Blackpool Community News Issue 10

8/14/2019 Blackpool Community News Issue 10

1/12

BlackpoolBlackpool

CommunityCommunityNewsNews

BlackpoolBlackpool

CommunityCommunityNewsNews

AUTUMNISSUE 10

Independent community newsletter from Blackpool SURF

www.b4me/blackpoolsurf

CommunitiesCommunitiesin Controlin Control

P utting the P iecesTogether onE mpowerment P olicyD ocument page 5

Youth - Pages 2 and 3Youth - Pages 2 and 3

New Media 6 and 7New Media 6 and 7

Black History Month,Black History Month,

Safe Haven, Bsafe andSafe Haven, Bsafe and

much more inside!much more inside!


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4/12

PRIDE

OF

2008Blackpool was out and proud the weekend of 17th and 18th May as around 8,000 people arrived inthe resort for the third annual Blackpool Pride festival.

The town was awash with colour as a 200 strong parade - many dressed as mermaids, stiltwalkers and even human penguins made its way down the Promenade in front of packed crowdsat the opening of Blackpool's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans event on the Saturday lunchtime.The North Pier hosted the two-day festival. Theatres on the pier were packed out for acts such asX-Factor stars Same Difference, Rowetta and Pop Idol Michelle McManus.

This event has made staggering leaps forward since the first Blackpool Pride in 2006 and isexpected to grow bigger and better each year. Mark Seargent, founder of Blackpool Pride, said: "Ithas been significantly better than last year. We are about 15 years behind Manchester, but if wecan add two or three thousand extra people a year it will grow slowly."

Lancashire Constabulary policed the event in an impeccably organised manner and also showedtheir support by a team of officers from all ranks marching in the parade on the Promenade. Theorganisers officially thanked Blackpool Council not only for their financial support of the Pride eventand support of the LGBT community in general, but also because they feel the council genuinelyvalues the LGBT community.

Blackpool Council Joins StonewallDiversity Champions ProgrammeBlackpool Council is delighted to announce that they have joined Stonewalls Diversity Champions programme foremployers. Diversity Champions is Britains good practice

forum for Sexual Orientation issues in the workplace.

The council will be working with Stonewall Britains leading gay equality organisation, and othermembers of the programme, to improve their working environment for their lesbian, gay andbisexual (LGB) staff. They wish to have a workplace culture which allows their employees to bevalued for themselves, and give 100%.

By joining Diversity Champions they hope to send a strong signal to their LGB staff, providingreassurance that their contribution will be valued and their sexual orientation respected in apositive working environment. The council also hopes that their customers/service users will seetheir firm commitment to equality.

To find out more about Diversity Champions and Stonewall visit www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace .

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http://www.stonewall.org.uk/workplacehttp://www.stonewall.org.uk/workplace


5/12

"This is not about making people sit in meetings

on wet Tuesday nights, it is about helping citizensto get involved when they want to on their own

terms - paving the way for a new style of activepolitics that not only gives people a greater saybut ensures that their voices are heard and that

their views will make a difference...it is an agendafor empowerment that reaches right across the

board"

Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister

The Government's new White Paper (policy document)Communities in Control: Real people, real power

published in July sets itself the aim of passing power into the hands of local communities,giving real control over local decisions and services to a wider pool of active citizens.

The document details support to be made available to encourage empowermentincluding a new duty to promote democracy and extending the recently adopted dutyto involve. A 7.5m Empowerment Fund will be made available to support third sectororganisations at a national level to help local communities turn ideas into action. A 70mCommunitybuilders Fund to enable community-based organisations to have 'spaces'where people can come together to discuss their local concerns and channel themeffectively into local decision-making. Organisations will be supported to bid for and run

local services tailored to their own particular neighbourhood.

By Autumn 2008 measures will be in place in pilot areas to increase community andcitizen access to information from local authorities. A Digital Mentor Scheme will bepiloted to encourage groups to develop websites, podcasts, photography and onlinepublishing tools.

A new duty on local councils to respond to petitions will allow citizens to call for actionand to take their own initiatives in calling for improvements and/or new initiatives.Councillors will be given new rights to champion community issues through CouncillorCall for Action powers. Participatory Budgeting will devolve funding to more local

control to be spent on priorities determined at a neighbourhood level.

Empowering Young People will see the extension of aYoung Advisers programmewho will have direct access to Government Ministers. A scheme for young people to'shadow' Ministers will be piloted next year. A 6m investment will create a new nationalbody forYouth Leadership which will work directly with the DCLG (Department ofCommunities and Local Government). AYoung Muslims Advisory Group is beingestablished.The Executive Summary, complete publication and other useful documents can bedownloaded directly from the Department of Communities and Local Government Websitewww.communities.gov.ukor from www.b4me.com/blackpoolsurf

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http://www.communities.gov.uk/http://www.b4me.com/blackpoolsurfhttp://www.b4me.com/blackpoolsurfhttp://www.communities.gov.uk/


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Page 7

ICT PAGE

The brave new world of

the internet 'blogging',

'podcasting' and

'twittering' is with us!

