The Other Side Of Blackpool Podcast: Recent Episodes
Poverty Truth Network
This podcast is created by the Poverty Truth Network, part of Empowerment Charity based in Blackpool.This series of podcasts is here to highlight the various issues in the town and bring the links between various groups and organisations together.
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Join host Gillian Oliver from the Poverty Truth as she takes you through the latest disability forum above Sainsburys on Talbot Road Blackpool
She was joined by Emma Jackson, Howard Robinson and Michael who claims PIP payments himself
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In this episode we bring you the highlights from the recent Disability Forum, where we brought the research done by Healthwatch Blackpool and research done on a national level about disabled transport and found it just isn't working.
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Host Gillian Oliver was back at Holy Trinity Church on Dean Street in Blackpool to pull together children and adults a like, who have all been affected by bullying and to talk to the leaders of the town.
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In this episode host Gillian Oliver is Joined by Emma and Chrissy from the Poverty Truth to hold the Disability Forum from Blackpool Victoria Hospital
In this episode part 1 they discussed parking at the Vic, this follows on from a mystery shopping trip they did, where parking was the clear winner in complaints
Patient Transport questions were answered by Caroline Hargreaves from the NHS
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Host Gillian Oliver was joined by Emma and Chrissy from the Poverty Truth Team to talk special offers and the latest on the bullying case they ran through 2024.
They were also joined by Doreen from Queens Promenade in Bispham who has over 600 names on the petition to bring down the blue hoardings obstructing their view of the sea and Vicky Whitfield from Realise Skills Hub who provide short courses for adults over 19
you can find more information in the link below
https://realisetraining.com/blackpool-skills-hub/
- council will help with energy bills but not enough know [1.20],
- get cheap bus tickets with ease - the new NOW card drop ins [13.30], and
- no one can believe how cheap these fitness classes are [21.50]
- The MP's pledge to help bullied teens in Blackpool schools, and what happened next [3.18]
- New government funded training course coming soon to Blackpool to help bullied children in schools [8.35]
- Doreen's struggle with Balfour Beatty wins hundreds of neighbours to her cause [17.10]
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Host Gillian Oliver is joined by residents on Queens Promenade, Little Bispham to hear their anger at the hoardings that have been placed on the promenade by Balfour Beatty for ver 10 years ruining their sea views from the apartments
Now they are fighting back
https://www.change.org/p/save-our-green-space-along-thornton-cleveleys-sea-front?cs_tk=&utm_campaign=937a84b65f6348c1912b01a964d182ee&utm_content=initial_v0_1_0&utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_signer_confirmation_reminder_1&utm_term=cs
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Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Essam Sannoufi a Syrian refugee who fled his country after being shot and wounded for trying to stand up against the government. That episode is called Help I'm a Refugee in Blackpool
Essam now reacts to the news that President Assad regime is over and he has fled the country and what that now means for him and his fellow Syrian refugees
If you would like to read Essam's story in full you can find it here
https://folkwayspress.com/product/our-stories-to-tell/
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Host Gillian Oliver and Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Team host the December meeting of the disability forum at the Holiday Inn in Blackpool
They discuss accessibility on transport with guests who joined them in the room to make things better for residents in Blackpool with disabilities
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In this episode, Host Gillian Oliver and Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth headed down to Blackpool Zoo to hold our second Disability Forum.
