Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone are set to launch a specially designed campaign to support young people, families and the community through the Cost-of-living crisis.
The ongoing crisis is becoming the central issue facing many households across the country this year. These issues are hitting the borough especially hard, as Blackburn with Darwen has a higher proportion of families struggling with low wages, poverty, and deprivation than in other parts of the country.
Over the coming months, Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone will support the community by providing an adapted support package, including free entry to a warm building, free nutritious meals, family wellbeing sessions, free winter coats and support over the Christmas period.
The aptly named ‘Give and Take Campaign’ will encourage people who can afford to give what they can however, their is no obligation, this may be in funds, time, goods, or advice. There is an acknowledgement that this could be ‘given’ when the time is right for them. It also encourages people to take what they need without strict criteria or restrictions.
Hannah Allen, CEO of The Youth Zone said:
“It is predicted that millions of people will be driven into poverty. Currently, over half of the people in Blackburn with Darwen already live in deprivation. These are dire circumstances that need to be addressed quickly.
We are working tirelessly with partners across the borough to identify gaps of support and find solutions to fill them. Youth Zone, with the help of over 100 local businesses, is the heart of the community, and we will ensure we bring together partners to harness support.”
The campaign kicks off next week with their school holiday lunch club. The Youth Zone is inviting young people and their parents daily over the school holidays to the centre where they can have a free warm, nutritious meal and also access to a number of activities they can take part in as a family.
For more information you can contact the Youth Zone on 01254 292000 or email enquiries@blackburnyz.org
To support the Youth Zones Give and Take Campaign you can donate here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-give-and-take-campaign
