Friendship Model of Volunteering
The Friend for Life project began in 2017 as part of the Headstart Resilience Revolution in Blackpool. Aimed at Our Children (in the care of the Local Authority) it was about providing intergenerational friendships, where young people who wanted one, could have a Friend for Life. A trusted adult to be their friend and stick with them throughout their life no matter what.
With blossoming friendships and successful secure relationships, we began to think about the concept of friendship and how the project learning could be applied elsewhere. This led to what we call THE FRIENDSHIP MODEL OF VOLUNTEERING and within this, we have Friend for Life and Friend for School.
Camilla Ball
Friend for Life Coordinator
Hi, my name is Camilla and I have the best job in the world. I am the Friend for Life Coordinator. I like to see myself as the friendship version of Cupid. I get to match people together to make long lasting friendships that make memories that will last a lifetime. I first joined Friend for Life to become a friend myself but was so interested in the project after going to an information event that I changed my whole career overnight and now have 40 friends. I have previously been a Family Support Worker, Young Carers Worker, Public Speaker and Consultant for the NHS. I joined the Resilience Revolution in 2018. My passion is to support young people to make a better life for themselves and others using the power of human voice. I have an obsession with the colour turquoise and in my spare time I enjoy travelling, playing games, reading, eating nice food, going to the theatre and watching Blackpool FC play (although I have absolutely no idea about the game, for me it’s just about the atmosphere and the community spirit).
Rachel Lambert
Friend for School Coordinator
Hi, my name is Rachel and I am the Friend for School Volunteer Coordinator. I joined the Friendship team in March 2020 during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. My role involves matching volunteers from the world of work with pupils who are struggling in schools. I am also a photographer and have photographed events for local charities and organisations. I have been a volunteer for various Blackpool charities as well as for the police (admin role, of course!). I am passionate about disability sports and I am a member of the Blackpool Boccia team. My favourite colour is blue and I am a huge Harry Potter fan! In my spare time, I like going to the cinema, playing Boccia, doing jigsaws or Lego and spending time with family and friends.
Danielle Cromer
Apprentice Volunteer Coordinator
Hi my name is Danielle Cromer, I am an Apprentice Volunteer Coordinator for Blackpool council. I started this job through lockdown last year and it has been little over a year now since starting. I enjoy working with young people and helping them by talking about my experiences when being under the care of the local authority. I enjoy living and working in Blackpool and feel I can make a change here.