Today, CWUHA entered into a partnership with Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) who run a domestic abuse refuge centre that care for children and families fleeing domestic abuse from across the UK. The Emergency Housing Team also helps vulnerable homeless young adults find accommodation.

Families usually arrive at the hostel with only the clothes on their backs. They have left their homes and come to the hostel to find a safe and calm environment, at this point they are in vital need of the bare necessities.

CWUHA will provide an emergency pack for new families that will include all the essential items that they may need to include but not limited to food, clothes, pyjamas, baby products, toiletries and towels. We will also buy items for the children to include school clothes and coats, school shoes, school bags and lunch boxes as well as other School Equipment.

Heather O’Hanlon, Supported Housing Team Leader said “The Emergency Housing Team are beyond grateful for the fantastic support offered by the CWUHA charity. The staff have been brought to tears in the knowledge they will no longer have to witness disadvantaged homeless children without the bare essentials. Often the children arrive with only the clothes they stand in, no pyjamas, underwear, toiletries etc. The parent has often made the most difficult decision to protect the children in the knowledge they do so with nothing. The kindness this support offers ensures these children begin their new life in a decent, respectful and humane way.  Every life is a story thank you for making our children’s stories one where difficult experiences come with the knowledge this world is a kind place with good kind people”. 

Jon Donnellon, Chief Executive BCH added “Blackpool Coastal Housing is tremendously grateful to the Communication Workers Union Humanitarian Aid Charity for their generous offer to provide grant funding to some of our most vulnerable tenants in supported and emergency accommodation.  Our clients are often at their lowest point in their lives and need stable accommodation but also practical support in all sorts of ways.  This funding and help in kind  will support many people as they stabilise their lives and look forward to a brighter future.  We hope Blackpool will benefit from this partnership for many years to come.”

CWUHA also donated 10 laptops to give children access to the internet to help with their schooling.   

Paul Newsham, CWUHA Trustee who will oversee the project with Heather said “You could not but be impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff who support these vulnerable individuals, so it was an easy decision for the trustees to agree to Carl’s recommendation to enter into a 3 year partnership with BHC”.