Lockdown cash for Blackpool community groups

Six community groups in Blackpool have each received a £1,000 funding boost thanks to an initiative by Blackpool Better Start to support families during lockdown.
Coun Martin Mitchell outside Layton House, which is one of the community groups to receive fundingCoun Martin Mitchell outside Layton House, which is one of the community groups to receive funding
Coun Martin Mitchell outside Layton House, which is one of the community groups to receive funding

Better Start, a 10-year National Lottery funded programme backed by Blackpool Council, asked groups to submit proposals on how the grants could be used to help families and children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nineteen groups applied for funding, and due to demand, the scheme will be extended in the autumn.

The successful bids were

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Blackpool Coastal Housing to buy picnic benches and a mud kitchen for a children’s hostel.

Aiming Higher for Disabled Children for musical instruments to be used on Zoom music sessions that will help up to 40 children.

Aunty Social Group will provide families with a selection of craft activities to complete at home.

Blackpool Park Rangers are developing spaces in Claremont Park for the community to grow fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Daisy First Aid will provide online first-aid courses for parents of babies and young children who cannot access parent groups during lockdown.

Layton Community House is helping prevent social isolation by buying tablet devices for shielding families, and also develop the garden at the community house.

Kaleigh Whitaker, who uses services at Aiming Higher for Disabled Children, said: “My daughter Hannah is three years old and was diagnosed with autism last July.

“She likes routine and because of this lockdown has been very difficult for her.

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“Sensory stimulation really helps Hannah and the Better Start funding will be used to provide musical instruments to families with disabled children.”

Peter Mercer, manager at Layton Community House, said they had had to replace drop in sessions with virtual support during lockdown.

He added: “The funding is a godsend as it will allow us to purchase a few tablets to allow some of our elderly visitors to be in touch with family members.

“Being so isolated has affected this age group the most since lockdown.”

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Jo Smith, community engagement officer at Blackpool Better Start said: “We know that lockdown has been particularly difficult for our Blackpool community who have been unable to access their usual services so it is great to be able to support local organisations.”

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