Working together to prevent and change homelessness in Blackpool
Blackpool Council are not alone in the efforts and expansive work that supports our vulnerable residents.
Our collective goal is to help people get back on their feet, and into a situation where they are safe, healthy and happy; whilst Blackpool Council, charities and partner agencies focus collaboratively and work effectively together.
A few of the agencies and charities that offer support and services have kindly given an us an insight into their work over on our YouTube channel to help you understand all they do to support vulnerable people. Below is an introduction into each team and an overview of what they do.
Housing Options
Housing Options is a one-stop service for local people to provide housing related advice and work hard to prevent homelessness. This can be through communicating with landlords about quality of accommodation, support with housing applications, financial advice and support and emergency housing to name a few.
If you are experiencing difficulties with any of the following please get in touch with the team. See further information about services offered by Housing Options.
Street Angels
Street Angels support vulnerable people, and help make Blackpool a safer place in the evening.
Their dedicated volunteers provide a range of services including:
- Outreach (Monday nights) - food help for those struggling
- Saturday evening outreach in the town centre - offering practical help and advice as well as basic first aid
- Angels Restoration - a facility used to run a number of education and support based groups
- An emergency bed unit in partnership with Blackpool Council
You will often find them on the streets in bright yellow jackets labelled Street Angels.
Learn more about Street Angels and their range of services.
Streetlife
Streetlife is an organisation which helps vulnerable young people in Blackpool. Their aim is to empower each person to make informed choices about issues affecting their lives.
They provide support for those up to the age of 26, including a day centre and a night shelter, which serves as emergency accommodation for those who need it most.
Drop-in events and life skills sessions take place regularly where specialist workers are available for advice and support. There’s hot food available, showers, internet access, food parcels, donated clothing items and more.
Learn more about Streetlife.
Renaissance at Horizon
The Renaissance team, part of the Horizon service, offer a free, confidential and professional drugs, alcohol and sexual health support service for Blackpool.
A wide range of service are provided, such as:
- A drug and alcohol assertive outreach team who work across Blackpool to support those in need, explain services available and offer support, working with clients in a variety of settings
- Help with managing and reducing drug and or alcohol misuse
- Support for those in medical settings such as The Harbour and Blackpool Victoria Hospital
- Signposting / supporting medical treatment for those who may be particularly vulnerable, or in need of urgent medical care
- Dedicated housing support, directly from the Housing Options base
Get more information about the Renaissance Team and the Horizon service.
Blackpool libraries
Our libraries offer a range of services to vulnerable people and to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Services include:
- Free use of all the libraries facilities (and all libraries across town)
- Granting memberships to those with ‘no fixed abode’, allowing them to borrow books, access computers and gain digital access support where needed
- Trained and knowledgeable library assistants who can signpost and share information about a number of key agencies vulnerable people may wish to contact
- Help with completing discretionary loan applications
Key agencies often base sessions and support workshops in our libraries. This allows vulnerable to get help in a relaxed, community setting.
View further information and a timetable of services offered at Blackpool libraries.
Salvation Army, The Bridge Project
The Bridge Project has two main components - a drop in centre and a series of educational programmes. Both work hand in hand to lift people out of crisis and help them move forward with their lives.
Since 2002, Salvation Army staff and their essential local volunteers have served the homeless and vulnerable adults in Blackpool through the project.
The day centre for homeless people aged 26 and over, offering advice on finding accommodation, training and education. Sessions are held with nurses, drug and alcohol workers, mental health workers and local council services. IT classes are held and facilities include showers, laundry and a clothing store.
Attendees can also grab a bite to eat at lunch. Learn more about The Bridge Project at The Salvation Army.
Blackpool Food Bank
Blackpool Food Bank provide emergency food parcels through local frontline agencies, to support families and individuals in Blackpool and the surrounding areas who find themselves in financial crisis and are unable to afford food.
If you would like to donate to Blackpool Food Bank, or are in need and would like to enquire about emergency food parcels please get in touch via email info@blackpoolfoodbank.co.uk
Visit their website or Facebook page for the latest updates and information.