BFriend and Well-being

01/06/2026

We're so excited to announce our latest news - thanks to the Community Cohesion fund, we are now supporting refugees & recently resettled migrants in our programme of BFriend & Wellbeing groups.

Please contact us for further information if you would like to be part of "Settle & Smile", our brand new, invite-only group!Professional referrals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if you email us at [email protected]

If you are interested in groups, but don't fit into the criteria for this one, don't hesitate to contact us for more info about our open-access groups, which may be more suitable for you!

01/06/2026

We absolutely love our groups here at BFriend... but it's not all we do 👀
Our 1:1 befriending service is actually a huge part of our service, with our team spending their time processing referrals, conducting initial assessments, and reviewing participant/volunteer profiles to make great befriending matches - making a difference to lives in Blackpool, week after week 💛

We currently have over 30 active pairings between our phenomenal volunteers and local people experiencing loneliness & isolation... And that number doesn't even consider those pairings where they developed such great relationships that they continued the befriending beyond the initial 12-week commitment.

Loneliness can affect anyone, but simply having someone to talk to can change everything. The only problem? We simply can't do it on our own!

Do you enjoy...
- Chatting to people and hearing their stories?
- Making a difference in your community?
- Helping people achieve small goals?
- Volunteering at weekdays, evenings or Saturdays?

If you answered yes to the above, it sounds like we've got the volunteering position for you! Get your volunteer application in today to help end the loneliness epidemic in your community 💪🏻

Welcome to your BFriend & Wellbeing Portal

30/05/2026

One week we’re doing chair exercise… the next we’re making DIY stress balls! It's always weird & wonderful at the Tuesday Pick n Mix Pals group!

What started as a calming craft activity quickly turned into what can only be described as unscheduled messy play… although in hindsight, perhaps we should have been expected that..

Still, there was plenty of laughter, creativity, and colourful chaos, which is exactly what friendship groups are all about 💛

It was a fantastic way to stay our block of calm club activities, 5 weeks of relaxation & wellbeing themes. Come along and join us next week (and every week after) at the Gatehouse Church Community Centre, on the corner of Waterloo Road & Central Drive... Rain or shine, every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm 🤩

28/05/2026

You may (or may not) have noticed that over the last few weeks it's been a little quiet on our social media! There's just been SO MUCH going on with planning for exciting, upcoming events & other little side-projects... But we certainly haven't been quiet at our groups!!

Just a few weeks ago, we had a one-off special with the phenomenal Vicci from A Lifetime Of Wisdom joining us to run her guided chair dance class. Everyone of all ages got involved and absolutely loved the disco vibes she brought 🎉

There was plenty of laughter, movement, and encouragement, and it was lovely to see everyone getting involved at their own pace.

26/05/2026

It's the first trial of our BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) Club! Bring a book, take one of ours, settle in with a cuppa in one of our comfy sofas or outdoor space 😍

There's a little something for everyone, all completely free! 📚

Open NOW until 3pm at the Gatehouse Church Community Centre 🎉

19/05/2026

We're very excited for today's new block to start at the Pick 'n' Mix pals Tuesday group! Come along to join in with our DIY stress ball making and hopefully squeeze some of your worries away 😃

18/05/2026

💚 BFriend & Wellbeing Friendship Group 💚

Looking for a place to try new activities in a relaxed, welcoming and social setting? You'll always feel at home when you come along to our BFriend & Wellbeing Friendship Group every Tuesday at 1pm at The Gatehouse Church Community Centre, Waterloo Road, Blackpool.

✨ A warm and welcoming atmosphere
🎓 Open to complete beginners and experts alike
☕ Free entry & free refreshments
🎉 A rolling timetable of fun activities to try
☺️ Friendly faces to chat with, about whatever's on your mind

Whether you come on your own or with a friend, you’ll be warmly welcomed. Take a break, make connections, and enjoy a lovely afternoon together.

📍 Every Tuesday | 🕐 1pm
We’d love to see you there! 💫

10/05/2026

💚 BFriend & Wellbeing Friendship Group 💚

Looking for a place to relax, chat, and feel at home? Come along to our BFriend & Wellbeing Friendship Group every Monday at 1pm at Forest Gate Baptist Church, Forest Gate, Blackpool.

✨ A warm and welcoming atmosphere
☕ Free entry & free refreshments
🎉 Prize bingo
🎨 Fun activities and friendly faces

Whether you come on your own or with a friend, you’ll be warmly welcomed. Take a break, make connections, and enjoy a lovely afternoon together.

📍 Every Monday | 🕐 1pm
We’d love to see you there! 💫

05/05/2026

Due to unexpected & unavoidable staff shortages, the BFriend & Wellbeing support officers will not be able to attend the Enveco Litter Pick tomorrow - we are so sorry as we were genuinely looking forward to it so much! 😭

If any of you were planning to come down and meet us for it, please don't hesitate to go along anyway and definitely do share your selfies with us! 😁💪🏻

We hope Enveco Blackpool have a fantastic morning and you get lots of takers ❤️

03/05/2026

Next week's Tuesday group (5th of May) will be our FINAL week on the game theme, so don't miss out... however, we are very excited that on the 12th of May, we will be joined by A Lifetime of Wisdom for a one-off special, gentle/chair dance & exercise! 🎉