Blackpool Carers Centre celebrates 15 years of supporting selfless helpers

Celebrations were in full swing at Blackpool Carers Centre on Newton Drive today as staff and volunteers dressed up as their 15-year-old selves to mark each year the charity has supported carers both young and old.

Faye Averton, quality director at Blackpool Carers Centre, said: "I have been here for 10 years, and for a substantial amount of time we never thought we would be as successful as we are today. We have nearly 40 people on the team and lots of volunteers as well. It has been an exciting journey.

"We work with some of the most vulnerable families in the town, through all age groups. Some of our carers come to us from the age of five. Lots of people would be quite shocked by that, but it's something we work with every day.

"These families are very strong, and they have to be with the things they deal with. One of our oldest carers is getting on to 100-years-old. We span every life stage within the service and provide different support depending on their needs."

Blackpool Carers Centre opened at Norman House, Robson Way, in 2005, providing support workers for young and adult carers.

Over the years, increased funding meant a number of new services were introduced, including links with local GP practices, dementia training, family counselling and support programmes for children living with parents with drug addictions or mental health problems.

Its first charity shop was opened in Blackpool in 2012, and another was opened in Cleveleys that same year.

In 2015, the Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust purchased the centre's current home on Newton Drive. The following year, Blackpool Carers Centre became a bustling centre of activity as it was chosen for the DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need Big Build Special. Generous volunteers poured their hearts into renovating the new building ready for its grand opening in 2017.

Since then, the centre has achieved fame throughout the town with its numerous fundraising events.

Faye said: "With the coronavirus lockdown we have had quite a few carers come through our doors for the very first time. Not just for people with coronavirus, but for people with other health conditions who have put off treatment because they fear going into hospital. Isolation as well has been a huge factor this year, ad we are picking up that side of things as well.

"This year has been a difficult year for everybody and we have had to work very differently, the team has stepped up to the challenge and we're stronger than ever.

"We can say that there will be a lot more carers in the coming months. We're seeing a great many people coming to us already. We have a busy future ahead and we have had to push the boundaries to the max, and we are prepared to do that in the future."