Published Friday 4 December 2020 at 9:37
This festive season every resident in Blackburn with Darwen will receive a Christmas card packed with helpful advice.
The Council planned to write to all residents to let them know that help and support is available for anyone who needs it.
We know that sadly, for some residents this card will be the only one they receive, one of the reasons why it felt like the right thing to do this year.
The cheerful rainbow themed card signposts residents to our Help Hub, where Council staff are on hand to offer support with accessing food and essentials, a telephone befriending service and advice about finance, benefits and debt management.
In the card Cllr Mohammed Khan, Council Leader, sends a message of thanks to all our borough’s fabulous key workers and outlined his hopes for the New Year.
Cllr Khan, CBE, said:
Our residents have made huge sacrifices over this past year, many residents have suffered personally, both financially and emotionally. It’s been a really difficult year that nobody will ever forget.
Cllr Khan added:
We really don’t want any residents to struggle this Christmas – and that’s why it was important that we let every resident know that help is available.
We know, that sadly for some of our residents, this maybe the only card they receive.
I hope that this small gesture helps to brighten their day.
We don’t want anyone to be lonely, if you are lonely or you know someone that is, please know that we have lots of support available for anyone on their own, including a fantastic volunteer befriender service who provide a listening ear and friendly help and support if needed.
I would also like to take this opportunity to send a heartfelt thank-you to our borough’s keyworkers – you really have done us proud and continue to do so. We are so proud and thankful to you all.
Information has been provided inside the Christmas card to provide help to anyone who needs it.
You can find lots of information on our website: www.blackburn.gov.uk
The Council is also working with a number of voluntary organisations to provide a delivery of Christmas dinners for anyone on their own this Christmas.
If you are on your own we would be delighted to help bring you a little festive cheer. If you would like a Christmas dinner or need any support, please visit: www.blackburn.gov.uk/helphub or ring: 01254 588111
There’s a dedicated section about coronavirus with important information about testing, isolating and more. This is available 24 hours a day.
The winter Covid grants scheme is also there for those who need it. Find out more: https://theshuttle.org.uk/council-welcomes-funding-to-support-families-in-need/
We can all play our part by helping to reduce the spread of Coronavirus by listening to the guidance that’s in place to keep us all safe and also by continuing to follow the simple steps like washing our hands regularly, social distancing and wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces.
The card has been printed on recycled paper and can be recycled in your grey bin.