We are over the moon to have been awarded partnership funding from the National Lottery. The money has been awarded to support unemployed young people living in deprived areas of Blackpool. We have partnered with The Rank Foundation, Freestyle Urban Soccer, Empowerment, Blackpool Football Club Community Trust, Groundwork and Blackpool Coastal Housing to work on this exciting project.

Having a wide variety of organisations on board means that the money can be used to help young people in many ways, from education and training to employment opportunities. A lot of support is available in Blackpool, but many young people struggle to find it. Receiving this funding means that we can continue offering our range of services while also raising further awareness.

How will the money be used?

The money will be used to enhance the successful work of charitable organisations covering Claremont, Bloomfield, Talbot and Brunswick. Those aged between 18 and 25 who are deemed ‘economically inactive’ will have more opportunities to learn and apply for new jobs. To date, they have reached 278 young people.

Claremont was chosen following The Rank Foundation’s research, which revealed that over 400 unemployed young people were concentrated in just ten streets between Westminster Road and Dickson Road. Over the years, research has been completed to identify what prevents young people from accessing training and employment opportunities, leading to many solutions.

The partnership established trust by sending workers out on the streets of Claremont to meet and talk with local young people in their neighbourhood. For the majority of young people, unemployment was not a ‘lifestyle choice’. Most did want to work, but they told workers they faced issues such as anxiety, unsuitable housing and a lack of basic skills such as English and maths.

What does Streetlife do?

Streetlife offers a Night Shelter for young people who are homeless in Blackpool. In addition to these services, we also provide regular workshops to help young people to learn new skills. This vital funding will allow young people to gain support with the following: access to health and fitness services, referrals to college, help to find better accommodation, mental health support and suicide prevention.

One young person said:

“The support and guidance has made a great difference to my overall mental health as it’s not been easy to motivate myself and I’ve really struggled with anxiety. The Engage4Change team have been consistent, regular and non-judgmental and have supported me with getting my own flat as well as becoming more physically fit with boxing. The walk & talk sessions have allowed me to talk openly about many issues, which has helped to reduce my stress, worry and anxiety. With their support, I’m looking at returning to education or finding a job.”

We are so pleased to partner with The Rank Foundation and are committed to helping young people in Blackpool reach their full potential. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions – our team is ready to offer support.