Blackpool CAN

Project Impact Report

Blackpool CAN — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:48:00 +0000

June Dunstan, Adult Learning Manager at B&FC

Blackpool CAN — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:11:11 +0000

Adult Learning with B&FC

It’s never too late to achieve your career dream – especially when you study a career-focused course at B&FC. They offer help with funding, lots of ongoing support and timetabling that fits around your life. So what’s stopping you?

Whether your career ambitions are big or small, B&FC believe it’s never too late to achieve your full potential. There’s study support too and career guidance to make sure you’re on track to achieve your goals. At B&FC, they strive to be a college for the whole community, and they’ve made it easier than ever for you to achieve your ambitions. Maybe you’ve gone down a career path which now seems a long way from where you want to be. Or perhaps you’re always passed over for promotion and want to gain the skills to increase your chances of success. You might even struggle with the basics which you know is holding you back. Whatever you want to achieve, they’ve got a wealth of experience and expertise to help you get there.

Daniel Mountford, Funding Partnership Lead at Great Places Housing Group

Blackpool CAN — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:52:32 +0000

Fundraising Secrets

Daniel Mountford is an experienced Fundraiser with a history of working in and with civic and social organisations, currently for a leading social housing provider. He is highly skilled in corporate social responsibility, business planning, communication, bid preparation and writing. With a strong community ethos, he is professionally qualified through Bath, Cambridge and Lancaster Universities and with the Institute of Fundraising. He leads on fundraising and business development for Community Investment at Great Places Housing Group and actively seeks new collaborations as part of his role. This unique dual role sees a combination of capacity building support for 3rd sector groups as well as new contracts primarily within welfare to work.

Prof Francis Martin, Manager of R&D

Blackpool CAN — Wed, 07 May 2025 10:08:48 +0000

R&D NHS Clinical Research Centre

Professor Francis Martin has played a key role in pioneering research and serves as the Lead Manager at Patient Recruitment Centre (PRC) Blackpool, part of the NIHR-funded Biomedical Research Centre. He leads Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), an essential component of research that ensures studies are carried out with and by members of the public rather than to or for them. Through PPIE, patients and the public actively contribute their experiences, helping shape research to make it more meaningful and impactful.

GREENER COMMUNITIES VOLUNTEERS

Louise — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:59:54 +0000

Greener Communities Volunteers

Since kicking off earlier this year, Blackpool CAN’s Greener Communities team has been on a mission—and what a journey it’s been! This passionate group of volunteers may be small, but their impact is anything but!

They’ve been out and about across the town, visiting over 250 homes and installing more than 200 water butts at residential properties and community gardens. Thanks to their partnership with Blackpool Council’s Community Flood Resilience program, these efforts are helping residents save water, reduce flood risks, and take a big step towards eco-friendly living.

But the real magic? It’s in the moments. This team doesn’t just install and go—they stay for a cuppa, a biscuit, and a good natter, often sharing gardening tips and turning practical support into something genuinely personal and meaningful.

Since then, their green thumbs have also been hard at work in Stanley Park, where they’ve been restoring benches around the park to create welcoming spaces for locals to relax, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors.

And their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed—just recently, the team was honoured with an Environmental Impact Award at a local awards ceremony facilitated by a local radio station. A huge win and a well-deserved recognition for a group making real, on-the-ground change.

From saving water to strengthening community ties, the Greener Communities team is proving that a few committed people can create a big, beautiful impact. Here’s to more green spaces, more chats over tea, and a brighter, more sustainable Blackpool!

WARM SPACE PROJECT – ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH

Louise — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:00:12 +0000

Warm Space – St. Thomas Church

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

Mike Crowther, CEO of Empowerment Charity

Blackpool CAN — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:31:30 +0000

Hope for the socially excluded

Mike Crowther MBE is the Chief Executive Officer of Empowerment, a leading local charity based in Blackpool dedicated to supporting people to transform their lives. Born and raised in Blackpool, Mike has spent over 30 years volunteering and working in the charity sector, driven by an unwavering belief that change is possible for everyone. Under his leadership, Empowerment has become a beacon of hope for individuals who have faced significant challenges, including those who have experienced homelessness, imprisonment, or social exclusion. Mike is committed to giving people a second chance, ensuring that those who have been written off early in life are given the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to rebuild their futures.

At the heart of Mike’s approach is a deep conviction that every person has the potential to thrive when given the right support. He has promoted a culture within Empowerment where lived experience is valued, and those who have overcome adversity play a vital role in helping others do the same. His work has led to strong partnerships with local agencies, including the Police, Probation Service, and Prison staff, ensuring a coordinated approach to rehabilitation and empowerment. Recognised for his contribution to social justice and community support, Mike was awarded an MBE for his work in Blackpool. He remains passionate about breaking down barriers, challenging stigma, and proving that hope and belief can change lives.

Here is an image taken at the event:

Andy Charles, Director of Blackpool Pride of Place

Blackpool CAN — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:30:55 +0000

‘Business in the Community’ Gives Blackpool a Boost

Andy Charles is Director of the Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership, a public private, voluntary sector partnership that has set out a blueprint to deliver long term transformational change in Blackpool, by addressing the social challenges and developing its opportunities. It is part of Business in The Community (BiTC), the King’s Responsible Business Network, the UK’s largest and most influential responsible business network. He addressed the Fylde Coast Resilience Network on the work that Business in the Community has been undertaking in Blackpool since 2017.

Here are some images taken at the event:

FYLDE COAST RESILIENCE EVENTAndy Charles, Director of the Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership

Blackpool CAN — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:00:42 +0000

Presentation Date: 8 January 2025

The Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership is a public, private, voluntary sector partnership that has set out a blueprint to deliver long term transformational change in Blackpool, by addressing the social challenges and developing its opportunities. It is part of Business in The Community (BiTC), the King’s Responsible Business Network, the UK’s largest and most influential responsible business network. He will be addressing the Fylde Coast Resilience Network on the work that Business in the Community has been undertaking in Blackpool since 2017.

Here are some images taken of the event:

WARM HUB – TARNSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Louise — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:57 +0000

Tarnside Family Meals Warm Hub – Tuesday Night Bites

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.