Support for residents

A group of local Blackpool residents living with long covid have created a Long Covid Support Group. The group meet via Zoom on a regular fortnightly basis and are a great place to speak to others and share experiences.

To find out more information about the next meeting please email: fairness@blackpool.gov.uk or more information can be found on their Facebook group Long Covid Fylde Coast Support Group

If you think you might be experiencing a mental health problem, there are a number of services that can help you, including your GP.

Due to coronavirus, GPs are offering telephone appointments, so you will not need to attend the surgery unless the GP tells you that a face-to-face appointment is necessary. Your GP may refer you to a more specialist service. You can also self-refer to Supporting Minds.

togetherall.com – is an online platform people aged 16 or over offers a range of help. It is free to use for Blackpool residents.

Mental health support for young people

Blackpool now has one way access children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing services.

Freephone: 0800 121 7762
Email: bfwh.options4cyp@nhs.net

Kooth, an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people aged 11 to 16, accessible through mobile phone, tablet and desktop and free to use for Blackpool residents.

Urgent mental health support

If you are in crisis and need help and support straight away you can:

• Call the mental health crisis line on 0800 953 0110
• Contact the wellbeing helpline and texting services on 0800 915 4640 or by texting 'Hello' to 07860 022846
• Dial 999 if you have harmed yourself

Further support

These organisations offer signposting and ongoing support, advice and self-help tools.

Healthier Lancs and South Cumbria

A wide ranging list of mental health support services available for adults and children in Blackpool.

Every Mind Matters

Practical advice, from how to deal with anxiety, to boosting your mood and sleeping better. Information for adults, children, young people and parents. Create your own mind plan and learn techniques to help your mental wellbeing while staying at home.

NHS talking therapies

Find out about talking therapies available through the NHS and self-refer if you need to.

Healthier Blackpool Get Vocal

Get 5 tips for better mental health and access local support services in Blackpool.

Free listening services

Samaritans are available to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call 116 123 to talk to a trained Samaritan, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.

Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19.

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.

Counselling in the community

Have you been negatively impacted by the pandemic? Would you benefit from talking about it with someone?
Blackpool Council have come together with local organisation Counselling in the Community CIO in order to provide a number of one hour counselling sessions free to Blackpool residents.

In order to be eligible you will need to be:

• A Blackpool resident
• Not currently receiving any other mental health support

If you wish to access this support you can self-refer directly to Counselling in the Community CIC by emailing your name, address and contact information to: contact@counsellinginthecommunity.com
or you can call: 01253 749722

Digital access

The Digital Blackpool project

is a brand-new pilot project funded by Blackpool Council and delivered in partnership through Blackpool Councils ICT team, library service and Groundwork. The project covers the Blackpool area and aims to improve digital access, providing residents with the equipment, skills and confidence needed to access the digital world.

The project combines digital resources both device and connectivity with community based support with devices loaned out for use at home for up to 6weeks.

To be eligible for the program, the resident must be:

• 18 years or over
• A Blackpool resident

For more information or to self-refer please don't hesitate to contact Adam on the following details: Office - 01253 362969, Mobile - 07709 505202, email:adam.beardow@groundwork.org.uk

Online library access

You can download a wide range of audiobooks and e-books for free with your Blackpool library card.

All that you need is your Blackpool library card and a compatible device with an internet connection.

More information on audiobooks and e-books

Discretionary support team

The Blackpool discretionary support scheme can provide assistance to vulnerable people who need:

• Short term emergency support
• Help to become established or maintain independence in the community

Apply for support online

We recognise how difficult the last few years have been for people and the challenges living during a pandemic have created.

Blackpool Council are proud of the work that has been achieved by our community partners and the way in which the communities of Blackpool came together during a time of need. As we start looking to the future we must not forget those more vulnerable within our communities who may require additional support to reintegrate and return back to a version of ‘normal'.

Find out more about the Covid 19: Community recovery investment fund

Discretionary support team

The Blackpool discretionary support scheme can provide assistance to vulnerable people who need:

• Short term emergency support
• Help to become established or maintain independence in the community

Apply for support online

Blackpool Food Bank

For one off short term help with food residents can be referred to Blackpool Food Bank via one of their community partners below:

• Blackpool's Voice - Suedavies@blackpoolsvoice.org
• Sacred Heart Church - sacredheartblackpool@btconnect.com Telephone:01253 620964

If you are self-isolating, you should not leave home, including for any exercise. We all know exercise is important and staying active is great for your mind as well as your body. Here are some great virtual resources you can use at home during your self-isolation:

Choose from a range of free workouts by Les Mills on their YouTube playlists from BodyCombat to HIIT and dance - check out the free online workouts directly on their channel.

Better Health is an NHS run programme with all the tools and support you need to lead an active lifestyle. They have a range of dedicated 10-minute home workouts you can try online for free.