Funded By: Blackpool Council – Household Support Fund (Winter 2024/25)

Project Summary

The Warm Hub was a brand-new initiative, born from a local resident’s suggestion at a PACT meeting. It came to life through the combined efforts of St. Thomas Church, Blackpool CAN, local councillors, and funding from Blackpool Council.

Held weekly at St. Thomas Church (Thursdays, 1–4 PM), the hub offered a warm, safe space with free hot soup, refreshments, and friendly faces. The church was chosen over the neighbouring Comfort Café venue, which supports a different client group, to help encourage a wider audience to stay, connect, and enjoy community.

Project Delivery & Development

• Initial funding supported delivery until the end of February, but local donations allowed us to continue for four additional weeks, finishing at the end of March.

• Early sessions were facilitated by Louise (Blackpool CAN) and Nicola (Church Warden), with the goal of nurturing volunteer involvement.

• Attendance grew from 10–12 to a consistent 20–25 per week.

• By the end of the project, five attendees had completed their Food Hygiene Certificate and began volunteering regularly, helping with refreshments and engaging other guests.

Key Outcomes

• Every attendee received a Warm Pack, including hand warmers, flasks, and useful winter items — all very well received.

• We initially aimed to support older residents, but were thrilled to welcome a diverse age group, including families with young children.

• We created special warm packs for children, helping them feel included and valued.

• The hub evolved into a space of trust, familiarity, and meaningful interaction — offering more than just physical warmth.

Personal Stories & Feedback

The heart of the Warm Hub was in the connections made and the personal progress we witnessed week by week. One attendee came in with low patience and minimal social interaction, but over time, began stepping out of her comfort zone. She completed her Food Hygiene Certificate, started volunteering weekly, and grew more open with others — serving refreshments and chatting with confidence. She shared:

“I only came to see what it was about . but I stayed because of the games, the people, and how it made me feel. It gave me a purpose — I’ve grown in confidence.”

Another regular attendee, a gentleman who initially only spoke to Nicola (our church warden), gradually began forming friendships, learned to play chess, and even started teaching others. Despite mobility issues, he visibly grew stronger and more active each week. When asked what the Warm Hub meant to him, he said:

“At home I was bored and cold — here, I have warmth and company.”

Closing Remarks

The Warm Hub started as a response to the cost of living crisis, but became something far deeper — a community lifeline, created with the community and sustained by it.

We are incredibly grateful to Blackpool Council, our partners, and our volunteers for making this project such a success.

Sustainability & What’s Next

This was the first time St. Thomas Church hosted a Warm Space, and following the success of this initiative, they have agreed that it will become an annual project.

The regular attendees expressed disappointment when the Warm Hub sessions ended. In response, they came together to discuss ideas for a follow-on group — resulting in the creation of a new community gathering called ‘Games and a Cuppa.’ The idea, including the poster design and name, was entirely developed by attendees and volunteers. The new group is set to begin after the Easter half term and will continue to offer a welcoming space focused on connection, fun, and friendship

The Family Meals Warm Hub project was created by a group of local residents who saw a need for greater community support, particularly during the colder months. The group wanted to provide a safe space for families to enjoy healthy meals, participate in fun activities, and feel supported—especially during the holiday season.

This initiative, led by the community, was focused on fostering connection, strengthening bonds, and creating a sense of unity among residents. The project ran from October to December 2024, with the ultimate goal of creating a thriving, supportive environment for everyone involved.

By utilising Tarnside Community Centre, the team also hoped to encourage future use of this valuable space by residents and community groups.

Project Objectives

The key objectives of the Family Meals Warm Hub project were:

• Provide Healthy Meals: Offer freshly prepared, nutritious meals for families, particularly those in need, during the colder months.
• Create a Welcoming Environment: Build a safe and friendly space where families can come together, enjoy meals, and engage in social activities.
• Strengthen Community Bonds: Foster a sense of unity and connection within the local community through shared experiences and support.
• Christmas Support: Provide additional support to families during the festive season by distributing Christmas food parcels.
• Maximise Community Centre Use: Make better use of the Tarnside Community Centre, encouraging ongoing community involvement in the future.

