Our Impact In Lancashire
Project Highlights
The Spirit of Lancashire Awards organised by the Community Foundation for Lancashire is an annual event to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of the voluntary and community sector in Lancashire. Here are some examples of best practice accross the region from the event which took place on 2ns November 2011 in Blackpool
Hapton Over 50s Luncheon Club, Burnley
The group provides hot meals, social activities and informative talks on a variety of subjects. Representatives from various local agencies - including the police and fire brigade - regularly attend, and information concerning various aids is available for those with physical impairments or disabilities. Members are socially restricted due to age, but are able to look forward to Tuesdays to meet up with friends and socialize. They can do this safely while engaging in fun activities, after a good hot lunch in a welcoming environment. Increasing membership indicates the rising popularity of the group within the community, helping to bring people together.
The Lancaster and Morecambe Hindu Society
This society is a family orientated community group aiming to encourage inter-faith dialogue for better understanding of all faiths. The group has organised and run events since 1984, which invite different organisations and community members (e.g. Chinese, Muslim, Polish) to learn more about the Hindu culture and beliefs in an attempt to promote community cohesion. Networking opportunities are produced by introducing current members to individuals from other ethnic groups that they may not come across daily. These occasions create the opportunity for the recipient to understand more about Indian culture and heritage. Events include workshops with Lancaster Adult College, Bharatnatyam dance classes and an annual Hoi Diwali New Year which aim to improve community cohesion by breaking down barriers through integration and engagement.
Blackpool Advocacy
Blackpool Advocacy aims to provide high quality independent advocacy or representation services as a means by which people disadvantaged by disability, illness, age, gender, sexuality, domestic abuse or social exclusion can make known their needs and wishes. This allows them to obtain appropriate services and so increase their quality of life. It also aims to develop services delivered by health and social care providers, while also raising awareness amongst the community in general as to the difficulties faced by the disadvantaged, when expressing themselves in society. Blackpool Advocacy works in partnership with other organisations to deliver high quality services to meet the needs of the local community.
For further information, please visit the Blackpool Advocacy website.
Skelmersdale Youth Action
The group are made up of young people aged 12-25 who work on projects and campaign to improve the life of other young people in the area. They collect the views of members of the community and support them through the activities and services they offer. They are open to all and do not charge for their services or membership. SAY ran a series of day, night and residential activities for local youths - including sailing and climbing days - giving youths opportunities they otherwise would not have.
The Olive Branch, Lancaster
This group supports local residents in poor economic circumstances such as family dysfunction, substance misuse, housing poverty, etc. The group works three days a week with people aged eighteen and upwards and all services are free of charge and are staffed by volunteers. They offer debt advice, emergency food packs, signposting to other agencies, sleeping bags and tents for rough sleepers and help with official forms. Between 2004-2008 the Olive Branch provided over 200 free meals to needy people, identifying a need that people in difficult circumstances required assistance and the opportunity for support. Since then they have opened a centre where people can go and find this much needed help.
For further information, please visit The Olive Branch website.
The Pyramid Project, Burnley
This project aims to provide a self-help group for those of all ages with mental health problems or disabilities. It uses the community spirit of the group to help one another stay well in body and mind. Meeting three days a week, The Pyramid Project provides a safe place for people to meet and builds a community atmosphere through drop in centres and social activities. These varied activities include crafts, lunches, bingo and assorted games.
For further information, please visit The Pyramid Project website.
