REVIEW HSF7
Department for Work & Pensions
INTRODUCTION
This report highlights the impact of our work supporting vulnerable individuals and families across Burnley. Through a combination of practical, emotional and specialist support, we aim to address the complex challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health issues and family difficulties. The following case studies and data demonstrate not only the difference made to the lives of the people we support but also the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency approach. Our work is rooted in strong local partnerships, bringing together community organisations, statutory services and voluntary groups to provide timely, holistic support that meets the needs of individuals and families in our borough.
Despite August traditionally being a quieter month for school bookings, the Period Coach Project has continued to grow, building strong new partnerships and expanding delivery to support more young people across Burnley and beyond.
The Period Coach Project is not only reducing stigma and increasing knowledge but also providing practical, sustainable solutions to period poverty.
Sustainable Choices – Distributing reusable products alongside disposable ones gives young people and families options that are both cost-effective over time and environmentally friendly.
Long-Term Benefit – Reusable period products reduce ongoing financial pressure on families while lowering waste, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Equity of Access – Offering a mix of product types ensures that young people can make informed choices that suit their individual needs, lifestyles, and comfort.
By embedding sustainability into its delivery, the project is helping to create lasting impact beyond immediate support both for families’ finances and the environment.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
6 new schools joined the HSF 7 Period Coach programme this quarter.
Delivered 21 workshops, reaching 555 young people
Distributed 555 period packs, including sustainable, reusable products.
Launched and hosted Dads and Pads sessions, including a successful event at Brunshaw School.
Established new networks with:
• SEND schools
• Leaving Care Team
• Jane’s Place women’s refuge
• Down Town (future Dads and Pads sessions booked).
HIGHLIGHTS
Building Partnerships –Strengthened connections with schools and community organisations, ensuring the project is accessible to diverse groups including SEND pupils and young people in care.
Access to Products – Continued provision of both disposable and sustainable products, helping to reduce period poverty while offering eco-friendly alternatives.
Engaging Dads – “Dads and Pads” sessions created safe, positive spaces for fathers to learn and talk about periods, breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations at home.
VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY
“This session was brilliant, I’m clued up now. I was nervous as I didn’t want to be the only dad, I wasn’t and it was really informative and not at all patronising or embarrassing.”
Dad, Brunshaw School Dads & Pads session
“I really enjoyed this workshop because it taught me about what will happen with my body when I grow up. I also loved it because I got to see some products that I haven’t ever seen before. Sam was really kind to me.”
Young participant
LOOKING AHEAD
With networks expanding and more schools booked for future sessions, the Period Coach Project is well placed to continue tackling period poverty, promoting education, and normalising conversations around menstruation.
LANCASHIRE WOMEN’S CENTRE HANDYWOMEN, ADVICE & PIP SERVICES
This quarter, our services have made a real difference to the lives of individuals and families across the community.
Handywomen Service: We completed 238 jobs, ranging from energy efficiency checks and home security upgrades to money advice sessions. Through this work, we supported 105 people including pensioners, unpaid carers, families with children, disabled people, and lone parents helping them feel safer, warmer and more empowered to manage their homes independently.
CASE STUDY: SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH ENERGY ADVICE
The client received a home visit focused on energy advice. During the visit, we discussed her energy use and shared practical tips on how to stay warm during the colder months. She was provided with an oil-filled radiator, and arrangements were made for her to receive a Hive smart thermostat to help manage her energy more efficiently.
As a result of this support, the client felt listened to and reassured that her needs were understood. The improvements made her home warmer and more manageable, and she is expected to save around £492 annually on energy costs. Having the radiator and Hive thermostat in place gave her more control over her heating, reducing bills while making daily life more comfortable. The intervention had a clear and meaningful impact, improving both her independence and her quality of life at home.
“Fantastic pair. Very thorough. Pleased with advice given and with the service. Thank you so much”.
ADVICE SERVICE:
93 people have received personalised guidance on benefits, debt and budgeting. This support has been especially beneficial for older adults, carers, families and individuals with disabilities, helping them manage rising living costs and navigate complex systems more effectively.
CASE STUDY: GAINING
FINANCIAL
CONTROL AND PEACE OF MIND
The client faced challenges with understanding and completing forms due to English not being her first language. She was transitioning from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit (UC), was in rent arrears due to an extra bedroom, and struggled to manage bills and food costs on a low income. Her health had also deteriorated, requiring support to complete a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) change of circumstances form.
We conducted a benefits check and income maximisation assessment, focusing on high energy costs and household expenses. The client was guided through the transition from ESA to UC, including setting up a direct debit with her landlord to address rent arrears. Assistance was also provided to access the Household Support Fund, apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment, and complete the PIP change of circumstances form.
The client reported feeling relieved and less stressed, knowing her rent was now managed and her finances better supported. She expressed gratitude for the guidance and stated she would not have managed without the support provided.
CASE STUDY: HELPING PEOPLE NAVIGATE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
The client had faced an extremely challenging period over the past 12 to 18 months, including the tragic loss of her daughter to cancer in October 2024. This profoundly affected her emotional well-being and daily life. Alongside her grief, she has health conditions that limit her physical capabilities, allowing her to work only six hours per week, which is insufficient to meet her essential needs.
As a result, she fell into arrears with gas and electricity bills and accumulated council tax debt. The combination of financial pressure and emotional distress made it difficult for her to regain stability.
The client received immediate support through an emergency food parcel, a referral to the community grocery and a voucher for urgent needs. Guidance was provided on her Universal Credit claim, submitting a new PIP application, and exploring arrears assistance with the BGET Trust. An exceptional hardship application was also submitted to the council, and plans were made to help her access a new fridge freezer.
The client expressed profound appreciation for the support provided. Immediate assistance with food and ongoing guidance in managing her finances helped reduce her stress and provided a sense of hope.
“Thanks so much, I feel like a weight has been lifted. Just having food in the cupboard and hope is something I haven’t felt in a while.” Client Comment
PIP SUPPORT SERVICE:
The PIP service has guided 29 individuals through their Personal Independence Payment applications, providing support and reassurance during a process that can often feel daunting and inaccessible. This assistance has helped clients access the financial support they need to improve their daily lives.
SUMMARY:
These services have made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families. By addressing practical needs through the Handywomen Service, improving financial security through Money Advice, and supporting access to essential benefits through the PIP Service, we have helped people feel safer, more confident, and better able to manage their daily lives. The collective impact of these services demonstrates the vital role of tailored, practical support in enhancing well-being, independence, and resilience within the community.
Over the past quarter, ICANN has continued to provide essential benefits advice and practical support with form-filling through weekly sessions at Down Town and Valley Street. These regular drop-ins offer accessible, person-centred assistance for individuals navigating complex benefits systems, and the impact is evident. Across the sessions, 151 individuals received support. The team completed 80 PIP applications, 14 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) / Universal Credit Capability Assessment (UC50) forms, 17 Attendance Allowance applications, and 7 Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) applications. In addition, they submitted 14 Mandatory Reconsiderations and 29 Appeal (SSCS1) applications, alongside managing a range of other benefits-related enquiries.
The people supported represented a diverse range of circumstances, including 140 households with a disabled adult or child, 18 older people, and 10 families with children, many facing significant challenges. These sessions are making a tangible difference in the community, helping people gain financial stability, access the support they are entitled to, and build confidence in managing their circumstances. ICANN’s work continues to grow in both reach and importance each week, demonstrating the value of sustained, person-centred support.
The estimated financial gain to Burnley residents over the last quarter is £831,803
SUPPORTING CLIENT S THROUGH PIP APPEAL AND HOLISTIC RECOVERY
Client S was referred to ICANN through Burnley Together after experiencing multiple setbacks in accessing support. She had applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in February 2025 and faced rejection, followed by a mandatory reconsideration which was also unsuccessful.
S had been relocated to Burnley in November 2024 as a victim of significant domestic violence. At the time, she was an active drug user and had been placed in a women’s refuge, limiting her access to care and support outside the refuge staff. She had to leave behind her children and family, whom she missed deeply. Since arriving in Burnley, S has remained drug-free but continues to experience complex mental health conditions, including C-PTSD, alongside arthritis. She is socially isolated, fearful of going out, scared of men, and has limited trust in professionals following her previous experiences with the police.
INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORT
Recognising the multiple challenges S faced, the caseworker provided holistic support focused on both practical needs and emotional wellbeing. A key intervention was supporting S through the PIP appeal process. Using in-depth knowledge of the DWP criteria and point system, the caseworker prepared a detailed appeal submission to HMCTS, outlining all areas where S is unable to complete daily activities independently and requires support or aids. This submission also incorporated her medical history and experience of abuse, ensuring the tribunal fully understood her vulnerabilities and the risks she faces.
Alongside the appeal, the caseworker suggested online programs and community resources to support S’s ongoing recovery, helping her access structured support for mental health and social reintegration. While no additional safeguarding referrals were required,given her refuge placement and existing support network, these additional resources aimed to further empower S and build her confidence in navigating support systems.
OUTCOMES AND IMPACT
The intervention had a transformative effect on S’s life. Through advocacy and practical guidance, she gained the confidence to challenge decisions that had previously left her disempowered. The appeal process, fully supported by the caseworker, ensured her circumstances and vulnerabilities were properly considered, reinforcing her sense of self-worth and entitlement to support. Beyond S herself, her strengthened wellbeing and stability also positively impacted her interactions with the refuge staff and potentially her longer-term ability to reconnect with her children and family.
SUMMARY: This case highlights the critical role of personalised advocacy in supporting vulnerable individuals. By combining knowledge of policy, practical support, and emotional guidance, interventions like these empower clients to navigate complex systems, access the benefits they are entitled to, and take steps toward recovery and stability.
SUPPORTING A VULNERABLE CLIENT THROUGH CRISIS
AND BENEFITS REVIEW
The client self-referred to the drop-in clinic at Down Town Burnley after feeling completely overwhelmed by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review form they needed to complete. They had no family support and only one friend, who also faced serious health and mobility issues. The client had not worked for many years due to a combination of health conditions and difficult life experiences, which had worsened over time. They were socially isolated, struggling financially, and finding it increasingly hard to manage daily life.
DETAILS OF INTERVENTION
During the initial appointment, the team provided one-to-one support to complete the PIP review form, ensuring the client’s circumstances were clearly represented. During this meeting, the client disclosed they were struggling to afford food. With their consent, staff registered them with the Down Town Food Bank. Recognising the client’s memory difficulties, the food bank team arranged monthly reminders so they would know when food parcels and vouchers were available for collection. The client’s friend expressed gratitude for this support, saying, “I think it’s amazing what you do - nobody has ever tried helping her like this before.”
As the session progressed, the client disclosed that they were feeling suicidal and had recently collected a month’s supply of medication. Given the level of risk, staff immediately gained consent to contact the client’s GP. Unfortunately, the GP practice was dismissive, advising that an online triage form be completed with no guarantee of a same-day response. Concerned for the client’s safety, staff sought consent to contact their key worker, who quickly arranged emergency support sessions and shared contact details for the local Mental Health Initial Response Team. The team spoke with the client in the presence of staff and arranged urgent mental health intervention, which remains ongoing.
RESULTS OF INTERVENTION
Following the immediate crisis response, a formal complaint was submitted to the GP practice regarding how the receptionist handled the situation, in the hope that this will lead to improved training and awareness for similar future cases. The client was also offered psychotherapy sessions through Down Town, which they accepted, expressing relief at finally receiving consistent support.
SUMMARY:
This intervention prevented a potential crisis and reconnected the client to vital networks of care and support. The coordinated response between the Down Town team, the client’s key worker, and local mental health services ensured that the client received both immediate safety measures and longer-term therapeutic support. The client is now more stable, engaged with ongoing mental health services, and receiving regular food support, a significant improvement from their situation at referral.
ACCESS TO FOOD
HSF7 funding has allowed Burnley FC in the Community Foodbank to continue delivering essential support to residents experiencing food insecurity.
Between July and October 2025, the foodbank provided 862 food parcels to individuals and families, assisting 1,241 adults and 785 children. Demand for support remains high, with 177 people accessing the foodbank for the first time highlighting the ongoing need for this vital community service.
We provide emergency food parcels with the aim of helping people transition to the Community Grocery. Customer Service Advisors play a vital role in this shift using each interaction to highlight the benefits of Community Grocery membership. Their approach remains rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding, ensuring that everyone feels supported in making the transition.
Where possible, customers are encouraged to collect their parcels from Down Town or Valley Street, giving them the opportunity to experience the Community Grocery first hand.
HSF7 funding is being used to expand access to affordable food at Burnley’s two Community Grocery sites: Down Town and Valley Street. The service remains highly popular, with 5,783 shops completed this quarter and 239 new members joining. The Community Grocery model provides a sustainable and dignified alternative, bridging the gap between foodbanks and supermarkets, and enabling individuals and families to access nutritious, affordable food on a regular basis.
In addition, thanks to ongoing funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF7), Burnley Together has been able to offer funded memberships to the Community Grocery and discounted shopping opportunities for residents This targeted support is reducing food insecurity and empowering residents across the borough to access nutritious, affordable food while stretching household budgets further.
Growing engagement with the Community Grocery Engagement data highlights a strong and growing shift toward sustainability to a thriving community movement where residents are embracing positive change and taking ownership of their food security. Continuous improvement and collaboration.
LAUNCHING THE NEW HSF7-FUNDED FOOD NETWORK TRIAL
A new and innovative Food Network trial, funded through HSF7, has recently been launched to support community groups in tackling food insecurity. Selected luncheon clubs and warm spaces participate each week, receiving a pallet of fresh produce from Fair Share every Monday, which they then use to prepare warm, nutritious meals for their sessions.
This initiative is already making a significant impact across the community by reducing food waste, providing healthy cooked meals and helping to combat social isolation. Early feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the effectiveness and value of creative, community-led approaches in improving access to food and fostering social connections.
MONEY ADVICE
EARLY INTERVENTION WORKSHOPS
Participation Works delivers early intervention workshops aimed at equipping young people with practical life skills, financial literacy, and career development tools. The programme focuses on budgeting and money management, practical life skills such as shopping and cooking, understanding wages, tax, and benefits, career support, as well as mental health, wellbeing, and confidence building.
This quarter, in September, 38 young people were supported through 26 workshops delivered across two Burnley High schools. Participants came from 34 households with children, two households with pensioners, one unpaid carer, four care leavers, one household with a disabled member, and one “looked after” individual.
IMPACT AND OUTCOMES
The workshops have strengthened participants’ financial confidence, enabling them to budget effectively, manage household finances and prepare for unexpected costs. Practical life skills learned, including cooking and shopping on a budget, have equipped participants to apply these lessons at home. Career development support helped young people identify their skills, explore potential career paths and plan for further education, including college courses and professional aspirations.
The workshops provided a safe and supportive environment, allowing participants to discuss challenges such as family financial issues and gambling. Relationships with facilitators encouraged trust and self-expression, boosting self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
Participants reported learning valuable skills and knowledge not taught in school, including scam awareness, gambling education and the importance of CVs. They reflected on their future aspirations and planning, connecting their personal skills to potential careers. Many described feeling safe, supported and encouraged to express themselves, which had a transformative impact on their confidence and outlook. Participants highlighted the opportunity to gain practical financial skills, understand taxes, manage money and explore career opportunities, providing them with hope and motivation for the future. Some challenges were noted, including the loss of access to the project van due to a break-in and transport difficulties that limited cooking opportunities in town.
NEXT STEPS
The project will continue to deliver workshops across schools and community settings while monitoring the long-term progress of participants. Future improvements will address transport and practical session access and expand content based on participant feedback to include enhanced life skills and employability support.
SUMMARY
The Burnley HSF7 & Participation Works Money Advice early intervention workshops have demonstrated significant positive impact on young people’s financial confidence, life skills and future aspirations. By providing a safe, engaging and supportive environment, the programme equips participants with the practical tools and personal confidence needed to manage money effectively, make informed decisions and plan for their futures.
CASE STUDY: A’S JOURNEY – BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS
A is a Year 10 student who joined the Early Intervention Money Management Workshops. At the start, A was shy, nervous, and had very limited communication skills. Being neurodivergent, he often appeared overwhelmed and unsure in group settings. After observing this in the first two sessions, the team adapted the environment to better support him, rearranging the classroom to create a calmer space and ensuring a staff member sat beside him during sessions. This allowed A to feel safe and supported, while also providing reassurance that he could contribute in a way that suited him best.
To help A participate, staff introduced post-it notes and note paper so he could write his ideas or answers rather than speaking out loud. This small but significant change made a big difference, allowing him to share his thoughts and feel included without pressure.
At the start, A had very little understanding of money management
and expressed that saving money would be difficult for him. He also revealed that he had been a victim of online scams in the past. Through tailored support and guided discussions, A gradually developed greater awareness and confidence in managing money and identifying online risks. He later shared that he now feels more capable and informed in these areas.
As trust grew, A began opening up about his home life. He lives with his mum and three younger siblings, all of whom have additional needs. He described how challenging the home environment can be due to constant noise and activity. His mum, who has never worked before, is eager to find employment but feels uncertain due to her lack of experience. A also shared that the family often struggles financially.
In response, the facilitators spoke with A about the wider support available through Down Town. This included the Community Grocery for affordable
food, employment support services that could assist his mum, and access to Pre-Loved uniforms ahead of the new school term.
By his final session, A’s progress was clear. He appeared more relaxed, engaged, and confident. He shared that he had really enjoyed the sessions and felt he had learned a lot about managing money and everyday life skills. Most importantly, he passed on the information about Down Town to his mum, helping his family connect with local support.
A’s journey demonstrates the power of small, thoughtful adaptations and a person-centred approach. With encouragement, structure, and empathy, he not only gained valuable financial knowledge but also grew in confidence and self-belief.
This quarter, CAP supported 125 households through a mix of structured programmes and flexible drop-in sessions. This approach focuses on face-to-face, personalised guidance, recognising the value of ongoing relationships with a single trusted worker who can be contacted directly. The individuals supported came from diverse backgrounds, including 35 households with children, 18 with a disabled adult or child, 10 older people, 5 care leavers, and 3 unpaid carers, many of whom were facing significant challenges.
These sessions are making a tangible impact in the community by helping people achieve financial stability, access the support they are entitled to and gain confidence in managing their circumstances. ICANN’s work continues to grow in reach and significance each week.
HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED FOR FACE-TO-FACE SUPPORT IN ONES OWN HOME
CLIENT STORIES: CASE STUDY 1: C
C was referred by her housing support worker. She has learning disabilities and autism and has unfortunately experienced financial abuse in the past, making it difficult for her to trust others. She also struggles with reading and requires support to access and understand paperwork. CAP was able to meet C in her home, alongside her support worker and mother, to refer her into our service. Continued in-home support has helped C make significant progress toward becoming debt-free. She has also received additional support from our enhanced support team at head office.
Beyond financial guidance, CAP helped C access specialist dentistry through Lancashire and South Cumbria Special Care Dentistry and assisted her and her support worker in accessing support from Burnley Together for a new oven. C has recently begun attending Life Skills sessions to build her confidence and learn practical money management skills, enhancing her independence and wellbeing.
CASE STUDY 2: L AND A
L and A approached CAP through the drop-in at Burnley Job Centre. Both have mild learning disabilities and were struggling to navigate online debt processes, which caused increasing anxiety due to repeated requests for documentation they could not easily access. Joy, our Debt Coach, has provided in-home visits, patiently guiding them through paperwork and allowing breaks whenever needed.
The pair greatly value having a consistent point of contact, someone they know and trust, supported by a befriender who engages with them socially, not just about financial issues. They are also receiving enhanced support and are progressing toward becoming debt-free, illustrating the importance of personalised, face-to-face guidance for clients with learning and accessibility needs.
CASE STUDY 3: S
S was referred through the Job Centre following a violent attack, which disrupted her finances and benefits. With no income for several weeks, she faced immediate hardship. CAP arranged two emergency food shops, accompanying her on the trips with her befriender, and assisted with mobile phone top-ups and prepayment meters.
S began attending a luncheon club with her befriender, where she felt safe and supported. She has
returned multiple times, gradually building social connections and confidence. CAP continues to work with S toward long-term financial stability, demonstrating how addressing both financial need and social isolation is crucial for overall wellbeing.
CASE STUDY 4: D
D is a young man who started attending Job Club in September. He has few friends and limited social connections. Through participation in the Job Club, D has engaged with a games night for young adults at Life Church, creating opportunities for meaningful social interaction and helping reduce his feelings of isolation.
CASE STUDY 5: B
B attended the current Job Club at Down Town and took the step of signing up to volunteer at the community grocery. This experience has begun to build his confidence and develop skills that will support his journey toward employment and greater independence, highlighting the combined social and practical impact of CAP’s programmes.
MORE CASE STUDIES THIS WAY
CASE STUDY 6: N
N, a single mother and nurse, was facing bankruptcy. CAP assisted her in completing the online bankruptcy application, which is typically a self-service process. We also identified a grant to cover the £680 application fee and helped her open a basic bank account, ensuring she could manage finances once her current account was closed. N described the support she received as life-changing: “You are an angel, I couldn’t have done this without you.”
CASE STUDY 7: G
G was at risk of having her home repossessed. CAP worked with her to prepare a detailed financial statement and liaised with the duty shelter solicitor at Burnley Court. With support from our financial advisors, G was granted twelve months to sell her home, providing crucial breathing space to manage her situation. She continues to be supported by a befriender, who celebrated small milestones with her, helping G overcome the severe anxiety and PTSD that had previously limited her engagement with the outside world. She said, “Thank you so much Katy, thank you. I appreciate you so much and all you have done.”
CAP PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Life Skills sessions continue to provide focused work on resilience, practical skills, and confidence-building, helping individuals such as C to gain independence and develop money management skills.
Money Coaching provides structured sessions to support clients in creating better financial habits, allowing them to make informed choices and gradually work toward financial stability.
Job Clubs, launched in September, are already having a positive impact. Participants like B and D are taking important steps toward social integration, confidence, and employment. B has begun volunteering at the community grocery, building skills and self-esteem, while D has engaged with a games night for young adults through the Life Church, creating meaningful social connections and reducing isolation. These programmes collectively demonstrate the importance of face-to-face support. For clients with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or social isolation, having a trusted worker who can provide consistent, personalised guidance is critical. Combined with befriender support and structured programmes, CAP helps individuals achieve both financial stability and improved social wellbeing.
SUMMARY:
This quarter, CAP has demonstrated the effectiveness of combining structured programmes, flexible drop-ins, and personalised, in-home support. Clients are not only progressing toward debt resolution but also developing skills, confidence, and social connections that promote long-term wellbeing. Looking ahead, CAP will continue to deliver Life Skills, Money Coaching, and Job Clubs, while maintaining its focus on personalised, face-to-face support to ensure all clients receive guidance tailored to their needs.
BUILDING SKILLS & CONFIDENCE THROUGH COOKING
The Down Town cookery courses started in September and have already had a significant positive impact on participants’ confidence, wellbeing and healthy eating habits. Over the course of the sessions, individuals have developed new skills, explored healthier food choices and built social connections in a supportive and inclusive environment.
KEY IMPACTS: HEALTH AND WELLBEING BENEFITS:
Two participants with diabetes benefited from learning to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals and from trying new foods that fit within a healthy diet. For individuals with previously limited diets, the sessions provided both variety and greater awareness of food choices.
IMPROVED CONFIDENCE AND INDEPENDENCE:
Several participants had limited or no previous cooking experience and expressed pride in their achievements. One participant, who had never cooked before, said:
“I’ve never really cooked before and didn’t think I could – I’m finding this really relaxing.”
Participants took real pride in their work, keeping their cooking areas clean and taking ownership of their creations.
Part of the BLC Group
BUILDING CONFIDENCE & SOCIAL CONNECTIONS:
The sessions offered a safe and supportive space for people facing social isolation or mental health challenges.
• One young participant with severe anxiety, who had not attended school for over a year, found attending the class to be a major and positive step forward.
• Another young person (Year 10) who had experienced bullying gained confidence through the course and will now attend the next programme as an assistant, providing them with structure and purpose throughout the school week.
INCREASED SENSE OF PURPOSE AND ROUTINE:
Participants who were out of work or spent long periods at home reported enjoying the sessions and gaining motivation to try new things and cook independently.
PEER SUPPORT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
A previous participant returned as a volunteer assistant, demonstrating ongoing engagement and a growing sense of community ownership within the programme.
TACKLING FOOD INSECURITY:
Through partnership with Fare Share, participants were also able to take home fresh food each week, supporting household food security and encouraging the continued practice of cooking at home.
SUMMARY:
The cookery courses have fostered confidence, inclusion, and healthy living among a diverse group of participants, from adults with learning difficulties to young people facing anxiety and social barriers. The programme has helped individuals discover new abilities, build positive routines and reconnect with others through the shared experience of cooking and food.
The Burnley Together Hub remains a crucial first point of contact for residents seeking support, advice, and guidance. Over the last quarter, 226 caseworker sessions were delivered, supporting 82 unique individuals. Central to the Hub’s work is a dedicated caseworker who provides compassionate, one-to-one support for residents in crisis. Thanks to ongoing funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF7), Burnley Together has been able to provide vital assistance to vulnerable individuals and families across the borough. In the past quarter, 181 direct applications to the Fund were approved, supplying supermarket and fuel vouchers to help residents stay safe, warm, and well-nourished.
Partnerships remain at the heart of Burnley Together’s success. By working closely with trusted local partners and services, the Hub facilitated 177 successful referrals for essential support, including energy-efficient appliances and heating equipment, household essentials, school uniforms and access to public transport. These collaborations continue to serve as a lifeline for many households, helping residents maintain a safe and comfortable home environment during ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
In September, a partnership event brought together HSF7 service providers and referring partners, including schools, children’s social care, family workers, and debt services. The session was well received, enhancing partner understanding of the range of support available and improving referral pathways for residents in need.
CASE STUDY:
SUPPORTING A CLIENT FACING HOMELESSNESS, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, AND FAMILY SEPARATION
“X” was experiencing homelessness while struggling with poor mental health. Estranged from his wife and going through a divorce, he had limited access to his two young children, aged two and four. He was also on bail and involved with CAFCASS and children’s social care regarding parental access.
Amanda, the caseworker, began working with X to provide a combination of practical and emotional support. She referred him to casual mental health services through Mind Matters to address his wellbeing. She secured private rented accommodation and through HSF7 provided food, household essentials, toys for his children and an oven so he could prepare meals. Weekly home visits ensured the flat was safe, well-equipped, and that X received ongoing emotional support.
Recognising the complexity of X’s legal situation, Amanda helped him access legal aid so he did not have to represent himself in court. She also liaised with CAFCASS and children’s social care to arrange
supervised visits for his children, initially in Blackburn, addressing concerns about space and safety in his home. To further support his parenting skills, X completed a six-week parenting course.
As a result of this multi-faceted support, X was rehoused into a larger flat to meet CAFCASS requirements. Allegations against him were dropped, supervised visits were successfully implemented, and he now has regular overnight access to his children, allowing them to stay safely in his home. The provision of practical items such as the oven, along with emotional and parenting support, helped X create a stable, nurturing environment for his family.
Through coordinated, holistic support, X moved from homelessness and instability to a situation where he could actively and safely participate in his children’s lives, demonstrating the impact of targeted intervention across housing, legal, and emotional wellbeing support.
REFLEC TIONS
The successes documented in this report reflect the strength of collaborative, local working. By working closely with partners across housing, health, social care, education and community services, we are able to provide support that crosses traditional service boundaries and addresses multiple needs simultaneously. These partnerships ensure that individuals receive comprehensive, person-centred support and highlight the value of shared expertise, resources and coordination.
The collective efforts of our local network demonstrate that when organisations work together, the impact for those experiencing vulnerability is significantly greater, providing sustainable solutions and lasting positive outcomes for our community.