Blackpool Council promises to do 'everything in its power' to help those in need after dozens pictured queuing for food outside soup kitchen

Blackpool Council has assured the community that it is doing 'everything in its power' to help those in need after dozens of hungry people were pictured queuing for food outside a local soup kitchen.
The Amazing Graze soup kitchenThe Amazing Graze soup kitchen
The Amazing Graze soup kitchen

Amazing Graze in Bolton Street usually focuses on feeding the town's homeless, but financial trouble brought on by the coronavirus pandemic means an ever-growing number of other people have been turning up at the charity's doors every Tuesday and Friday night.

The Council has now made a statement reminding people that a support scheme is available for residents who may be struggling to buy food.

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Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "It is so sad to see more people struggling across the country during these times.

People queuing for food at the soup kitchen on Tuesday eveningPeople queuing for food at the soup kitchen on Tuesday evening
People queuing for food at the soup kitchen on Tuesday evening

“Here in Blackpool we are continuing to do everything in our power to provide support to those that were homeless and those that during the pandemic may have sought emergency housing and need food and basic essentials due to the damage caused by Covid-19 restrictions to the local economy and people's livelihoods. 

"Right from the onset of the pandemic, employees across the council alongside local businesses and voluntary organisations have all worked tirelessly to ensure that essential support is available for those who are in need particularly the vulnerable and at risk. 

“The Council has provided funding for the discretionary support scheme since April 2013, which allows residents to access emergency help for food, and additional money was made available for 2021/22 in recognition of the increased demand for the service. Partner organisations and the third sector are aware of this well-established scheme and are able to refer people in for assistance whilst people can also apply themselves.

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“The Corona Kindness support hubs that were set up to help people are still live and we have been regularly promoting this service on as many council channels as we can."

Blackpool Council's support helpline is open 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0808 196 3080 or email [email protected]..