If all this 'jargon' leaves you

confused then How to use New

Media is the publication for you!

Produced by the ICT Hub and the

Media Trust it attempts to explain

and demonstrate how community

organisations can get access to,

and use, new media.

The publication is free to

download as a PDF file and can

be obtained from the BCN

website, alternatively contact

the Media Trust.

JARGON

BUSTERBloggingWritingto a Blog short

for Web Log

which is an online

journal or news

website.

PodcastingAnaudio file for

downloading from

the internet.

TwitteringUsingTwitter which is a

micro-blogging

service using textmessages of up to

140 characters.

PDFPortableDocument Format

that allows pages

to be viewed and

printed on any

computer.

Bispham High School - Arts College is the first school in

Blackpool to invest in The SHARP System. Please visit

www.bisphamhigh.co.uk and enter the homepage.

Click the button called The SHARP System in the right hand

column and read all about how young people can let

someone they trust know about issues such as Knife Crime,WebCam abuse, Bullying etc. Turn up the sound for

maximum impact!!

John Topping - Deputy Headteacher said This is basically

a virtual bully box where students can have the confidence to

report any concerns/issues to a person of trust who can then

deal with it. All emails and texts notifying the nominated

person can be entirely anonymous.

It is an extremely powerful way for students to remainanonymous and let trusted people know about any serious

issues that could be affecting them.

Media Trust, Riverwalk House,

157-161 Millbank,

London, SW1P 4RR

Tel: 020 7217 3717

Email: [email protected]

PTA Planet (presumably from

Parents Teachers Association)

encourages parents to do their

Internet shopping through a

particular shopping portal. By

shopping through PTA Planet,

the retailers and outlets pay a

commission which is then

shared amongst all the schools

that are signed up.

The more parents encouraged

to shop via PTA Planet, then the

more commission is earned. The

website assures us that parents

pay exactly the same price as

they would have if they had

gone to the shops site

themselves.

www.ptaplanet.com


8/12

Notices:

October Half Term Activities

Programme from the sports,leisure and social club for localyoung people on the autisticspectrum:

Fri Oct 24th

Walk the Lights request sponsorforms now!Sun Oct 26th

Regular Sunday sessionMon Oct 27th

Oriental Tiggers

Tues Oct 28th

FootballWeds Oct 29th

Break DancingThurs Oct 30th

Arts, Crafts, GamingFri Oct 31st

SPACEFri Oct 31st

Digger Tigger Spooky TreasureHunt and Pumpkin CarvingSat Nov 1st

Squash TiggersSun Nov 2nd

Sunday Session & HalloweenSteam Ghost Train

Check website for updateswww.blackpooltiggers.co.uk

or ring 01253 319 210--------------------------------

BLACKPOOL SURF

Equipment for hireincluding:

Multi Media ProjectorPA - Public Address System

Display BoardsFREE to SURF MembersSmall Hire Fee for non-

members

Contact 01253 749 657

ADS

Opportunistic Brief InterventionTraining for Alcohol Problems

This one day training is available toall persons likely to come intocontact, through their work, withpeople who may have a problemwith alcohol.

At the end of the training participantswill have:Knowledge and understanding of

alcohol, calculation of units and theeffects of alcohol on the community aswell as individuals and families.Knowledge of how a problem canevolve and use of diagnostic tools torecognise the severity of the problem.An awareness of how and when torefer clients to other agencies.

A full manual to take away and useimmediately including: motivationalinterviewing, fast audit, scalingquestions, recognising patterns, drinkdiaries and many more.

This training is free and availableon the dates attached OR we cantailor a course to suit yourindividual agency requirements.

The course is fun, informative andextremely useful. We have placesavailable in October, November andDecember 2008 so book fast toavoid disappointment!

If you are interested or want moredetails please callAvril WidlakeOBITraineron 01253 752100/or mobile07815910239

(or Paul Burnett Administrator01253 752100)

--------------------------------For Latest Community News see

http://blackpoolcommunitynews.wordpress.com

BLACKPOOL CHINESECOMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Tai Chi Beginners ClassSundays: 12:30pm-1:30pm

Old Boundary School(Next to City Learning Centre,Bathurst Avenue, Grange Park)

4.00 per sessionContact Peter Lui

Tel: 07725 014 018

--------------------------------A.P.S.S.

