About Empowerment
Hello and Welcome...
It is my privilege to lead and tell you about Empowerment, a Blackpool based charity.
Passionate about getting people’s voices heard, especially those who are never listened to.
Our values of Kindness, Justice and Equality and Human underpin everything we do and it is our hope that you will experience all of these values when working alongside our wonderful team here at Empowerment.
About this Website
Our website is a gateway to finding out who we are, what we do and why we do it, my sincere hope is that we manage to communicate to you how excited we are about the work we do each day amongst our local communities.
Mike Crowther – Chief Executive Officer
Empowerment is an innovative charity based in Blackpool
In 1995...
In 1995, a group of passionate individuals came together in Blackpool to form S.I.G.H. – Support in Getting Heard. Their mission was simple but powerful: to provide voluntary advocacy for people in their local community who weren’t being heard, whose rights weren’t being respected, and who were facing daily injustice and unkindness.
By 1999, this grassroots movement had grown into a formal organisation known as Blackpool Advocacy.
In 2014, a new chapter began when Blackpool Advocacy merged with Lancaster and District Women’s Aid, creating what we now know as Empowerment.
We might be a bit more structured and formal these days, but at our core, we’re no different from those first volunteers in 1995 who came together to make a difference.
Empowerment is an organisation that believes everyone — without exception — should be seen, heard, and supported.
We strive to create an environment where people can thrive and flourish.
We deliver our support through a range of services and projects, but we always keep it human.
We’re inspired by lived experience, and we go above and beyond to support our people.
Our Vision
To journey alongside people in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast who feel they are not seen or listened to, empowering them to being about positive change to their own and the lives of others.
Our Mission
We listen, we care and together, we act.
Our Golden Threads
- Valuing lived experience
- Always learning
- Building and strengthening relationships
- Above and beyond
- More than ‘just a job’ – because it matters
Learn About Our Values
- Working with kindness
- Working for justice
- Working towards equality for everyone
- Being human
Lived Experience is at the heart of what we do
Here at Empowerment we work with you, to help you. We value the lived experience and uniqueness of everyone, and this includes our workforce. Lived experience is what makes us human. Our journeys give us the passion, commitment and drive to help change the lives of others.
This is more than ‘just a job’ – because it matters.
About Co-production
Working together with you leads to improved lives and more confidence in services. We have seen positive change for people when they are involved in shaping how we do things and leading their own support.
We invite local people to help co-create our work and mission. Life is so much better when we support each other and do things together.
About Safeguarding at Empowerment
Looking after people is at the heart of what we do. Safeguarding people from harm, including our staff, volunteers and people who work with us, is a core part of our ‘every day’.
Regardless of race, age, ability, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, or belief, everyone has the right to protection from harm or abuse.
We are leaders in Safeguarding
We are proud to hold the Leaders in Safeguarding Award which recognises our safeguarding culture and practice.
Learn About White Ribbon
Empowerment has taken a stand to end all male violence against women by becoming ‘White Ribbon Accredited’.
White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.
To wear a white ribbon is to promise to never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
For more information on the ‘White Ribbon’ campaign
About LGBTQ+ Mark
We are proud to share that we are committed to supporting our LGBTQ+ community in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. We are proud to have been awarded the Lancashire LGBTQ+ Quality Mark from local charity Lancashire LGBT.
This recognition shows that we are on the right track to becoming a more inclusive organisation.
We want everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, to feel welcomed and supported by our staff, volunteers and services.
We know that LGBTQ+ people can experience barriers when accessing services. We are committed to making sure that we are accessible and supportive to everyone.
For more information on the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark
About Trans Equality
We are committed to equality of opportunity for trans people, including supporting trans employees through their transitioning process.
We will not tolerate discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the basis of a person’s gender identity, gender expression or trans status.
We provide a supportive environment for trans people, creating a culture and environment where they are able to thrive and are well supported.
Pledges & Accreditations
About our Board of Trustees
We’re incredibly grateful for our Board of Trustees’ experience and dedication.
They play a crucial role in guiding our work, their contributions are invaluable to us.
Sandra Bilsborrow
Chair to the Board of Trustees
Rachel Eastham
Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees
Louise Owen
Treasurer
George Holden
Trustee
Chirag Khajuria
Trustee
Heather Catt
Trustee