In the meeting we heard from Rebecca Reynolds, from Blackpool Zoo who told us about their new accessibility areas and what their doing to improve
Abigail Lee from Healthwatch Blackpool on looking for volunteers to help them improve services for disabled people in Blackpool
Lynsey Barlow from disability first interviewed Cllr Alistair Humphreys the disability champion to understand what his new role includes and what he is proposing to do to help make Blackpool more accessible
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Gillian Oliver, and guests Anne Stewart,Lindsay Barlow, Mel Close, Mike Crowther, Howard Robinson and more discuss the wins that have come from the Poverty Truth Networks work in Blackpool over the last 18 months
Plus hear from Council leaders about new plans coming to town which will benefit more people with disabilities and accessibility issues
In this episode we were on the road at Holy Trinity Church in Blackpool hosting a Bullying round table discussion
It was a chance for young people to be "heard" by some of towns decision makers including Labour Candidate Chris Webb ahead of the General Election where he will be looking to win his seat for Blackpool South
In this episode host Gillian Oliver is joined by Emma and Chrissie from the Poverty Truth Network
They road tested 5 Mental Health Apps and decide on the best one for young people
Give an update on the latest video they released on SEND Transport
and
All your latest Special Offers
Joining host Gillian Oliver was Emma Jackson and Chrissy Wright from the Poverty Truth Network plus joining them for this week's conversation was The Myers Family who have taken their children out of school to educate them at home and they tell us how they earn their money from content creation which has given the children valuable life skills they believe they wouldn't have received in school
In this episode host Gillian Oliver is joined by regulars Emma and Chrissy from the Poverty Truth Network to talk through special offers and what the team have been handling this week. Plus Rebecca Brookes from Platform in Blackpool (The Platform is a new service for 16 to 24 year olds and older to help them find a job, access training or education.) who joined the group for their discussion on work and training
Plus we hear from John, Harry and Chris who all are interested in getting back to work after hearing the conversation earlier in the day
https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Advice-and-support/Job-support/The-Platform.aspx
In this episode host Gillian Oliver is joined by Emma and Chrissy from the Poverty Truth Network and .......Ross Goodwin a professional wrestler who came to our meet to hear stories about bullying and how he and his wrestling club could help
Link to the little book of warm below
https://www.chil.uk.com/news/little-book-of-warm
Back for 2024 Host Gillian Oliver kicks off this years Podcast reflecting on the issues they faced in 2023 and what they are doing this year to try and change them
Joining Gillian are from the Poverty Truth Network Emma Jackson and new team member Chrissy Wright and David Baxter who they met through the Disability Forum
Host Gillian Oliver catches up with more guests from the recent Network Lunch meeting at The Holy Trinity Church in Blackpool
This meeting talked about the recent reply from the CEO of the NHS in Blackpool after hearing the last podcast, Job search issues and the help from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and things for your diary like the up-coming away day and next Disability Forum meeting.
In this episode were Emma Jackson, Dick Cartmell and Leon Davey from the Poverty Truth Network, Sandra, Chrissy, David and Leslie
The Poem, Dick referred to was The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, link is below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGB_K_xlHdI
Host Gillian Oliver catches up with more guests from the recent Network Lunch meeting at The Holy Trinity Church in Blackpool
This meeting talked about the good news within the group and moving issues forward like bullying and fly tipping and things for your diary like the up-coming away day and next Disability Forum meeting.
In this episode were, some gardening tips from Leon, more disability issues from Bella and Phil and it was great to see regular Chris Boyle back
Nothing about us without us is for us.
This is our meeting from the Grange on Monday 2nd October 2023.
This was only the second time we had met, to start to build a disability forum in Blackpool.
We need to bring together all the services, charities, and organisations across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast so we can have a strong forum and everyone is included.
