Josh
Hi all, my names Josh. I’m a born, bred and proud working class Sandgrown’un, critical criminologist, and musician with lived experience who’s both passionate and privileged to be part of this new amazing research project. This work will be paramount in giving us data to attempt to action social change. One of the focus areas for me will be, where is the place for working residents as of 2023? I want to encourage better paid, more ethical and long term employment and investment in the town’s residents, really future proofing younger generations and not just promenade buildings! Surviving just to meet basic needs as of 2023 isn’t living. I am interested in restoring qualities of life to both vulnerable AND working people as a public health measure of compassion. Our town is diversely beautiful, creative and world famous for many reasons other than the negatives. The amazing efforts that go unknown and unrecognised in Blackpool every single day are our heart but we all know that job could be made easier and as co-researchers we will care for and challenge the right people effectively to make that so. A family is a community and a community is a family, a good quality of life for our community members isn’t a privilege but a human right.
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future” – Nelson Mandela
Siobhan
Hi all,
I am Siobhan, a Co-Researcher from Healthwatch Blackpool.
I am really excited to be part of such a great team. My passion is to help support families with education, offer SEN support and help connect with families that may need support. I have lived experience within this key area and it is a real passion to help improve our local communities.
I am really excited to be working on this new project, it is a real privilege to collect vital stats and use that information to help improve and make vital changes across all priority areas such as housing, mental health, education and more.
I am really looking forward to working with the team and our amazing community.
Sarah
Hello my name is Sarah,
{she/Her/Hers}
I am Blackpool born and bred, and very proud of this, as I truly believe that there is a wide range of excellence in Blackpool and the surrounding area, and it is with this fantastic opportunity with Healthwatch-Blackpool that as a co-researcher I have a very exciting chance to bring about valued change in the community.
I am proud and honoured to be working with an amazing group of people based at Empowerment charity, and look forward to meeting with an open range of people in the community, I myself am trans and support this group as equally as I do all others, bringing together the rich variety of groups and individuals in the town to achieve realistic improvements with complete equity in the town to create an all-inclusive and liberal place to work and live, that supports all areas and people in every community of the town.
Karl
Greetings, everyone!
I’m Karl, coming from a working-class background in Blackpool, where I’ve predominantly resided in social housing over the past years.
My unique intersectional journey, encompassing aspects of being queer and neurodivergent, has shaped me into a devoted advocate. I stand firmly in support of transgender, non-binary individuals, and those seeking affirming care, as well as others who face oppression, particularly within the context of lower socioeconomic status. I deeply value the life experiences that have cultivated my perspective.
Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in youth and community development, as well as outreach services for Gay and Bi-sexual individuals. I’ve also worked closely with one of the UK’s prominent charities focused on HIV & AIDS, where my focus has been on reducing stigma and running awareness campaigns. Currently, I’m pursuing professional training and a master’s degree in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy with an integrative approach.
My strengths lie in detached, outreach, and project work, using evidence-based methods to empower communities to address their own needs. This has led to positive outcomes, such as boosting local economies and reducing youth crime and anti-social behavior. My ultimate goal has always been to support individuals and communities on their path to independence, amplifying voice and influence in society.
As a social housing tenant and a landscape architect graduate, I firmly believe that quality housing, green spaces, and connectivity are vital for mental health and well-being. I’m enthusiastic about studying and mapping Blackpool’s ecosystem and green infrastructure to understand their impact on mental health. My vision includes incorporating green urban planning principles into social housing development, creating healthier and more sustainable communities.
One of my notable accomplishments was mapping the Blackpool St. Annes Sand dunes, which attracted significant funding for conservation and shoreline protection, ultimately improving mental health and well-being in the area.
I strongly believe in building trust through concrete short and mid-term actions rather than relying solely on grand masterplans. Blackpool faces challenges like high suicide rates and deprivation, and while tourism is crucial, I advocate for empowering local communities and taking meaningful actions to address their specific needs.
Diverse decision-making roles, particularly involving local voices through health determinants research collaboration (HDRC), can offer fresh perspectives and ideas. While good work isn’t always about money, financial support certainly helps. Additionally, having an evidence-based approach to sustainable employment opportunities and removing barriers to education, training, and skills can make a significant difference.
Looking ahead, I envision Blackpool with its own fully-fledged university, offering opportunities similar to those in larger cities. Industry-accredited degrees in nursing, therapy, teaching, and social work would enable local residents to address local issues directly. I hope that sustainability becomes a core aspect of this vision, as it profoundly impacts the world we leave for future generations.
In a world where oppression persists, I believe it’s our collective responsibility to support empowerment, challenge biases, and champion equity. My contribution involves listening to local communities and working towards social change. Together, we can make a difference!
