BFriend and Well-being

16/11/2025

Thank you so much Tesco and Emma at Tesco Blackpool for the amazing donation of wrapping paper, tags and ribbon for our Christmas family support event the "festive express" 🎄🤶❤️

15/11/2025

I may not have won the Community Champion Award tonight, but I truly feel like a winner thanks to all of you. 💛

Thank you so much to everyone who nominated me — your support, belief and kindness mean the world. Huge congratulations to the very deserving winner, Peta Jade from Wandering Woman 👏✨

I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to my amazing team of staff and our wonderful volunteers. You are the heartbeat of everything we do. To my partner and children — thank you for putting up with the long hours, late nights and weekend work. I couldn’t do any of this without your patience and love.

A big thank you as well to the Volunteer Centre and, most importantly, to the participants of our service — you inspire me every single day.

And finally, thank you to Fylde Kids Foundation for hosting such a fantastic event and for recognising so many incredible people in our community.

Feeling grateful, proud, and even more motivated to keep going. 💛🙏✨

Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde
Fylde Kids Foundation

15/11/2025

🌟🌟Good Luck to Project Lead and the beautiful face of BFriend and Well-being, Pauline Winder who is nominated for Community Champion in the 2025 Fylde Coast Community Awards which are held tonight.🌟🌟

Fingers and toes are crossed as it is a much deserved nomination along with all of the nominees tonight.

We hope everyone has a great time. 💙

Here is picture of Pauline trying out one of her posh frocks for the event. 😬😂

14/11/2025

Thank you SO MUCH to Blackpool parkrun for helping us with our Christmas Toy & Joy Drive: The Festive Express!

Feel free to drop any donations off between 9-10am Stanley Park Clock Tower on Saturday the 15th or 22nd.

The roster is looking good - but we do need a few more barcode scanners.
Have you seen the poster ... have you got your donation ready? Don't forget we're collecting for BFriend and Well-being both this Saturday (15th) AND Saturday the 22nd!
Watch this space for some exciting news about next Saturday the 22nd!!⭐⭐⭐

13/11/2025

⛔ Important update ⛔

Due to building issues we have to cancel tomorrow's Friday friendship group.

Please share and if you know of anyone who attends but does not use Facebook please let them know if possible.

Back to normal next week.

Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

12/11/2025

🎁🚂 Festive Express Joy & Toy Drive — just 22 days away! 🚂🎁

We’re counting down to a day of giving and glad tidings on Thursday, 4 December 2025! Help us spread cheer by donating new, unwrapped toys for children and families struggling to make ends meet in our community.

Here’s how you can help:
• Drop off at the Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde, before the 3rd of December.
• Time: 10am -2pm
• Holy Cross Church, Central Drive, Blackpool

Every gift matters. Share this post, bring a friend, and let’s load up the Festive Express with JOY! ✨

🎁And if you are struggling this Christmas, please come down and see what is available without judgement.🎁

08/11/2025

Today, as Befriending Week closes. We’re shining a bonus spotlight on Sue, one of our wonderful Group and Telephone Volunteers here at BFriend & Wellbeing! 💛

Sue plays a huge role in creating welcoming, friendly spaces — whether she’s supporting people over the phone or helping them connect during group sessions. Her warmth and encouragement help others feel comfortable, included, and able to share openly.
Through her time, compassion, and patience, Sue helps reduce loneliness and builds confidence among those she supports. Her conversations brighten days, and her presence helps people feel seen, supported, and part of a community.

Thank you, Sue, for the positivity and care you bring to every conversation and every group. Your dedication helps build the meaningful connections that sit at the heart of befriending. We are so grateful for all you do. 💙

And if you want more information on our groups please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

07/11/2025

As Befriending Week comes to a close, we’re celebrating with a final video from our Project Lead, Pauline.

As well as showing us how important Befriending is to her, we want to also say a huge thank you to everyone involved in BFriend & Wellbeing — our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters. You help build a world where everyone feels connected, valued, and supported.

Thank you for being part of our mission. Here’s to the continued growth of our befriending community! 💙

(Look out for a bonus video coming tomorrow!)

07/11/2025

As Befriending Week comes to a close, we’re celebrating with TWO final videos today, the first from Martha!

They share why befriending is such a powerful and rewarding experience, and how supporting others on their journey can create lasting change — not only for participants, but for befrienders as well.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in BFriend & Wellbeing — our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters. You help build a world where everyone feels connected, valued, and supported.

Thank you for being part of our mission. Here’s to the continued growth of our befriending community! 💙

06/11/2025

Day 6 introduces us to BFriend stalwart and Andrew, who shares how important befriending is to them.

Befriending is a chance to build positive, lasting relationships that help reduce loneliness and help individuals feel more grounded in their community. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea, phone call, or chat during a walk, these moments create genuine connection and a sense of belonging.

In today’s video, Andrew reflects on the moments that make befriending meaningful as it helped him when he was at his lowest and now uses the opportunity to use Befriending to help not only those that need it but the volunteers who befriend too.

05/11/2025

✨ Join us TOMORROW! ✨

Our Community Theatre Workshop is a fun and creative way to explore the impact of loneliness and of befriending, through storytelling, laughter, and connection.

🗓 Thursday 6th November, 1:30–3:30pm
📍 Forest Gate Baptist Church, Blackpool
💬 Led by the brilliant Rachel Flanagan

No acting skills or experience needed, just come along to join the conversation! Find out how loneliness, friendship, and wellbeing can come to life on stage.

👉 Feel free to turn up on the day, no bookings required - but to chat about any support you need to attend: martha@blackpoolvolunteers.org.uk or 01253 301004