Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has praised the Our Lancashire team whilst visiting an East Lancashire curry club bringing people from across its community together over a shared love of good food.
Little Harwood Curry Club was established in 2005 and aims to integrate people from across the local neighbourhood, meet new people and avoid becoming isolated or vulnerable.
People attend the Monday lunchtime club, make friends and organise trips together, creating a real bustling community hub.
The Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, visited the club to thank them for their involvement in the launch of Our Lancashire at the end of 2019, with the social action network approaching 500 community groups registered only two months since the community celebration event at Blackpool Tower Ballroom in November.
The new initiative, which is supported by public services and organisations across Lancashire, acts as a one stop shop for groups and events and aims to make the county the social action capital of the UK.
Supported by engagement officers, the aim of Our Lancashire is to engage vulnerable people and also build more confident communities, both key priorities in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.
Mr Grunshaw said:
“The curry club is a fantastic way to bring together people, some of whom may otherwise not get out into their community. Ensuring that everyone in the area knows about this club, the real positive impact that it has is exactly why we have created Our Lancashire. The speed with which the number of groups registered is increasing is really encouraging.
“It is all about helping groups like this one thrive and grow, whilst also helping connect them with people who would benefit from engaging in their community through joining groups like this.
“Supporting a range of activities that act as diversionary activity alongside other groups which offer a form of social prescribing to improve an individual’s wellbeing or act as a hub within their own areas, I am excited to see Our Lancashire go from strength to strength and continue making a difference.
“Developing safe and confident communities across Lancashire is a key priority in my police and crime plan which is why I also continue to support residents and volunteers through grants such as my Community Action Fund, who make a real difference in Lancashire helping deliver projects that reduce crime and keep areas safe”.
Kay Kareem who works with Little Harwood Curry Club and manages Little Harwood Community Centre said:
“It is great to be involved with Our Lancashire. Our aim is to get the community together and we have a hard working team.
“We offer everyone a warm welcome and want to motivate people to come out of the house, and make friends. It lifts you up and we can’t wait to do it again the next Monday. We’re looking forward to working with Our Lancashire as it grows.” To find out more about Our Lancashire, visit www.ourlancashire.org.uk
