BFRIEND & WELLBEING.
The BFriend and Wellbeing project supports Blackpool residents to overcome loneliness, isolation, and emotional challenges by fostering meaningful connections and promoting positive mental health
Alongside individual support, the project offers rolling groups and workshops where participants can continue their wellbeing journey through activities such as mindfulness, gentle exercise, creative expression, and community connection.
Volunteers play a central role, offering companionship, encouragement, and active listening, ensuring participants feel supported and valued.
Combating the fight against loneliness across
Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde...
OUR SERVICE.
The BFriend & Wellness programme is open to Blackpool residents aged 18 and over who may feel lonely, isolated, or wish to improve their wellbeing. Support is flexible and accessible, with entry via self-referral or referral from community and health services.
We also encourage young people aged 11–18 to join as Young Volunteers, gaining experience while contributing positively to their community.
At the heart of the project is our five-pillar approach...
CORE BEFRIENDING
One-to-one, 12-week face-to-face or telephone support where participants work towards a small, achievable goal.
CARE & NURSING HOMES
Tailored BFriending and Wellbeing activities to reduce isolation and promote engagement in residential settings.
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS
Opportunities for ages 11–18 to develop skills, confidence, and community awareness while supporting others.
FAMILIES
Family-focused sessions to strengthen relationships, build resilience, and improve wellbeing together.
DIGITAL INCLUSION
Guidance and support to help participants access online resources, connect with others digitally, and build confidence with technology.
GET ON BOARD.
01.
REFERRAL
Referrals can be made by individuals, Community First BWF projects, or external organisations. We process each referral and make an initial call within five working days. This first conversation identifies the participant’s needs and interests, ensuring the right type of support is in place from the very beginning.
02.
INITIAL CONTACT
An appointment is arranged to explore needs in detail. Support may include access to Friendship Groups, 12 weeks of telephone BFriending, or home visits for those housebound. If a volunteer match is not immediately available, our Participant Team provides regular check-ins, ensuring no one feels left without support.
03.
BFRIENDING SERVICES
Friendship Groups run across Blackpool, free to attend with activities, quizzes, bingo, and guest speakers. For more tailored support, trained BFriend volunteers provide weekly phone calls or visits for 12 weeks. This builds social connections, improves confidence, and supports wellbeing, while volunteers remain alert to safeguarding or professional needs.
04.
CONTINUED SUPPORT
Our team checks in every four weeks to make sure participants feel supported and engaged. After 12 weeks, we help them prepare for next steps. Many leave feeling more confident, motivated, and connected, with reduced isolation and greater independence, easing pressure on other services and strengthening community links.
Participation is FREE, and no prior commitment is required —
just a willingness to engage in a safe, supportive, and inclusive space.
BFriending Support
For those needing more focused support, we have a bank of volunteer BFrienders who can ring or visit (For those who are housebound) for an hour a week to provide that social connection that is needed to help those that are isolated and lonely.
For those who are not house bound we can arrange community visits.
We provide a 12-week program that is tailored to the particular needs of the participant to help improve mood and motivation. All of our volunteer BFrienders are trained to identify safeguarding issues that may come up or highlight to staff if professionals are needed to intervene should the participant need it.
Friendship Groups
Our friendship groups run throughout the week across the breath of Blackpool. Featuring Activities, Prize Bingo, Quizzes and Guest Speakers. With free entry and free refreshments. These are open to everyone in Blackpool. Those referred can have tailor-made support from staff and the volunteer BFriends who can meet the nervous outside or be intricate prior to the groups so they know they have someone to lean on during what can be an anxious time.
VOLUNTEER
Our BFriending Volunteers in Blackpool support lonely and isolated individuals through regular phone calls, home visits, community meetups, and friendship groups.
This vital volunteering opportunity helps reduce social isolation, build confidence, and improve wellbeing for both the befriender and BFriendee. BFriending creates lasting connections, opens up new activities, boosts self-esteem, and can ease pressure on health and social care services.
GROUPS & EVENTS.
Read MoreMeet new friends, have a chat and get involved with a full range of activities - EVERY MON 1pm-3pm!
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2 hr
Read MoreFrom cooking, crafts, community gardening and singing to wellbeing sessions and seasonal activities.
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Read MoreMeet new friends, have a chat & get involved with a full range of activities - EVERY WED 10am-12pm!
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Read MoreMeet new friends, have a chat & get involved with a full range of activities - EVERY FRI 10am-12pm!
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CANCER AWARENESS CHAMPIONS.
What is a Cancer Awareness Champion?
A Cancer Awareness Champion is a trained volunteer who:
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Shares simple, accurate cancer information within their community
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Encourages people to attend routine screening
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Promotes early action if someone is worried about symptoms
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Helps reduce fear and stigma around cancer conversations
Champions are not medical professionals — they are local people supporting local people, using everyday conversations to make a real difference.
What does a Cancer Awareness Champion do?
As a Champion, you might:
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Share informal cancer awareness messages at community events.
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Talk to people about the importance of early diagnosis
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Encourage uptake of routine screening
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Help others recognise common signs and symptoms of cancer
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Offer reassurance and peer support to reduce fear and stigma
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Signpost people to support such as their GP, routine screening, Macmillan, Cancer Research UK and other services
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Help people overcome practical or emotional barriers to screening
CAC Project Overview
You choose how and when you get involved — Champion activity is designed to fit around your life and existing commitments.
CONTACT US.
MEET THE TEAM.
Pauline Winder
Project Lead
Andrew Baird
Project Volunteer Coordinator
Lehan English
Project Volunteer Support
Hollie Cheese
Project Participant Support
Martha Brown
Project Participant Support
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Leon Eastwood
Project Admin Support
PROJECT NEWS.
