New hands on the wheel at community hub where activities range from mental health support to art and computer sessions

Tina Kift and Jamie Tonner have taken over the roles at Layton Community House on Grenfell Avenue, which offers a programme of events and support groups as well as being open for residents to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat.

Jamie has been working at the centre since May while Tina is well-known for co-ordinating the different art groups.

Martin Mitchell, chair of Layton Community House which became a charity in 2016, said: “They’ve already shown plenty of flair and initiative and ability to connect with the house users and wider community.”

Tina said: “I have been involved with Layton Community House for quite some time now, first as participant of the basic art class and the craft group.

“I later helped to co-ordinate the class when the volunteer left. I have a great love for the house and all it stands for, so when the opportunity arose for me to become co-manager I jumped at the chance.

“I am looking forward to working with the people of Layton moving forward to serve the people of Layton’s needs.”

Jamie added: “Layton Community House is a wonderful community asset and I’m proud to be involved with it. “

Their appointment follows the departure of longstanding manager Peter Mercer in May, with Lewis Simons providing help over the last few months.

Martin added: “We’re really busy at the house. We’ve got four separate art groups from Monday to Thursday.

“On Mondays and Tuesdays we’ve got a specialist computer teacher, Lewis Simons, who’s really good at teaching his students, primarily older adults, how to become IT literate and make better use of their devices.

“We have a gardening club on Wednesday mornings and were recently ‘highly commended’ in the Blackpool in Bloom awards.”

Other activities include a drop-in service provided on Wednesdays by Blackpool Centre for the Unemployed giving advice on benefits, housing, and employment issues.

On Friday mornings baby products and hygiene products are handed out to those eligible for assistance, mainly young mums in need of baby milk, nappies and hygiene products.

Friday afternoons are given over to the Recovery Group, a mental health group organised by the council.