Activities:

The project consisted of several key activities that took place over a series of weekly sessions:

• Weekly Meal Sessions: Fresh, healthy meals were prepared and served each week for families attending.
• Crafts and Games: Craft activities and games were organised for children and families to enjoy together. 
• Christmas Food Parcels: At the end of the project, 7 families received Christmas food parcels to help ease the financial pressures over the Christmas period. Additionally, the project supported Care and Share with donations towards hampers for the elderly in the community.
• Christmas Party and Buffet: The final session featured a special Christmas party with a hot buffet. Raffle prizes were also distributed, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Collaborations: The project worked closely with Care and Share, who provided the hobs and helped coordinate the distribution of hampers. The team also assisted in the distribution, expanding the reach of the project to other community members.
• Winter Warm Packs: Thanks to the Groundworks Green Doctors Scheme, we were able to provide 25 winter warm packs to all children attending the project. Each pack contained hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, and hot water bottles—helping families stay warm during the winter months.

Acknowledgements:

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Blackpool Council and local ward councillors for their generous funding.
• Care and Share for providing hobs, coordinating elderly hampers, and supporting the project with donations.
• Blackpool Community Housing for hosting and their continued support, waiving room hire costs and donating weekly raffle prizes, including large prizes like an air fryer for the final week’s raffle.
• Blackpool CAN for effectively managing funds and providing valuable support to the team throughout the entire project, ensuring a smooth transition from planning to delivery.
• Groundworks Green Doctors Scheme for providing winter warm packs to help families stay warm during the colder months.

And Special thanks to Jade and the Mereside Your Community Committee for their dedication and leadership in making this project a success.

Next Steps:

Mereside Your Community plan to continue to support Blackpool Community Housing (BCH) and Helen in running the Community Hubs programme at Tarnside from January to March 2025. This will provide ongoing support and engagement for local families and individuals, ensuring that the positive impact of this project continues in the community.

The event was a heartfelt celebration of volunteerism, with over 250 attendees gathering to recognise and appreciate the efforts of those who make a difference. Ninety individuals and groups were nominated for their inspiring contributions, showcasing the diversity and impact of volunteer work across the town.

A significant highlight of the event was the presence of the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Helen Bingley, who graciously presented awards to the deserving winners. Her participation underscored the importance of community-driven efforts. Adding to the day’s energy and excitement was Hayley Kay, local radio presenter and charity patron, who generously hosted the event at no cost, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to the celebrations.

The community’s support played a vital role in the event’s success. Volunteers created thoughtful keepsakes in the form of pocket hugs, while local businesses and organisations contributed prizes for the winners. The venue was provided free of charge, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone to gather. Behind the scenes, dedicated event partners and organisers ensured every detail was meticulously planned, resulting in a seamless and memorable experience.

The event’s impact extended far beyond the day itself. By celebrating the efforts of over 90 nominees, the Big Thank You Event highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism in Blackpool. It brought together a diverse group of attendees—volunteers, community leaders, organisations, and residents—fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Local media coverage further amplified the message, inspiring others to step forward and contribute to their community.

In addition to recognising current volunteers, the event also strengthened networks within the local community. It provided a platform for collaboration, encouraging organisations and individuals to connect and share resources. Many attendees expressed newfound motivation to engage in future volunteer projects, further igniting a spirit of giving back.

A special mention goes to Cody and the Blackpool and the Fylde College students who captured the day’s essence through videography and photography, preserving the memories of this incredible celebration. Their work ensures the event’s spirit can continue to inspire others.

The Big Thank You Event was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collective effort. It celebrated not just individual contributions but the strength of a community united in its commitment to bettering Blackpool.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this tradition. The Big Thank You Event has set the stage for an annual celebration, where we can come together to honour and inspire those who give so much to our town.

Thank you, Blackpool, for making this year’s Big Thank You Event a resounding success. Here’s to many more years of celebrating our community heroes.