This year the Millfields Trust is 10 years old. Established in 1998 the organisation began trading in 1999, at a time when Stonehouse was ranked as the most deprived neighbourhood in Plymouth. In the last 10 years we have seen a period of sustained economic growth, where some people have done very well and the idea that the rising tide will float all boats has been the predominant ideology.

A lot has changed in Stonehouse since we started, and a lot has stayed the same. The neighbourhood is still ranked as the most deprived in Plymouth with some of the worst statistics in relation to educational achievement, long term unemployment and health.

Now the economic climate is cooler with most businesses finding life more difficult. Those in businesses need to re-double their efforts in order to survive and thrive. Most of all we need to re-double our efforts to ensure that we lift people out of poverty, and that we close the gap between what people in Stonehouse achieve and receive compared to other parts of the country.

The next ten years will be as challenging as the previous ten; however this Trust must work with others to ensure that when we celebrate our 20th anniversary that Stonehouse is ranked as one of the better neighbourhoods in Plymouth, only then can we believe that we have been successful.

Roger Pipe
General Manager