In a city known more for deprivation and drug headlines than for hope, something powerful is happening behind the doors of a former hostel in Stoke-on-Trent. At Adullam Lifehouse, crisis is being turned into community—and lives are being rebuilt from the inside out.
Led by Manager Amanda Stevenson and a tight-knit team of just 14, the Lifehouse is home to 64 residents at a time, offering not just a roof over their heads, but a new way forward. It wasn’t always like this. The building used to carry a difficult reputation—locals associated it with antisocial behaviour, and even some support services kept their distance. But in 2020, when Adullam stepped in, things began to change.
And change they did. In 2024–25 alone, 288 residents moved on from the Lifehouse—252 of them into independent living. That’s an incredible 87.5% success rate, compared with 56% before the turnaround began. And it hasn’t happened by accident.
The secret? Coproduction, community spirit, and care that actually listens.
At the Lifehouse, residents don’t just sleep there—they shape the place. When rooms were redecorated, it was the residents who chose the colours and the bedding. When policies needed reviewing, like their approach to drug use, residents sat down and rewrote the documents with staff. It’s a place where everyone gets a say, and that changes everything.
Take Coproduction Week, for example. Held in March, it featured a new theme every day—like sexual health, drugs awareness, and neighbourhood connections. Local councillors, the city’s MP, and external agencies came in to chat, listen, and share space with the people who live there. One of the most impactful moments? A former addict and counsellor sharing his recovery journey over lunch with residents—raw, real, and deeply inspiring.
Learning is a big part of the Lifehouse ethos, too. In the past year alone, 15 residents signed up for Maths and English, eight completed first aid courses, and 12 explored mental health training. These aren’t just tick-box qualifications—they’re about confidence, direction, and future-proofing people’s independence.
But the work doesn’t stop at the front door. The Lifehouse is now an active part of the local community. Residents regularly head out on litter picks, helping improve the neighbourhood and repair relationships with nearby residents. Staff are now part of Stoke’s Homelessness Forum, contributing ideas and connecting with other services. And there’s a powerful partnership with the Prince’s Trust at Stoke College—where young people facing challenges of their own now help with decorating, gardening, and gaining hands-on experience at the Lifehouse. It’s win-win.
None of this would work without the team behind it. Staff wellbeing isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of the model. Everyone gets personalised training in trauma-informed care, safeguarding, and incident management. A new chill-out area gives them a break from the intensity of the work, and new benefits have been introduced to help with retention and morale. After all, caring for others starts with caring for the team.
What makes Adullam Lifehouse special isn’t just the numbers—though they’re impressive. It’s the culture. This is a place where people are listened to, trusted, and encouraged to play a part in their own journey. It’s a space that says, “You matter,” and then proves it.
In one of England’s hardest-hit areas, the team at Adullam has created something rare: a service that not only houses people—but heals them. One conversation, one meal, one freshly painted room at a time.
