Working together to prevent and change homelessness in Blackpool
Blackpool Council are not alone in the efforts that support our vulnerable residents. Our campaign ‘Everyone In’ aims to help you understand the expansive work taking place.
The goal of all involved 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 to help you understand all they do to support vulnerable people.
Below is an introduction into each team taking part in the campaign, and an overview of what they do. Keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook and Twitter channels to see the 'Everyone In' awareness campaign which includes a number of videos, interviews and case studies.
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 contact the team and they will do our best to help you. See further information about services offered by Housing Options and the help available.
Street Angels
Street Angels support vulnerable people in Blackpool, they also help to make Blackpool a safer place to be in the evening.
Their dedicated volunteers provide a range of services including:
- Outreach (Monday nights)
- Weekend evening outreach - offering practical help and advice as well as basic first aid
- A shelter for adults during severe weather periods
- Angels Rest, a facility used to run a number of education and support based groups
- A recently opened new 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 assists vulnerable young people in Blackpool. Their aim is to enable and empower each person to make informed choices about issues affecting their lives; providing 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 items of clothing and lots more.
Learn more about Streetlife and the services they offer.
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, 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.
Fulfilling Lives/Addaction
A research project funded by the Big Lottery fund to create the Fulfilling Lives service in the town to help people who are experiencing homelessness, reoffending, substance misuse and mental ill health.
Their teams work with people with multiple needs and help them to access services and recognise the challenging and difficult experiences they face, on an individual basis - tailoring support to the needs of each person.
They do not offer treatment but help provide a link between services and the client to ensure they are supported in the very best ways. Once people are on board, they help them to realise their goals and aspirations, whether it is reconnecting with their family, developing new skills and interests or taking up educational, volunteering or paid employment opportunities.
Their vision is that people with multiple needs will be healthier and happier; receive better coordinated support and have access to effective recovery support and improved reintegration back in to the community. Learn more about Fulfilling Lives and the work they do across Blackpool.
UPDATE: Blackpool Fulfilling Lives completed its planned seven year long journey on 31 March 2021.The team extend their thanks to all who supported them; they have created a great legacy which will continue to go far in supporting those in need.
Blackpool libraries
Our libraries offer a range of services to vulnerable people and to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Central Library in particular hosts a number of services, in areas such as:
- Free use of all the libraries facilities (and all 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
- A designated location for discretionary loan applications
Key agencies often base sessions and support workshops within the libraries, as this is a place many of our vulnerable people will often visit. This allows a non-intrusive or enforcing path of support – where services offered are optional yet relevant.
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 and are vital for the success in lifting people out of crisis and moving forward.
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 over the age of 25 offers 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
Their Facebook page has the latest updates and useful information for residents.
Street Support
Street Support Network Ltd is a registered charity working both online and offline, connecting and supporting local people and organisations to tackle homelessness. The vision is a citizen-led network, where people with personal insight into homelessness, decision makers and people with resources co-create effective solutions together.
The Street Support website is a central place online to find out about homelessness, see what support is available, and what you can do to help.