Comfort C.A.F.E... providing care, advice, food and encouragement

Comfort C.A.F.E. are a group of people who work alongside Blackpool residents who are homeless or in need, to help address their needs.

The group aims to prevent or relieve poverty in the Blackpool Borough Council area by supporting people aged 18 and over through the provision of food, items, advice, information and support.

Additionally, they aim to promote the social inclusion of those excluded by society simply because they belong to an economically deprived community. They state that their catchment area is one of the most deprived areas of Blackpool, with many members possessing mental health issues and struggling to survive on welfare benefits and living in poor accommodation whilst paying particularly high rates for gas and electricity.

Drop-in sessions are held on a weekly basis to allow opportunities to develop relationships with the residents and eventually refer them to other agencies for further support. Meanwhile, the operation of weekly ‘soup kitchens’ provides everyone with a meal and a hot drink. Currently, the number of residents in attendance has risen to 85, a mixture of single & married people, as well as retirees.

In the summer, the group started the ‘Food Tomorrow’ project, after receiving a grant from the Department of Work and Pensions and Blackpool Council, this project secured and supplied additional food items during the summer months. The grant provided will ensure the project can continue by securing additional food that can be given to those visiting the weekly sessions over the winter months. 

The group’s work is all done through volunteers as every grant or donation goes directly towards those they help. Because of this, volunteers are always welcome to be involved in washing dishes, taking plates to tables and even talking to clients.

The DJ Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme provides support for charities and community projects with donations, grants and fundraising initiatives. All activities are funded by Glasdon Group Limited, with the full support of our Founder and Chairman, Donald J Sidebottom MBE, FCIHT and the Board of Directors. Applications for grants and support can be made on our grant application page.