'I want the resort to shine' - Blackpool-born Feather's Association CEO on giving back to his community

Blackpool-born charity CEO David Jones says he wants to help transform his hometown by inspiring confidence in young people and forging new opportunities.

Speaking to The Gazette about his upbringing on the Fylde coast, his personal ambitions for Blackpool and the inspiring work his charity carries out, David said: “I was born in Blackpool but raised in Thornton.

“I grew up in a very loving, working class family. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up- We loved Blackpool. I thought it was amazing, but we couldn't really afford it, so we didn't visit a lot.

“When family came to visit we'd go and it was great, but we didn't just go on a Saturday because we couldn't afford to.

“As we got into our teens we were always drawn into Blackpool. We loved it, but we knew both sides of it. We weren't naïve. There was a darker side to Blackpool and we were aware of that as well.”

After attending Millfield School in Thornton David went to college at Blackpool Sixth Form, before heading down the road to UCLAN in Preston to study International Business.

He then forged a career in public relations alongside holding various different leadership positions in UK charities. He was appointed as CEO of the Feathers Association in February 2022, and was made a Freeman of London in 2023.

Under David’s five years of stewardship the Feather’s Association has expanded out of London and to locations across the UK.

Recent celebrity endorsements from Angela Rippon and Keeley Hawes- who actually used the charity’s services when growing up- have helped to boost the Feathers’ profile.

Alongside running schemes in Welshpool and Birmingham, the Feathers Association operates schemes here in Blackpool, together with prominent local partners.

“Taking the charity national is probably what I'm most proud of because it impacts more lives,” David explained.

“We're looking actively at Blackpool and Fylde and asking what more we can do. It's about giving more young people opportunities and helping communities thrive.

"We do a programme with Blackpool Football Club at the moment, it's for children that don't ‘fit’ in mainstream schools. We allow them a space to do something, to have confidence and get involved in the club. Trying to give confidence is good."

"If they've not got an environment at home that gives them confidence, the Feathers Association gives them that confidence.

“It's about giving opportunity and confidence to younger people. We can support them with amazing opportunities, but they've got to work for it, turn up and commit to it.

"We have an unofficial little strapline in the charity, which is 'disrupt thinking'. For example, if a young person says they want to be a hairdresser, we'll ask how many salons they're going to own.

“We plant that seed because we want them to think bigger. It's about inspiring hope in young people."

Despite leaving Blackpool in the past to focus on his career, David has never stayed far away from the Fylde Coast. He splits his time between London and Lytham, where his family currently lives.

"I think you should be proud of your hometown in what you do.” David said. “There's a lot of goodwill in Blackpool and a lot of good people.

"We've had a fantastic, glorious past and it's lovely, but I think what lies ahead can be much brighter. We've got to commit to how we do that, and we've got to be honest about poverty and deprivation.

“We've got to help young people break that cycle through confidence, safe havens and positive influences. I want Blackpool to be a shining example of what we can do."

"People knock Blackpool a bit and I always defend it. We've got to bang the drum that Blackpool is investable. We've seen investment already, but we've got to look at what else we can do, create meaningful jobs and opportunities, and give people a reason to stay."