Alcohol Peer Support ServicesFormerly Blackpool Alcohol Team

PLEASE NOTE*************

After careful consideration by ourboard of trustees, and to stopconfusion among individuals and

services locally, Alcohol Peer SupportServices has been developed after achange in name from the organisation

formerly known as BlackpoolAlcohol Team

NEW Email Address [email protected]

o.ukNEW Website

www.alcoholpeersupportservices.co.uk

Mobile: 07590 025105

CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE

--------------------------------

CONDOLENCESIt is with deep regret that

Blackpool SURF reports thedeath of Pam Brightman

who passed away suddenly

but peacefully on Saturday30th August after a short

illness. Pam was known tomany in SURF as a stalwartof the Allotments Federationand Open Spaces Network.

She was a true characterand will be greatly missed.

Our condolences go toGilbert and family.

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.alcoholpeersupportservices.co.uk/http://www.alcoholpeersupportservices.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


9/12

Advice Staff honoured byAdvice Staff honoured bynominationnominationBlackpool CAB staff Justice Award

Jill Kerr(Welfare Benefits Supervisor), Janet Akl(Debt Supervisor) and Nick Ansell (Debt Adviser) atthe Citizen's Advice Bureau have all been nominatedby John Goulding, ofHMP Kirkham for their work atthe Prison.

Thousands of people across the Criminal JusticeSystem (CJS) do an amazing job. Every day theirdedication makes a dramatic difference to people'slives. The Justice Awards recognise exceptionalachievement among staff and volunteers working

in criminaljustice.

The awards are now in their fifth year, and have succeeded in becoming a highly regardednational scheme which promotes excellence and best practice and aims to improve thesystem as a whole by sharing information and ideas on what works best.Marie Blackshaw, Bureau Manager, said: Im absolutely delighted that my staff have been

nominated for this prestigious award. Helping prisonersto manage their debts and access benefits on theirrelease can make a big difference to reducing re-offending.

Nominees will be invited to attend a local eventpromoting the awards and hear whether theyve beenput through to the national finals. For more informationplease visit www.cjsonline.gov.uk/justiceawards

Sheila Harris, Blackpool CABs longest serving

volunteer, presents a posy to Princess Anne.

John Goulding,HMP Kirkham

with Chair of CAB, HRH Princess

Anne and Marie Blackshaw

Bureau Manager

Bsafe Blackpool - Face The PeopleBsafe Blackpool - Face The PeopleThe heads of the Police, Fire, Primary Care Trust and Blackpool Council areThe heads of the Police, Fire, Primary Care Trust and Blackpool Council are

available to answer your questions about crime and disorder at a public meetingavailable to answer your questions about crime and disorder at a public meeting

to be held at the Imperial Hotel on Monday 17th November from 6:30pm.to be held at the Imperial Hotel on Monday 17th November from 6:30pm.

You are invited to ask questions of those responsible for making decisions about

crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the town. YOUR QUESTION could be

on the agenda! Questions from the floor of the meeting will be answered, but it

would be wise to submit you questions in advance. You can email questions to

[email protected]

BSafe Blackpool

Blackpool Football Club

Seasiders Way, Blackpool

FY1 6JYTel: 01253 651166
http://www.cjsonline.gov.uk/justiceawardsmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.cjsonline.gov.uk/justiceawards


10/12

Grassroots GrantsGrassroots GrantsScheme Open forScheme Open forBusinessBusiness

Grassroots Grants is a new fundingprogramme to run for three years toaid voluntary and community groupswith grants of between 250 - 5,000.

Funded by the Office of the Third sectorand administered locally by the CommunityFoundation for Lancashire, the programmeis designed to respond to local issues andsupport the diverse needs of communities.

It also aims to complement an area's LocalArea Agreement focussing on

Children and Young People; Healthier Communities and Older

People; Employment, learning and skills,

education or training; Urban renewal, safer stronger

communities or environment.

Applicants should be not-for-profit thirdsector groups, that have been active for atleast 12 months and clearly meet theneeds of a local community. Groups musthave had an annual income of less than20,000 (average in the last 3 years).

Eligible activities include:Staff costs

Training Putting on events Expanding an existing project Equipment that will benefit the

group

For further information contact:Community Foundation for Lancashire

c/o Alliance & LeicesterBridle Road

BootleGIR 0AA

Tel: 0844 561 9649Application packs also available atwww.cfmerseyside.org.uk

Being differentis not a crime

It takes all kinds of people to build acommunity are the words used on thefront cover of the new guide Beingdifferent is not a crime offering advice onchallenging hate crime recently launchedto a packed audience by Blackpool Council'sFaith Equality and Diversity unit.

Produced by the unit, the guide is acontinuing part of the universal drive tochallenge crimes against people who are

sometimes viewed as different and toemphasise the strength and value ofequality and diversity in Blackpool.

