Scott Benton MP welcomes £1,275,080 investment for Blackpool from the Conservative Government to increase volunteering opportunities and combat loneliness

• Blackpool will benefit from £1,275,080 in funding from the Conservative Government to create volunteering options and support those experiencing or at risk of chronic loneliness.
• Up to £30 million is being provided through the Conservative Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund to support more than 15,000 people into volunteering and given opportunities to build social connections in libraries, museums, arts organisations, and charities.
• Arts groups, charities, and artist-led workshops in the 27 most disadvantaged areas across the UK will receive funding, in addition to entrepreneurs who are kick starting social enterprises and supporting local communities.

Scott Benton MP has welcomed the news that Blackpool will benefit from £1,275,080 in new funding from the Conservative Government to create volunteering opportunities and support those experiencing or at risk of chronic loneliness.

Recent research has found that those living in the most deprived areas are more likely to report feeling lonely and that certain types of volunteering opportunities have been shown to help connect communities and help people develop skills and grow their networks.

That is why this Conservative Government is investing up to £30 million into the 27 most disadvantaged areas through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund to support volunteers and participants to take part in activities such as talking cafes, skills sharing sessions, arts and crafts groups and environmental conservation.

Over £13 million has been allocated by UK Community Foundations and Arts Council England to create 15,000 high quality volunteering opportunities across the country and support people experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness. Historic England has also distributed nearly £500,000 to support programmes being delivered on 11 high streets to support volunteers to take part in cultural activities.

The Conservative Government is also supporting social enterprises with funding of up to £4.1 million via the Social Enterprise Boost Fund to accelerate social enterprise activity in County Durham, Sandwell, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Thanet and Wolverhampton through business support, training, and networking.

Commenting, Scott Benton MP said:

“Loneliness is a horrible feeling, but there are actions we can take to improve it, including making the most of volunteering opportunities.

“That is why I welcome the Conservative Government’s investment to 17 projects supporting volunteering opportunities across Blackpool as part of the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

“This investment of £1,275,080 will be key to helping people connect with their community support those experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness and improve their mental wellbeing.”

Commenting, Civil Society Minister Stuart Andrew said:

“Loneliness is something anyone can experience, at any time. We know that volunteering can help people connect, as well as improving mental wellbeing and helping people develop new skills. 

“This funding will mean those in some of the most disadvantaged areas across the country are able to volunteer in an area that interests them. From arts groups to skills development workshops, there are thousands of ways for people to get involved, meet new people, and try new things.”