Community Navigation Support Helps Local Family Find Their Feet

Oct 6, 2025
2 min read

When Kaz was referred to our Community Navigation service by the Talking Therapies employment team in June 2025, he was looking for guidance and support to help his family settle in Blackpool.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Kaz moved to the UK in 2023 on a skilled worker visa. In 2024, his life was turned upside down after a serious workplace accident left him with burns and a lengthy stay in hospital. With limited access to financial support and his wife’s income as their only source, Kaz faced uncertainty — especially with his young son starting school this September.

Finding Practical Solutions

Working alongside Jake, one of our Community Navigators, Kaz was able to access practical help to ease the pressures his family faced. Jake connected him with:

Financial guidance through Citizens Advice and Turn2Us.
Cost of living support, including food vouchers and information about local food partners such as the Big Food Truck.
School readiness through the Volunteer Centre’s Bfriend uniform event, where Kaz received free school clothing and equipment for his son.

Building Skills for the Future

Kaz is also focusing on improving his skills to secure new work opportunities. With Jake’s support, he has enrolled on a Level 2 Food Safety course and an English course at The Place, while also gaining more experience to support his interest in food manufacturing.

Staying Active and Connected

To help Kaz meet new people and feel more at home, Jake linked him with activities through Active Blackpool and Blackpool FC Community Trust. Kaz is now exploring opportunities to connect with others socially in active settings.

Jake also supported Kaz to raise a housing concern with the local council, ensuring his family could enjoy a safe and healthy home environment once more.

Looking Ahead

Through resilience and determination, Kaz has already made huge steps forward. With ongoing support from Community Navigation, he is continuing to build skills, strengthen his family’s wellbeing, and connect with the local community.

This success story highlights the difference that tailored, one-to-one support can make — helping people not only through immediate challenges, but also towards long-term stability and confidence.