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Blackpool SURF - the Community Empowerment Network

Blackpool is one of 88 places in the country that receive funding to support a Community Empowerment Network. These are the places nationally that have the highest levels of poverty within their cities and towns. The Networks' performance and funding are monitored and managed by regional government offices. In Blackpool's case this is the Government  Office - North West.

Blackpool SURF was launched on 15 November 2004 at the Dunes Conference Centre in Blackpool.

Aims & Objectives

How SURF came about


SURF is unique in Blackpool in that it aims to give member groups a direct input into important decision-making in the town. This is done through community representatives who are specially elected, trained and supported for that role. Through consultation, research and engagement with voluntary and community groups, Blackpool SURF will discover what issues are of concern in the town.

The representatives will then speak out on these at meetings of the Local Srategic Partnership (LSP). They will then feedback on any issues, decisions and outcomes from these meetings to any member group that requests it and at the Network meetings.

On behalf of the LSP, Blackpool SURF will seek out the views and opinions of voluntary and community groups on issues affecting the town. A range of methods will be used to make it as easy as possible for groups and people to take part. SURF has trained local residents in the use of a variety of exciting 'tools' to engage local communities in a useful dialogue. SURF will feedback on any actions that result from consultations.