Young residents create series of events to promote mindfulness in Blackpool this International Peace Day

The events were created following a passionate idea by a young resident from Streetlife who was undertaking work experience at Blackpool Council.

Streetlife is a Blackpool-based youth work charity providing emergency shelter and support to vulnerable and homeless young people aged 16-25.

The events were subsequently delivered by The Youth Provision Partnership alongside a range of community groups.

What is International Peace Day?

The annual global celebration of Peace Day takes place on September 21 and was established by the UN in 1981.

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Focusing on inner peace and mindfulness, a range of local led work was undertaken to encourage a variety of organisations, services and groups across the Fylde Coast to come together and promote peace across the community.

The group also established the ‘Peace Garden’ - an area in the Talbot and Brunswick (TAB) green space where people can come and reflect and enjoy being outside in nature.

Blackpool Park Rangers kindly donated tree seeds, which will see the space evolve over years to come.

Blackpool Council said the collaborative support and response had been “overwhelming”.

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What's happening in Blackpool for International Peace Day?

An International Peace Day Walk took place to help raise awareness of the day on Thursday.

Organised by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Prince’s Trust Team 90, the group walked from South Shore to the iconic Blackpool Tower wearing International Peace Day t-shirts, with branding developed by local young people to promote the event.  

On Saturday, The Blackpool Tower will light in white, a local beacon to signify Blackpool’s support for the globally recognised day.

Coun Kath Benson, Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration for Blackpool Council said: “How fantastic it is to see the efforts that have been put on to support International Peace Day here in Blackpool, and a really great turn out for those taking part in the wellbeing walk.

“It is really inspiring to see young residents presenting their passion and dedication, whilst helping to bring together a range of agencies, organisations and community groups of all ages, to promote peace within our Blackpool community.

“The new addition of the Brunswick Community Garden ‘Peace Garden’ is wonderful green space for Blackpool, and we hope it is used for years to come for residents to reflect and enjoy being outside, not just on International Peace Day – but all year round.”

Local ward Councillors have been involved in supporting International Peace Day 2024 and connecting it with the wider developments for their wards.

Special thanks go to: Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, The Boathouse Youth, Magic Club, Streetlife, BFC, Empowerment, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, House of Wingz, Little Georges Nursery, Prince’s Trust, St Thomas’ Church, Lancashire Constabulary, Volunteer Centre, Layton Methodist, 123 Supported Accommodation, Blackpool Library Service, Belle Vue Strawberry Gardens, Talbot PACT, All In Club, Langdale Centre, BeWhoYouWantToBe - LGBTQ+, Fire Cadets, St John’s Church, Blackpool Youth Justice and Park Rangers for all their support, efforts and dedication.