Blackpool Launches Its New Volunteering Strategy 2026–2031

Jun 1
3 min read

Blackpool has officially launched its Volunteering Strategy 2026–2031, a bold, community‑shaped plan designed to make volunteering more visible, accessible and impactful across the town. The strategy sets out a shared vision for Blackpool where

“everyone feels able, welcomed and encouraged to make a meaningful difference in their community” .

Developed through extensive co‑production with volunteers, VCSE organisations, social prescribing partners and residents, the strategy marks a major milestone in strengthening Blackpool’s volunteering infrastructure and supporting healthier, more connected communities.

A Strategy Built With—and For—Blackpool’s Communities

The strategy is rooted in real local insight. Over the past two years, Blackpool partners have gathered evidence from:

VCSE sector workshops
Visioning sessions with individual organisations
Volunteer surveys (including young people aged 14–25)
Social prescribing surveys and case studies
Volunteer manager feedback
Ideas shared at the Big Thank You event

This collaborative approach ensured the strategy reflects the lived realities of volunteers and organisations. As the document states, “Listening, learning and working together has been at the heart of developing this strategy” .

Why Blackpool Needs This Strategy

Blackpool faces unique challenges. As the most deprived local authority in England, many residents experience barriers that affect their ability to volunteer. High levels of poverty, poorer health outcomes and limited visibility of opportunities all contribute to lower participation. The strategy notes that “people often have less time, confidence or capacity to volunteer” due to these pressures .

Yet the appetite to contribute is strong. Residents told us they want flexible, meaningful roles that build confidence, connection and wellbeing.

The strategy responds to this by setting out a coordinated, inclusive approach that removes barriers and strengthens the conditions for volunteering to thrive.

Our Shared Vision

Blackpool’s new vision for volunteering is clear and ambitious:

“Volunteering is visible, celebrated and woven into everyday life – a natural and joyful act that brings people together, builds pride and strengthens wellbeing.”

To deliver this vision, the strategy identifies four priorities:

1. Access, Pathways & Progression

Making volunteering easy to find, simple to navigate and rich with opportunities for growth.

2. Promotion & Reframing Volunteering

Raising the profile of volunteering through bold storytelling and consistent messaging.

3. Volunteer Experience & Support

Ensuring every volunteer feels welcomed, valued and supported across all organisations.

4. Inclusion & Removing Barriers

Designing volunteering around inclusion from the start so everyone can take part confidently.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The strategy features powerful stories from volunteers whose lives have been transformed through giving their time.

Elaine, a long‑standing volunteer, describes how volunteering helped her rebuild her life after personal loss:

“I would you say that volunteering saved my life? It gave me a reason to live.”

Wally, who moved to Blackpool seeking a fresh start, shares how volunteering boosted his confidence and wellbeing:

“My life has changed 1000%… I love Blackpool.”

These stories highlight the profound personal and community benefits of volunteering—benefits the strategy aims to expand across the town.

A Message from Local Leaders

Councillor Jo Farrell emphasises the vital role volunteers play in Blackpool’s future:

“By working together and investing in volunteering we are helping to build a healthier, more connected and resilient Blackpool for years to come.”

Lynn Saggerson, Chair of the Blackpool Volunteering Strategy Steering Group, highlights the collaborative effort behind the strategy and the importance of co‑production in shaping a plan that truly reflects the community.

What Happens Next

The launch marks the beginning of a five‑year programme of coordinated action across the VCFSE sector, health partners and the wider community. Working groups will now form around each priority area, ensuring delivery is shared, practical and grounded in local need.

The strategy will also support the development of: