Thanks to an extraordinary act of generosity by The Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust and a complete transformation thanks to DIY SOS: The Big Build BBC Children in Need Special, Blackpool Carers Centre now has new premises from which to deliver its services to the thousands of unpaid carers in the area.
This landmark building on Newton Drive, was formerly the Child Development Centre known as Blenheim House. It was originally built between 1891 and 1895 as two semi-detached properties Ingle Dene (147) and Ivy Villa (145) for the wealthy of the day. Ivy Villa is still inscribed on the gateposts today.
Blenheim House Child Development Centre relocated to Whitegate Drive in 2014 and sadly, vandals moved in to the empty building and left it in a poor state.
Michelle Smith, Blackpool Carers Centre CEO explains: “This beautiful building has done an awful lot of good work and will do so again – under our custodianship.
“It gives us space to grow, ample parking, it’s on a bus route, it’s between the town centre and the hospital, there are gardens and impressive grounds – so much to offer carers of all ages.
“We couldn’t have had a better gift. The generosity of Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust has taken my breath away.”
Mark Adlestone, Chairman of Beaverbrook Charitable Trust, recently named Best Leader in the Sunday Times Best Companies List, explained: “We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. We give because we’ve a heart to. We measure our worth not by what we own but what we give.”
The amazing transformation of the building was shown on BBC1 on 17th November 2016 and highlights the unbelievable support and generosity of hundreds of volunteers who gave their time, services and donations to help our organisation. Thank you to each and every one of you.
DIY SOS Volunteers’ Stories
CLICK HERE to read the emotional stories of why some of our volunteers wanted to be involved with the Big Build.
DIY SOS Online Picture Book
A link to a fabulous online picture storybook of the transformation of Beaverbrooks House is available by CLICKING HERE.
This superb publication is courtesy of our amazing PR Officer, Jacqui Morley.
We now have an unbelievable space from which to deliver our services and make ‘A Better Life for Carers’, however we still need to fundraise to provide a programme of respite activities for our carers, so Donations are always welcome.
We are also looking for businesses or organisations that can help us with the maintenance and upkeep of the building to ensure it is kept looking its best for years to come. Please contact Kay Soper on 01253 393748 or email kay.soper@blackpoolcarers – thank you.
