By opening up St Peter’s Church Hall (South Shore, Blackpool) as a community centre, we seek to provide a safe space for people of all ages to find friendship, hope and purpose.

We will form a Youth Group and welcome young people between the ages of 8 and 15 from our local neighbourhood; many of whom are living through poverty of opportunity. We will provide activities ranging from sports to crafts through to board games and cooking.

We also aim to provide space for meaningful wellbeing activities for adults who are socially isolated or living without adequate provisions through art, mindfulness, guided reflection and music.

Background:

South Shore in Blackpool, once a thriving seaside destination, is now an area where there is much poverty and lack of community centres. It is densely populated, with huge former hotels turned into bedsits and flats. We identified a need to form and build community, as there was a lack of opportunity for people to meet together in a safe, friendly space.

Overview:

With the support of Westhill Endowment, St Peter’s Church is launching ‘That Friday Feeling’, providing afternoon space for adults, and evening space for young people aged between 8 and 15. We will welcome and connect people from all backgrounds, celebrating our diversity, and fostering a spirit of welcome to all. Through arts, crafts, physical activity and refreshments, we seek to build community and improve people’s overall wellbeing.

Expectations for Spring/Summer:

We are in the process of advertising, through publicity and social media, and will launch this side of the summer holidays. We have recruited volunteers, and with Westhill Endowment, are able to fund resources and artistic provision.