Celebrate our community champs

Chief executive of Community Integrated Care Neil Matthewman writes why the award winning national social care charity is backing the good neighbour awards

On behalf of Community Integrated Care, I’d like to say how delighted I am that our charity is supporting the Blackburn with Darwen Good Neighbours Awards.

It’s not only special for me as Chief Executive of Community Integrated Care, but as someone who knows the true community spirit that the people and groups in Blackburn. In my past career working with NHS Blackburn with Darwen, I saw this first-hand each and every day.

That is why I’m particularly excited that we will launch Community Integrated Care’s first ever service in the town – EachStep Blackburn.

EachStep Blackburn will offer specialist care and support for people with dementia – including residential, nursing and respite care – from one cutting-edge service. As well as providing an extensive range of facilities for people living with dementia, the service will also offer several amenities for the local community to enjoy and utilise – including a café and landscaped gardens. We’ve also developed great partnerships with local community groups, including Age UK, One Voice, Ivy St Community Centre and Blackburn College.

By becoming a community hub and creating over 100 permanent jobs for the people of Blackburn, we hope that when we open our doors this summer, you will all think of us as a ‘Good Neighbour’ too!

I really hope to see lots of support for these special awards. If you know someone who makes a difference in the Blackburn community – perhaps a colleague, friend or someone local you admire – why not nominate them for a Good Neighbour Award?

To nominate your community champions, please visit – theshuttle.org.uk/good-neighbours-awards-nomination-form/ 

This article first appeared in the Lancashire Telegraph