Refreshment UK exists to encourage and equip Christians in the UK, as well as provide mental health support in Blackpool and overseas aid in India. We do this through training courses in Blackpool, local community development, provision of a mental health drop in space, overseas mission trips and Christian discipleship courses, as well as providing mentoring and resources for individuals.
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Refresh Deansgate is a centrally located space in Blackpool to provide help and hope. As part of our aim to bless and work with the churches of Blackpool, we are opening the building as a response to the mental health needs of Blackpool.
The aim of the centre is to provide a resource that will be used for retail opportunities, craft workshops, outreach meetings, drop in sessions and prayer. The vision for the location is to offer both help and hope.
Two of the key areas where there is a need is in the area of mental health support and also, to combat loneliness. In Blackpool, there is a need for regular mental health services. It was estimated in 2015 that 21% of the population of Blackpool suffered from a common mental health disorder, and for those who are economically inactive, this level is 33% - one in three people.
Loneliness is also a big problem in Blackpool. 5% of the population of the UK say that they are often or always lonely, and amongst older people, 11% of people say that they have contact less than once a month. By providing regular activities, we aim to provide opportunities to be in community.
In these rooms, we meet these needs by providing:
- Advocacy, support and advice for those with managed mental health;
- Courses and groups that offer life skills, activities, and Christian support;
- Registered drop-in sessions for people to meet;
- Retail opportunities for people to get involved in job training;
- Workshops to create crafts for the shop;
- Prayer ministry and regular prayer meetings.