Kay, Author at Blackpool Carers

March issue of Caring Times is now available to download!

Kay — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:20:54 +0000

Download our latest edition of Caring Times!

This issue is packed with news and information, true stories, What’s On Guide and special events, including our Carers Week Cash Prize Raffle, Tri to Race the Sun Triathlon, Capital to Capital Cycle Ride and 3-Peaks Challenge 2-day Climb, plus much more!

Click the link above or image below to download.

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We’ve got a brand new look!

Kay — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:12:02 +0000

As Blackpool Carers Centre marks its 20th anniversary, the charity is celebrating two decades of supporting unpaid carers with the launch of a brand new look.

The refreshed branding symbolises both the organisation’s proud history and its ambition to continue improving life for carers and their families across Blackpool.

The new identity retains the familiar colour palette that carers and partners associate with the Centre but introduces a reimagined design, that feels inclusive and full of energy. The updated logo places carers at its heart, providing a greater recognition of the focus of the organisation and a more recognisable brand to build awareness of the rights, needs and presence of carers in Blackpool.

Tom McMurdo, Director of Finance and Resources, said: “Our 20th anniversary felt like the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead to the next chapter. The new branding captures our passion, quality and respect; values that have guided us well, in addition to helping us connect with new generations of carers, partners and supporters.”

The new identity will be rolled out across all communications, including a redesigned website, social media and printed materials, creating a cohesive and recognisable presence across the community. As the Centre celebrates this important milestone, one thing remains constant; a deep commitment to creating A Better Life for Carers, today and for the next 20 years.

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Our new-style November 25 issue of Caring Times is now available to download!

Kay — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:41:21 +0000

Take a look at our exciting newly designed November 2025 edition of Caring Times!

This issue features details of our Caring Christmas Online Auction; Your Invitation to our 20th Anniversary Birthday Celebrations on 28th November; our new branding and website; Blackpool Council’s Adult Social Care CQC report and what this means for carers; plus your What’s On Guide and lots of inspiring true stories.

Click the image below to download.

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Your July 25 copy of Caring Times is available to download NOW!

Kay — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:02:51 +0000

Our July 2025 issue of Caring Times is now available to download.

This issue features the Carers Allowance Scandal; Adult Social Care Reform; exciting project for young adult carers; the business case for supporting working carers; our What’s On Guide; plus lots of inspiring true stories.

Click the image below to download.

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Excellence for Carers Quality Mark awarded to Blackpool Carers

Kay — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:15:07 +0000

We are thrilled to announce that Blackpool Carers Centre has been awarded the prestigious Excellence for Carers Quality Mark by Carers Trust. This recognition comes as a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting unpaid carers and highlights the dedication and passion of our entire team.

A Unique Leadership Structure

One of the standout features of Blackpool Carers Centre was our distinctive management structure. Instead of a traditional CEO model, we have three Directors who take on specific roles across Operations, Finance and Resources, and Quality. This innovative leadership approach, adopted in 2019, was praised in the report from Carers Trust.

The reviewers felt that “This unique structure ensures a well-rounded and dynamic approach to managing the organisation, ultimately benefiting the carers they support.”

Carer-Focused Approach
Carers are truly at the heart of everything we do. Although we do not have formal forums, feedback from carers through various channels is fundamental to our operations and service development.

The reviewers felt that our commitment to quality, passion, and respect is evident in every aspect of our work. These core values guide our staff members and are the basis for all staff monitoring sessions and act in place of appraisals.

Dedication and Passion
The Carers Trust assessment highlighted several key strengths of our organisation:

Passion and Commitment: The dedication of our team to providing excellent services for carers was clear to the reviewers. “The Directors and staff are not only passionate about their work but also open to new ways of working that could benefit carers. Trustees are actively involved, ensuring they understand the service and the issues faced by unpaid carers.”
Genuine ‘Can Do’ Attitude: Our team continuously seeks opportunities to overcome challenges, with carers at the centre of all service developments. This proactive approach is acknowledged as a cornerstone of our success.
Comprehensive Knowledge: Our team has an in-depth understanding of the local area and the specific challenges faced by different carer groups. This knowledge is reflected in our tailored service offerings that meet the needs of our diverse community.

