Blackpool family firm staff show some Coronavirus kindness to help vulnerable

Independent Living NW is a family-owned day service for adults and the elderly across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.

Ordinarily, the business provides day services for older adults at Highfield and Warren Manor, as well as an additional day service for adults with learning disabilities at Warren Hub.

When the venues were temporarily closed due to the introduction of government guidelines on social distancing, company directors Scott and Spencer Gibbons were both keen to see how they could assist in continuing to provide for service users and other vulnerable people.

As a result, they teamed up with Blackpool Council to provide for those who are shielding themselves at home, by offering services such as shopping, welfare checkups and ‘meals on wheels’.

16 employees have been redeployed as part of the effort, with some staff continuing to support people who were using the day centre service, albeit on an outreach basis in their own homes. Meals are being delivered to service users throughout the week.

Spencer said: “Although our day centres may be closed, we are keen to do whatever we can to continue supporting vulnerable people during this unprecedented time.

“Thanks to the support shown by Blackpool Council, we have been able to redeploy our employees who, without hesitation, have been ready and willing to step up and provide for those who desperately need it.

“The council is working to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are met via their Corona Kindness hubs.”

Karen Smith, adult services director for Blackpool Council, said: “Once again, we are witnessing an example of a local business that is willing to innovate and rise to the challenge for the good of the community.

"Having strong working partnerships with local organisations will be key to getting us through this difficult time. The help provided by Scott, Spencer and all of the employees involved is making a direct difference to those in need.”

\The council's Corona Kindness page provides information, advice and support. Please visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/coronakindness