In this episode Host Gillian Oliver brings you some breaking news about the Poverty Truth's Campaign for and with disabled sportspeople in Blackpool
Plus an Invitation to you, to come along to an important meeting on 2nd October 2023 at Grange Park at 1pm
In this episode host Gillian Oliver sits down with senior citizens Dick and Val and Val's Granddaughter Pheonix (who is 13 years old) to talk about the issues with being a senior citizen in Blackpool
In this episode host Gillian Oliver reflects on their end of term report meeting with all that has been happening at the Poverty Truth....And a lot has been happening
Some real highlights include a breakthrough in the Boccia Courts case (Season 3 Episode 2)
In this episode are
Emma Jackson
Siobhan Tweedale
Blackpool resident John
If you are still in need of help or advice due to the Cost Of Living then please do call Siobhan on 07909 688234
In this episode Host Gillian Oliver continues the conversation around Disabled sports accessibility in the Town
Following on from part 1 - this episode focuses on "why always football" when funding is allocated and applied for and why aren't the disabled sports community brought in before the building starts
On this episode are
Carla and Colin from Together We Can Do
Chris Ratcliffe from Boccia England
Mel Close from Disability Equality North West
Laura Ivinson-Blackpool Council
Cllr Jo Farrell
To listen to the original Help, I'm Disabled in Blackpool podcast, you will find this in season 3 episode 2
In this episode host Gillian Oliver revisits Blackpool Sports Centre to talk about the progress made from the "Help, Im Disabled in Blackpool (Season 3 Episode 2) Podcast
A meeting was held to discuss if anything had changed and what more could be done for disabled people in the town
On this episode are
Carla and Colin from Together We Can Do
Chris Ratcliffe from Boccia England
Mel Close from Disability Equality North West
Helen Jenkins from Blackpool Coastal Housing
Laura Ivinson-Blackpool Council
Cllr Jo Farrell
In this episode host Gillian Oliver talks to Siobhan Tweedale from the Poverty Truth Commission about the Winter in Blackpool and how it has affected the residents of the town
Also on this episode is Louise Jones, Head of Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services at Blackpool Council who answers questions and concerns from residents put to her by John Holmes
If you would like to speak to Siobhan about any concerns or help you may need then call 0808 175 3379
In this episode, host Gillian Oliver returns to the issue of bullying in Blackpool and invites residents, teachers and victims of bullying to the Salvation Army in the town for a conversation
What has been done to resolve the issues from our previous bullying podcasts, and what next
In this episode host Gillian Oliver asks if you’ve ever been a patient at Blackpool’s Victoria Hospital.
Now we know about the pressure the health service is under, and the terrific work done by staff to keep things together during the pandemic through cuts and underinvestment.
But today we’re asking: How do you get home from The Vic?
It’s a bit out of town isn’t it - and they say it’s the busiest accident and emergency department outside London. If you don’t have a car, or money for the bus, you’re kind of stranded. And that’s where our story begins.
Our guests in this episode were a Junior Doctor voiced by an actor and Kris Zacharias a former staff member of the NHS
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Leon Davey to bring you this special Other Side Of Blackpool Podcast which shines a light on the 3 series of of the podcast throughout 2022
They look back at some of the key moments from each podcast in 2022 and their Facebook page The Other Side Of Blackpool
Host Gillian Oliver is joined in this episode by Chorley mums-Lisa and Jade who formed mums against youth attack to help others deal with bullying after their own children's experiences
Also a welcome back to the podcast to Blackpool mum-Chrissy, who shares her update on what has happened since we spoke to her in series 2
In this episode Ged Mills sits in for Gillian Oliver and is joined by Revoe resident Betty, Councillor Jim Hobson, Jez Evans, Operations Director at Blackpool Council’s waste company, Enveco and from the Poverty Truth Commission Leon Davy
They discuss the residents dismay at the amount of Fly Tipping happening in the area of Revoe, and what the Council and waste management providers are doing to prevent this from happening.
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Louise Jones, Head of benefits and customer service at Blackpool Council and John Holmes from the Poverty Truth Network
In this episode they look back at the Blackpool Business Leaders Group meeting where Louise outlined the cost of living crisis in the town and put forward ideas for the private sector to help
John also puts residents questions to Louise about benefits, help and the Winter ahead.
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
In this episode host Gillian Oliver went to Blackpool Sports Centre at Stanley Park to meet a group of individuals from Together We Can Do
The group is run by volunteers who meet up every Thursday at the leisure centre to help our disabled residents get active and social through various sports and activities, but are met by issues around accessibility
Joining Gillian is Colin and Carla from Together We Can Do and Councillor Jo Farrell and Active Communities Service Manager at Blackpool Council Lauren Ivinson
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Emma Jackson and Leon Davey from the Poverty Truth Network as they begin series 3.
This podcast is live on location, from the Salvation Army in Blackpool and is a reflection talk on the meeting they had all attended with many of the charities and organisations in the town that will be helping residents through the Winter months with the coast of living crisis looming.