Diverse Fundraising and Financial Sustainability
The reviewers felt that Blackpool Carers Centre has a diverse approach to fundraising, moving away from a reliance on statutory funding. This strategy not only enhances our financial sustainability but also allows us greater control over service development. This independence ensures that we can continue to innovate and provide the best possible support for carers.

A Welcoming Environment
Our premises, occupied since 2015, were transformed in 2016 by the DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need Big Build Special. The reviewers felt that this has resulted in a spacious and welcoming environment for carers of all ages, further enhancing the support we provide.

Acknowledging the Impact
The Excellence for Carers Quality Mark is a reflection of the incredible work done by our team. Carers themselves have shared the significant positive impact that our services have had on their lives. The peer support and staff dedication were particularly evident during the assessment, where carers shared emotional stories of the challenges they have faced and the invaluable support received from Blackpool Carers Centre.

Looking Ahead
We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain committed to continuing our work to support carers in Blackpool. This recognition is not just an award but a motivation to keep striving for excellence in everything we do.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Carers Trust for this award and to all our staff, carers, and supporters who have made this possible. Together, we will continue to make a better life for carers in Blackpool.

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July 24 issue of Caring Times available now…Download your FREE copy today!

Kay — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:39:33 +0000

Our July 2024 issue of Caring Times is now available to download.

This issue features: our new Excellence for Carers Quality Mark; enhanced rights for working carers; young and adult carers’ journeys through our service; details on where to buy tickets for our very popular 80s & 90s Rewind Party; plus lots of inspiring true stories.

Don’t forget to take part in our Blackpool Carers’ Monthly Cash Prize Lottery for only £1 a month!

Click the image below to download.

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Release of moving poem written by Young Carers on Young Carers Action Day…watch and weep!

Kay — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:44:57 +0000

Wednesday 13th March 2024 was Young Carers Action day, and this year the theme was fair futures for young carers which focussed on why caring should not be a barrier to learning, earning or being able to get on in life – but for many, it is.

Watch the video below to listen to the very moving poem created by our inspirational young carers and local poet Nathan Parker, which gives an insight into the lives of this selfless but often ‘hidden’ group of young people. We are so proud of what they have achieved.

Young Carers Action Day celebrates and raises awareness for young and young adult carers both locally here in Blackpool and nationally.

Thank you to Meridian Media for producing the video.

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March issue of Caring Times available now…Download your FREE copy today!

Kay — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:54:42 +0000

Our March 2024 issue of Caring Times is now available to download.

This issue features: the visit from BBC Breakfast; our new Common Room for young adult carers; a very special visitor for young carers; forthcoming 2024 events including our 5 Countries Cycles Challenge, Golf Day and very popular 80s & 90s Rewind Party; our new look Blackpool Carers’ Monthly Cash Lottery – only £1 a month!, plus our What’s On Guide and inspiring photo gallery.

Happy reading!

Click the image below to download.

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BBC Breakfast Live from Blackpool Carers and asks “Who Cares for the Carers”

Kay — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:28:34 +0000

On Monday 8th January, BBC Breakfast reporter Jayne McCubbin, came to Blackpool Carers Centre to ask the question “Who Cares for The Carers?” as part of the BBC’s Care 2024 feature, which is looking at the issues of care in its different forms.

During the morning’s first live broadcast Jayne had the opportunity to chat to some of the team at Blackpool Carers Centre to gain insight into how we support carers of all ages, including showing a video containing footage of one of our young carers, Cherry.

Later in the broadcast, two of our adult carers also spoke about the positive impact support from Blackpool Carers has had on them, both practically and emotionally. Respite sessions held at Beaverbrooks House, not only give them a break from their caring role, but also reduce their social isolation by meeting and chatting to other carers in similar situations. The wellbeing needs of our carers are supported by the many activities on offer at Blackpool Carers and also out in the local community.

If you would like more information on any of the issues discussed in the programme or require support for yourself, please contact the team at Blackpool Carers on 01253 393748 or email: admin@blackpoolcarers.org

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November issue of Caring Times available now…Download your copy today!

Kay — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:19:01 +0000

Our November 2023 issue of Caring Times is now available to download.

This issue features our forthcoming Glitz & Glamour Ball, Young Carers’ Conference update, Dementia support, Caring Christmas Card Appeal, and much more…

Happy reading!

Click the image below to download.

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