Blackpool Together - local help and support through the cost-of-living crisis

A town-wide community response to help Blackpool residents through the cost-of-living crisis continues to provide much needed help and support.

A town-wide community response to help Blackpool residents through the cost-of-living crisis continues to provide much needed help and support.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

‘Blackpool Together’ is a collaborative effort by local community groups, charities and organisations to signpost residents to the various sources of help and support that is available - through the council and a wide ranging number of partners.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

From support with food, fuel and money to community group activities and warm hubs - there is a lot available to help those who may be struggling in the current climate.

Echoing the community spirit shown during the COVID pandemic, the community is really pulling together again in Blackpool.

In September, an initial meeting was held with a range of groups, services, charities and organisations to see what could be done to co-ordinate and communicate the support that is available to those in need. A few weeks later that support was pulled together, working under the #BlackpoolTogether umbrella.

To communicate the offer to residents, an eight-page booklet has been delivered to all Blackpool households which outlines a range of services, events and sessions being held across the town.

Being mindful of how important the information could be for many local people, some of whom may not have regular access to the internet, there is also a range of telephone, in-person and online ways to see what support is available.

Councillor Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Public Safety, Highways and Transport said: ‘’'Blackpool Together‘ grew out of local organisations coming together back in September, as we all wanted to find ways to support our local community through the winter months. We’ve been overwhelmed by the offers from a wide range of fantastic community partners, from warm hubs and food provision to skills workshops and events - there’s a huge offer of programmes and services now available for people in Blackpool.

‘’To date we’ve provided over £500,000 of funding for 33 projects in the local area. We hope this provision continues to expand and significantly helps those families and individuals struggling in the current times.’’

Dr Arif Rajpura, Blackpool Council Director of Public Health added: ‘’Blackpool Together is a town-wide response to support our residents during some really testing times. I urge residents to attend one of the drop-in events in the new year to hear about all the support that is on offer.

‘’Local service providers will be there who are able to share knowledge with anyone who may be struggling this winter with mental health, wellbeing or finances. There is so much advice and support in the area that we’ve collated both online and delivered directly to Blackpool households. We want to make sure we have a multi-agency approach so that we can share this information with those most in need.’’

There are a number of ways residents can see what support and help is available in Blackpool:

Visit the dedicated Blackpool Together area on the council website at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/Together

Telephone 0808 175 3379 between 10.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday

Have a chat in person by visiting either Empowerment Charity, Bispham Road - Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, or the Volunteer Centre, Abingdon Street - Monday to Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm*. 

Come along to the next drop-in information event on Friday 13 January 2023, 10.30am to 2.00pm at St John's Square, Blackpool

Pop into a local library or community centre to get signposting information

Follow the council, and any local community groups, services and organisations on social media for the latest updates

*Please check opening times and any season changes with providers before visiting any venues listed.