Recent media reporting seems to show anincrease in hate crime, and such headlinesas Pensioner beaten and robbedCrueltheft of disability wheelchair.and Gothgirl kicked to death because she lookeddifferentgive us a growing perception ofhate crime, but given the reaction of

people at the event there is a real desire todo something about it, and a start is abouteveryone reporting incidents withconfidence that effective remedies willhappen.

PC Julie Hall Diversity Officer of theLancashire Police western division said Thecrux of the matter is that we have to havepeople reporting incidents and crimes to usbefore the agencies can do anything aboutit. Agencies are working together but themessage is that people need to do theirpart by reporting crime.

Being different is not a crime is availablein a range of formats from the Equality andDiversity Unit, Blackpool Council. Forfurther information or to obtain a copyplease telephone 01253 477117 or [email protected] .It is alsoavailable online atwww.blackpool.gov.uk/hatecrime

by Stephen Brookes 2008
http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.blackpool.gov.uk/hatecrimemailto:[email protected]://www.blackpool.gov.uk/hatecrimehttp://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/


11/12

Celebrating Black History and Culture

AFRA (African Caribbean Friends and Relations Association)are hosting a celebration of music, culture and friendship aspart of Black History Month on Friday 10th October.

The event will be opened by the Mayor of Blackpool CouncillorMary Smith and will include dancing and live performancesfrom the Hi-Tech Steel Band and other professional artists.

A 'marketplace' area will include information stands, shops andinteractive displays on Black history and culture.

Authentic Caribbean food prepared by AFRA's own trainedChef will be served.

Contact John Rogers at Blackpool FC on Tel: 01253 685023

The Blackpool Bsafe Partnership and Helping Hand are workingtogether to provide a Safe Haven bus in the town centre.

The bus will provide a presence in the town centre on a Saturday eveningbetween 9pm and 2am. The service will provide assistance and guidanceto people who are distressed, vulnerable, are lost, need to get home safely,or just want to stop for a chat.

The service is looking for volunteers aged over 18 who want to be involvedin this new project. Shifts can be split into 9.00pm - 11.30pm and 11.30pm -2.00am.

If you can drive a bus or would like to be part of the support team we wouldlike to hear from you. All volunteers will undertake a Criminal RecordsBureau check before joining the volunteer rota.

If you want to volunteer, or have any queries please contact Ann Knight on01253 621336 or e-mail [email protected]

Do you belong to a community group inBlackpool?Would your group be interested inlearning more about healthy eating?

The Volunteer Centre Health Trainers projectoffer a free EatWell workshop service.

The workshops are fun and interactive and runover four one hour sessions and cover topics suchas balancing your diet, weight management andreading food labels.

If you would like the Eatwell team to deliversessions within your community group, or if you

wish to find out more please contact the HealthTrainer Project Team on 01253 301004 or [email protected]


12/12

Published by Blackpool Sustainable Urban Renewal Federation

Registered Office: 39 Springfield Road, Blackpool, FY1 1PZTel: 01253 749 657

Company Number: 5372011 Charity: 1116153

Printed by Blackpool PrintersSenefelder House, Clifford Road, Blackpool, FY1 2PU

Blackpool Spotlight magazine is a full colour glossymagazine produced quarterly.We spotlight local people who are doing good work in thecommunity. We generate income through advertisements.

The magazine is professional, friendly, amusing andstimulating. Blackpool Spotlight can help raise awarenessof your organization.Magazine distribution of 4,000 copies per edition isthrough local newsagents and we also place them for freein hair salons, sunbed shops, selected dentists, doctorsand pubs across the Fylde. We also have an onlinemagazine at www.blackpoolspotlight.co.uk

There is no other company in this area fundraising forNorth West Cancer Research Fund. 5% of magazine

sales are donated to N.W.C.R.F. The committee has nowraised 17,000 for the charity.

We are offering an eighth of page free advert to VoluntaryOrganisations.Pay only for the design cost which is 30 usually 90.

Please submit your adverts to [email protected] and send a cheque with yourcompany name and address to: 17 Babbacombe Avenue, Blackpool FY4 1LXPayable to Blackpool Spotlight CIC

www.b4me.comFeatured Site

Our favourite site to feature for thisissue is Blackpool in Pictures.We like this because people havecontributed towards building theimpressive collection of photosabout and featuring a certain NorthWest town with a big tower and a

vibrant community!

To browse Blackpool in Pictures,just click on the photo featured onthe Home Page of Blackpool4me.

Remember to nominate yourfavourite site for Issue 11.

Spotlight and PICS on Blackpool!potlight and PICS on Blackpool!
http://www.blackpoolspotlight.co.uk/http://www.b4me.com/http://www.b4me.com/http://www.blackpoolspotlight.co.uk/

Documents

Blackpool Community News Issue 10