Supporting People and what is involved.

We work steadily within the framework of Supporting People. This to develop individuality, self reliance, confidence, empowerment, and a sustainable future, be it through employment, and/or becoming tenancy ready. The whole point of the Initiative is not to set people up to fail, but to use their time with us constructively to their personal benefit.

We have produced a high level of Support Services through the Hostel, to include working with inter-agency co-operation where possible.

We have continued to expand the choices available to our client group and encouraged them to reach out and experience the differences this can make to their lives.

Not all take up the challenge, some do not want to, others feel no need to, but those who tried admit it made a difference. Re-evaluating their lifestyle, developing a change of attitude, learning new skills and acquiring a level of independence previously unknown to them requires commitment and enthusiasm. Not easy if life has only provided knock backs.

We have found ourselves trying to help more & more people with challenging behaviour, chaotic lifestyles, addictions, health issues, etc, and as such we owe it to them and the people who help and support them, a safe and secure environment.

Each individual has different needs and requirements. We are here to listen and help the resident plan a programme that will encourage development in the skills they choose to acquire.

For some this might be learning practical skills, such as using a computer, or improving on their reading and writing skills. For others it might be re-training to improve their job prospects. A few seek professional help to enable them to cope with, or overcome any alcohol/drug/mental health issues.

Whatever they choose to do it is their needs and their choices that are considered, not our ideas. We only guide and advise. The final choice, after help and discussion, is theirs. We hope to empower them to enable and assist themselves achieve a long term, stable & sustainable future.

Some have not previously had the opportunity of having someone who will take the time to listen to them and help them plan what they want to do next.

It has been a productive time with a large number of residents attending external courses & activities. These include, to name a few:

• The Prince’s Trust
• Salvation Army Bridge Project
• MBW – Access to employment
• Standguide – Access to employment
• Tower Project
• Addiction
• Community Alcohol Service
• Story– telling project
• Barnardos
• The Rock Training Centre
• Friends of Stanley Park

• Craft Workshop
• Learn to draw & paint (water colours)
• Confidence Building/Self Esteem
• Fire Awareness
• Basic Life Skills with a view to independent living.

Local Connection

In 2006, the Local Authority introduced the ‘local connection criteria’, whereby they are helping local people access homeless facilities, and offering travel warrants to those not from Blackpool, in order to return ‘home’. We do not know yet how much an impact this will have on our own service, and the knock on effect for statistics required by Supporting People. Being local can incorporate having lived in Blackpool 6 months out of the previous 12 months, or a stay of 3 years out of the last 5 years. It takes into account close family connections, e.g. parents, brothers or sisters, or adult son or daughter, who have reside in Blackpool for the last 5 years.

It also takes into account if the client has permanent employment, or an offer of permanent employment in Blackpool.

How you can help

Over the years we have been blessed with many people who have supported us in various ways, not just financially. Without this support and the reliance on people’s prayers, we would have found our task much more difficult. We never underestimate the generosity and good will of those who have remembered us year after year.