In this conversation the contributors are:
Dr John Clifton, Salvation Army
Siobhan Tweedale -Blackpool Council
Karen Cooper, Blackpool Transport
Cllr Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council
Dr Arif Rajpura, Public Health, Blackpool Council
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
Every week Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network finds all the great things going on in and around the area that could be useful to you, your family or your friends.
Most of these special offers are either free or heavily discounted so please share away
Also included in the weekly message are special services that also could be of help
Host Gillian Oliver brings you a special podcast as The Other Side Of Blackpool goes live on location
In this episode hear as Gillian welcomes Emma Jackson, Leon Davey and Canon Dick Cartmell to reflect on the first coming together meeting
Blackpool residents were able to bring three issues and present them to a room attended by Civic commissioner's to hopefully get a quicker and better solution.
Following on from series 1 episode 6 Bullying in Blackpool-A mum speaks
Host Gillian Oliver speaks to another mum in Blackpool about her recent bullying issue of her child and how she has struggled to have the incident taken seriously.
Gillian is also joined once again by Inspector Jon Smith from Lancashire Police who has answers the questions and thoughts put to him by mum, plus he has some updates from the first bullying podcast we recorded in series 1
Also don't forget please feel free to clink the link below to read Norry Ascroft's book - The Truth About Bullying, if you feel you are having issues and would like some support
https://bit.ly/37w6bII
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Louise Jones, Head of Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services at Blackpool Council.
Louise answers the questions that were brought up on the recent Cost Of Living Podcast and we thank her and Blackpool Council for her time to help create this Podcast.
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Leon Davey from the Poverty Truth Network, Chris Boyle a new resident in Blackpool, Dr John Clifton from the Salvation Army and Martin Newman from Giroscope
This episode talks about claiming Blackpool as home and how hard it is in the rented market in the town.
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Emma Jackson and Leon Davey from the Poverty Truth Network.
In this episode they talk through a day in the life of the Poverty Truth Project in Blackpool.
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Emma Jackson and Leon Davey from the Poverty Truth Network as they begin series 2 with how the cost of living and energy crisis is impacting the residents of the town
Host Gillian Oliver speaks to a mum in Blackpool about her recent bullying issue of her daughter and how she has struggled to have the incident taken seriously.
Gillian is also joined by anti-bullying campaigner Norry Ascroft, who tells us his experience and knowledge on trying to reduce the bullying rates in the area and Inspector Jon Smith from Lancashire Police who clears up the offences that can be made when somebody bullies and offers advice on what to do if you or somebody you know is getting bullied
As mentioned in the podcast, please feel free to clink the link below to read Norry's book - The Truth About Bullying
https://bit.ly/37w6bII
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Essam Sannoufi a Syrian refugee who fled his country after being shot and wounded for trying to stand up against the government.
Also in this episode Emma Jackson from the Poverty Truth Network talks about the ongoing refugee cases in Blackpool and Hannah Fields founder of Folkways Press who has written a book which features Essam's story
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Chris, Natalie, Leon, John and Matty who are either new to Blackpool or who have moved back to the town after being away.
They discuss why they chose Blackpool as a destination and if they feel they have made the right choice, plus how being a resident of a tourist town feels to them
Host Gillian Oliver is joined by Sarah Longlands the Chief Executive of (CLES) Centre for Local Economic Strategies
They discuss the town's statistics in relation to poverty, housing, welfare and support and what is being done to 'level up'
Join host Gillian Oliver from the Poverty Truth Network as she talks about the towns upcoming energy crisis
She is joined by Emma Jackson BEM from Empowerment Charity and local residents Leon Davy and Chris Boyle
Host Gillian Oliver discusses Blackpool's history with Canon Dick Cartmell a priest for the Church of England and Wendy Stevenson, an enthusiast for Blackpool's buildings
They discuss the healing sea air - beautiful beach and sunsets - Blackpool’s buildings - and what hope we can derive from Blackpool’s past.