About Us
History
The Charity began in the late 1990’s to help the Church respond professionally to the needs of people with life controlling and debilitation problems, such as drug and alcohol misuse.
A second hand double deck bus was purchased and kitted out with cooking facilities to provide something to eat and drink, video and TV set and a space for people to talk and get information. The outside of the bus was painted psychedelic and it became the ‘Drug Out Bus’.
The work of the Charity expanded and in 2002 the Community Resource Centre on Ripon Road was officially opened. The ‘Drug Out Bus’, which was dealing with much wider issues than just drugs and alcohol was painted black and yellow and re-branded as the ‘Bus’.
In 2008 it was felt that the double decker bus had come to the end of it's life span, and a single decker bus was purchased and fitted out.
This is the bus we currently have in service.
The development of Social Enterprises was secured by obtaining a second hand furniture shop to generate income and provide first step employment or volunteer opportunities. In addition we have paper re-cycling and a window cleaning enterprise.
Our Objectives
The advancement of the Christian Faith. The relief of sickness amongst people on the Fylde coast who suffer from chemical dependency and other life controlling problems.
The relief of poverty amongst persons in conditions of need, hardship and distress.
Who are we?
Helping Hand is a registered Charity with a Board of Trustees, drawn from Ministers, professionals and other members from the local community in the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre area.
The Charity is managed by two Directors who set themselves high standards aiming to improve all aspects of the Charity’s work to provide excellent services in the community.
The daily operation of the Charity is carried out by a dedicated team of individuals and volunteers who strive to serve people, particularly those, who for various reasons do not feel part of their local community.
What do we do?
Helping Hand continues with its original vision of meeting the challenges of modern society, this includes walking alongside and befriending those with life controlling issues, meeting real needs with practical assistance and encouraging and enabling individuals in independent living.
How do we do this?
Helping Hand works in partnership with statutory organisations, agencies, private landlords and employers to meet social, emotional, spiritual, educational and training needs of our clients to enable people to become fully reintegrated into the community.
Practical needs are met by providing food, something to drink, clothes and blankets if required. Some people need assistance with securing somewhere to live and help with completing forms for housing, benefits or job applications. Others just need to feel that they belong to a group and will use our facilities for social interaction.
As a first step employer, we provide paid employment or volunteer opportunities to enable people to build up a work history, confidence, and a CV.
Through training and development people have progressed into sustainable employment with other employers. As well as addressing and meeting practical needs, there are opportunities for individuals to engage with activities to meet spiritual needs.
What do we need?
Your Support
Prayer Support
Volunteers
Financial Support: donations. Gift Aid, Pot of Hope, Grants.