lead, John Webbe, has been recognised for his outstanding work with Emmaus North Staffs through the High Sheriff of Staffordshire Awards 2025.
John has played a key role in the development and growth of our charity since we launched in 2017, driven by a shared mission to end furniture poverty in Stoke-on-Trent and the wider area. His commitment and leadership have now been formally acknowledged with an award for “Great and valuable service to the Community,” presented by the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Julia Mitchell, during a special ceremony at the Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 28 March.
Being recognised in the High Sheriff Awards is a true honour for John and for all of us at Emmaus North Staffs. We’ve always believed in supporting others and creating positive change in our community. It was that same belief that inspired John to establish our charity in Stoke-on-Trent, with valuable support from our colleagues in Bolton.
Since then, we’ve grown into a thriving organisation. Through our Furniture and Home Emporium in Hanley, we help provide quality furniture and household essentials to individuals and families who might otherwise go without.
In 2022, we launched our Beds for Kids campaign. This initiative has allowed us to deliver hundreds of brand new bed bundles to local children without a bed of their own—totalling around £80,000 in support over the past year alone.
John was one of 37 individuals recognised at this year’s ceremony, alongside groups like the Fenton Doers, Disability Solutions, and the Mitchell Arts Centre.
High Sheriff Julia Mitchell praised the extraordinary people and organisations she has met across Staffordshire, saying she was honoured to celebrate their efforts—especially in Stoke-on-Trent’s beautiful Jubilee Hall, during the city’s Centenary year.
Stoke-on-Trent’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, also expressed her pride in the local community and noted how pleased she was to see the awards hosted in the city during such a special year. As one of her chosen charities, we’re honoured that Emmaus North Staffs was recognised alongside other outstanding local groups.
We’re truly grateful for this recognition of John’s leadership and for the continued support we receive from volunteers, partners, donors, and our local community. Together, we’ll keep working to combat furniture poverty and help improve lives across North Staffordshire.
To learn more about what we do, visit: https://emmaus.org.uk/north-staffs