Piloting a Trust-Based Neighborhood Model

When we started talking about a neighbourhood pilot in Stoke, we weren’t interested in setting up another ‘hub-and-spoke’ model.

As Matt Bell put it: “We want to try a truly networked approach that emphasizes the strength of relationships.”

Instead of naming a single lead organisation, we’re inviting residents, councillors, churches, local businesses—even the local pub—into shared leadership. Karen Pilkington admitted: “I’m both excited and anxious—I don’t know if folks have the time or interest.”

But that honesty has made the process stronger. We’re going slow, listening first, and building on what’s already happening. The idea isn’t to roll out a model. It’s to co-create one that fits the fabric of the place.

One participant said: “We don’t want to create another meeting—we want to create momentum.” That feels like a guiding principle.

The Stoke pilot is helping us learn what it means to work hyper-locally, relationally, and without hierarchy. We’re still finding our way—but the journey feels promising.