Blackpool's £88k library 'lifeline' to tackle loneliness

The Blackpool project includes creative and expressive arts

An £88,000 project which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation is being launched by a town's library service.

Activities in Blackpool, ranging from adult Lego building to storytelling and creative arts sessions, will "be a lifeline for many", the council said.

The scheme will focus on Central, Revoe and Langdale Libraries, Library @ TheGrange and Laundry Room at Mereside.

It is part of the £30m Know Your Neighbourhood fund to increase volunteering and tackle loneliness.

Councillor Jo Farrell said: "The work already undertaken by our library service to better connect communities and tackle social isolation is much-needed and wonderful to see.

"Libraries are key to our communities and are a lifeline for many.

"We are very excited to see the impact that this project will have on lives of Blackpool residents."

Virtual reality

The funding has come from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, distributed by Arts Council England in partnership with national charity Libraries Connected.

It is part of the £30m Know Your Neighbourhood fund designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England.

Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: "Public libraries are at the heart of their communities and are uniquely placed to help local people participate in volunteering and connect with others."

The Blackpool project also includes creative virtual and augmented reality experiences, story time for adults and expressive arts as well as classes in subjects such as maths, English and ICT.