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COST OF LIVING

The Cost of Living Project, run by Community First Blackpool Wyre and Fylde, provides vital support to residents facing financial challenges.

 

We help people access essentials such as food, electricity, and gas, and where additional support is needed, we work closely with a wide network of partner organisations to ensure every resident can find the right help.

“Practical support, real relief – helping residents through the cost of living crisis.”

Volunteers Packing Food

OUR SERVICE .

To access our service, individuals must:

  • Live in a household 

  • Be a resident of Blackpool

Before support can be provided, an assessment appointment is required with a member of our team at our office: 95 Abingdon Street

At the appointment, residents will need to bring:

  • Proof of identity

  • Proof of address

  • A bank statement showing available funds at the time of the appointment

  • If requesting energy support, proof of current credit balance

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All of this can be shown via an app on a smartphone if preferred

Our team is here to listen, support, and guide residents through the process, ensuring that no one faces the cost-of-living crisis alone.

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Together, we’re building a community that shares resources, saves money, and makes a positive impact on the planet.

ACCESS TO ESSENTIALS

We support residents with immediate needs such as food, electricity, and gas, ensuring households can manage during financial challenges.

GUIDEANCE & ADVICE

Our team helps you understand available support, offering advice and connecting you to trusted services for financial wellbeing.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Working with local organisations, we ensure every resident is signposted to the right service, from debt advice to wellbeing support.

COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT

We listen without judgement, offering a friendly point of contact for anyone struggling and in need of practical, reliable help.

GET ON BOARD .

01.

REFERRAL

There are several ways to access support through the Cost of Living Project:

  • Referral from an external organisation

  • Direct contact with our office (by phone, email, or in person)

  • Referral from a staff member within one of our internal projects 

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To make a referral please complete the CONTACT US Form

02.

NEW CLIENT ASSESSMENT 

Once contact is made, we’ll arrange an appointment for you to meet with a member of our team and complete an assessment. These are usually carried out at our office, but in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to complete the process via WhatsApp or email.

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03.

EXISTING  CLIENT ASSESSMENT 

For clients already working with other Community First projects, staff can complete the assessment directly with them.

Once the assessment is submitted to the Cost of Living team, it will be reviewed, and any eligible vouchers will be processed.

There are several ways to access support through the Cost of Living Project:

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Food Vouchers

Food Vouchers

Following a client assessment, households may receive a food voucher: £20 for up to 2 people, or £50 for 3+ people.

​​Food Bank Referrals

We can also connect you with local Food Bank venues and share details of available session times in your area.

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Electricity
& Gas

Support for Top-Up Meter Users

Support is available for anyone using a top-up meter. Applications are submitted to the Fuel Bank, and once reviewed and approved by the organisation, a voucher is sent directly to the client.

Please note that the number of vouchers available is limited. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide support for sub-meters or for those who pay for gas and electricity through a bill or direct debit. However, we can assist in exploring alternative sources of support.

Participation is FREE, and no prior commitment is required —

just a willingness to engage in a safe, supportive, and inclusive space.

CONTACT US

Please use this form to make a referral or for a general enquiry about the Cost Of Living Project:

MEET THE TEAM

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Crisi Hall

Project Lead
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Garry Miller

Project Support

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OUR LOCATIONS.

Use the interactive map to find us across Blackpool Fylde & Wyre

REAL STORIES.

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PAT'S STORY

"I overcame nerves to join

BFriend & Wellbeing, built friendships and confidence, and now share how the group has positively changed my life."

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TOM'S STORY

"Positive Futures has given me hope—and shown me that no matter your age, change is always possible." 

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ROB'S  STORY

"I joined through Community Navigators, improved my mental health, gained confidence, & now volunteer, leading bingo sessions I truly enjoy."

CONTACT US

BLACKPOOL

95 Abingdon Street

Blackpool

FY1 1PP

PHONE

01253 301004

FLEETWOOD & WYRE

PHONE

1-7 Lord Street,

Fleetwood

FY7 6DX

01253 301004

Community First Blackpool Wyre & Fylde Investing In Volunteers

Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales No.5756723
Registered Charity No. 1125184

Volunteer Centre BWF Operating as Community First Blackpool Wyre & Fylde

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