Spring events highlight health and wellbeing services in Blackpool

The free Spring into Spring event returns to Blackpool next month, promoting all the health and wellbeing services available to local residents.

The annual afternoon showcase will be back at the Winter Gardens on Friday 12 April, where you will be able to learn more about the health and fitness activities, educational classes, and volunteering and job opportunities available locally, and access cost of living, mental health and disability support.

And new for 2024 will be a series of local community events held in four key areas, shining a light on the services available to people closer to home:

• Monday 8 April - Talbot and Tyldesley, Central Family Hub, Gorton Street 1pm to 4pm
• Tuesday 9 April - Grange Park, At The Grange 1pm to 4pm
• Wednesday 10 April - Revoe-lution Hub, Ibbison Court Community Centre 2.30pm to 6.30pm
• Thursday 11 April - Claremont Community Centre, Claremont Road 10am to 2pm

Hosted by Blackpool Place Based Partnership, the marketplace-style events are aimed at getting people connected to their communities.

Director of health and care integration Karen Smith said: “First and foremost, Spring into Spring is a celebration – it highlights things to do and places to go in the town, along with some key services available for our residents.

“It’s entirely free to attend and nothing needs to be booked in advance; just turn up and enjoy what’s on offer, whether you are interested in getting fit, developing some new skills or just looking for some advice.

“I want to highlight the work of the musculoskeletal service, who will be attending all the events. Being able to move around comfortably is a key part of physical and mental health, and I’d encourage everyone to come along and meet them - especially if you are on a waiting list for assessment, as we will have the experts on hand to support with appropriate advice and information that may help bring some relief.

“So much work goes into these events, so we want to say a huge thank you to all the organisations who are helping to make this happen. We couldn’t do it without the kind donation of time and support from so many people, and we are very grateful.”

Blackpool Place Based Partnership launched last year, bringing together NHS organisations, local authority and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector colleagues to deliver health and social care in Blackpool.

Spring into Spring draws upon each of those sectors and more, with lots of help and advice available, as well as various health checks taking place.

Dr Arif Rajpura, director of public health at Blackpool Council, said: “This multi-agency approach is great for sharing information and expertise, and events like this help us spread the word about the range of support we can provide to our residents.

“There is so much happening in Blackpool and there are lots of services available that people may not know about.

“It is free to attend, so you can just turn up, have a look around and a chat, and find out more about what is on offer on your doorstep.”

The main Spring into Spring event will take place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from 12-noon until 4pm on Friday 12 April. Alison Slinger from the Crown Ballroom will be hosting a “Let’s Dance” session at 12.30pm, with music from the Salvation Army band between 2pm and 3pm.