On this site you will find information which will help you to live at home as independently as possible.
You will find information and links to other organisations in Blackpool which may be able to help and support you at home. You will also be able to down load information about local services from the publications section on the right hand side of this page.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please fill in a Blackpool Signpost form and we will send you the information you need.
Contents
Social and Leisure Activities
An important part of staying well is having an active social life and contact with your friends and family.
Blackpool Council Leisure Services run a number of events which will help to keep you active and meet new people. Click here for information on local sports and activities, click here for details of Adult and Community Learning Courses and click here for details of local arts and cultural events.
Blackpool Library Service has a wealth of books, information and activities. Click here for further details of the services they offer. The library service can also tell you about local social groups and special interest groups.
If you have time to spare, think about getting involved in volunteering. Many local organisations depend on volunteers to deliver their services. Contact the Volunteer Centre for information about what is on offer.
Staying Well
If you are worried about your health you should visit your Doctor and discuss your concerns. If you want to know more about specific illnesses or are looking for advice on how to manage a particular illness or long term condition you will find all you need to know at NHS Choices. There may be a local support group which will be able to put you in touch with people who know what you are going through and can help and support you.
You can also go to the Walk-in Centre on Whitegate Drive for medical advice.
For emergency dentistry, tel 01253 301600.
Getting Out and About
Being able to travel to visit friends and relatives, attend appointments, go to classes or get to the shops is an important part of every day life.
The Blue Badge Scheme provides a national arrangement of on-street parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers so that they can park close to their destinations. The scheme also applies to registered blind people and people with severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive a vehicle but cannot turn a steering wheel by hand. To apply for a Blue Badge contact Customer First, Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1NF. Tel: 01253 477477.
Motability is a national charity which oversees the Motability Scheme which helps disabled people to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter by using their government funded mobility allowances.
If you are resident in Blackpool and are aged 60 or over, or have a disability, you will be eligible for a NOW card to use on local bus and tram services. For information on local public transport timetables and journey planning contact Travelline on 0871 200 2233.
A number of the local buses have level access. There is space for only one wheelchair on each bus if you cannot transfer to a bus seat or your wheelchair cannot be folded. You can contact Metro Coastlines on 01253 473001 for advice on wheelchairs suitable for use on their buses.
If you find it difficult or impossible to use conventional buses, Rideability provides a door to door transport service using lift equipped mini buses suitable for carrying wheelchairs. The service operates 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Passengers must give at least 48 hours notice when booking a journey. Telephone 01253 293300.
If you need assistance to get on or leave a train, or to get around a railway station you can phone ahead for someone to help you. Contact National Rail Enquiries (0845 748 49 50) and tell them your route and they will be able to advise you who to contact. The service is free but it is advisable to phone at least 24 hours in advice and the earlier you make contact the better the service is likely to be.
Most local taxi firms have wheelchair accessible or easy access cabs available. You need to give them clear information about your particular needs so that they can send the right car for you.
Maximising your Income
Having enough money is an important part of keeping well and staying independent but many people do not claim all that they are entitled to. Go to Gov.uk for general information on the benefits available and help with taxes and managing money.
The benefits system can be complicated but there are a number of organisations in Blackpool which can advise you about what is available and help you to make a claim. Advice Link is a network of advice services which holds regular community events across Blackpool. Alternatively you could contact Blackpool Citizen's Advice Bureau or specialist service providers such as Age Concern (Tel 01253 622812).
If you are looking for work the local Job Centres Plus will be able to help and advise you. You can access the national Jobcentre Plus website for general information about looking for work and the support that they can give, including access to training.
If you are looking for a new career or want to brush up on old skills there are a number of local training agencies in Blackpool you can find their details in Yellow Pages. Click here to see what Blackpool and the Fylde College has to offer.
Maintaining your Home
Keeping you home in good order is important for your health. If you need any work done on your house - from decorating to roofing - have a look at the Safe and Secure Directory of trusted Blackpool traders.
Blackpool's Home Improvement Agency, Care and Repair, provides a range of services to help older people and people with disabilities to live in comfort, warmth and security.
Keeping your home warm can sometimes be difficult. Click here for information and advice.
Housing
You may decide that your current home is becoming too much to manage or no longer fits your lifestyle. You can contact the Council's Housing Advice Service on 01253 477760 to discuss your housing choices.
In Blackpool, the council and some Housing Associations provide sheltered and extra care housing for vulnerable people who need some on-site support to help them live as independently as possible.
The Council has access to a range of supported living schemes for people with mental health problems, a learning disability or physical disabilities. If you are interested in any of these services you will need to get in touch with Social Services to arrange for an assessment. It may take some time to find a suitable home for you.
Equipment for Daily Living
Sometimes the simplest piece of equipment can make a great difference to the way we live our lives. If you are having problems with everyday tasks, answer the simple questions in AskSARA , the Disabled Living Foundation's free, on-line, self assessment service, for tips on how you can make things easier to do and equipment that may be helpful. Click here to down load a list of local providers of equipment.
If you are considering an expensive piece of equipment (such as a stair lift) or making alterations to your home (for example building an extension or installing a level access shower) you can ask for an occupational therapist to visit you. They will look at what you are able to do and what you find difficult and recommend the right equipment or changes to your home to make your life easier. You can ask for a referral through your Doctor or contact Social Services Direct.
Help in the Home
Practical help with cleaning and shopping may be all that you need to help you to live comfortably at home. A list of local providers of these services is available in our Publications List. Click here to download a copy.
For information and advice on dealing with daily living tasks that you find difficult click here to access AskSARA, the Disabled Living Foundation's free on-line self-assessment tool.
You can arrange to receive help with personal care in your own home either independently or through the Council (subject to our eligibility criteria). Contact Social Services Direct for information on local providers.
If you live on your own Vitaline may be helpful. Vitaline is one of the UK’s most advanced monitoring centres and offers a range of services that are designed to keep you safe in your own home and able to live an independent lifestyle. Based in Blackpool, Vitaline’s friendly and approachable team is on hand every minute of the day - every day of the year. Assistance packages are designed to meet your needs and come at a very affordable price.
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