Ripon Road Offices and Drop-inCookson Street Furniture Shop

About Us

History

The Charity was originally set up 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 developed 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 the just drugs and alcohol was painted black and yellow and re-branded as the ‘Bus’.  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.

Our Objectives

The advancement of the Christian Religion

The relief of sickness amongst people in Lancashire 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, committed individuals who set themselves high standards aiming to improve and develop 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.

loading furniture

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.

Contact Us

29-35 Ripon Road

Blackpool

Lancashire

FY1 4DY

Click here to see a map and description

Telephone and fax number 01253 621366.

The building stands out as it has a green wooden upper storey as in the photo above.

The entrance is through a gate next to the building and there is a door on the right.

Click here for information on Furniture Restoration Ltd - second hand furniture shop.

To call the Furniture Shop please use the number on the furniture shop page.