Blackpool event marks partnership between Northern and BCIL

Northern donated the plaque to recognise those who work, visit and volunteer at the centre and were joined  last week at the unveiling by the Mayor of Blackpool .

The rail company will continue to support BCIL and has also installed a temporary gallery of artwork created by the local disabled , a number of whom were at the station at the launch to talk about their paintings.

Northern’s station team has been working with the charity since the start of the year, donating £500 on behalf of one of their staff members who used the services after suffering a stroke. The donation was used to build a beautiful courtyard garden at the centre, which has proven to be popular with the volunteers, staff and visitors. 

Mick Elliot, Blackpool North station manager, said: “We’re honoured to be working with BCIL and are happy to see the new plaque taking pride of place at the front of the station. It’s really important to us to support our local communities and we look forward to continued working with the centre, which plays a vital role in supporting disabled people in Blackpool.”

Carol Squires, co-ordinator at Blackpool Centre for Independent Living, said: “We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with Northern and raise awareness of the BCIL. We’re delighted the public were able to join us on the day at Blackpool North station to help celebrate the unveiling and temporary gallery of artwork created by the local disabled community from our New Langdale Photography group.”

Further information about the Blackpool Centre for Independent Living can be found here.