A Community group which relies solely on donations to help the homeless was named the Community Group of the Year at Fusion 2018.

The ceremony held in the Concert Hall at King George’s Hall Blackburn (Saturday July 7) was attended by guests from across the North West. the 2018 ceremony was hosted by Noreen Khan.

Community Spirit are a hard-working group of volunteers have been assisting those on the margins of society week in week out in Blackburn Town Centre.

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They were presented with the award by Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

The group was founded in November 2014 and initially operated from a gazebo in a car park.  Now, they assist up to 60 vulnerable people with volunteers from all backgrounds and cultures.

The group offer a hot meal, hot drinks, snacks and emergency provisions as well as toiletries, warm clothing and jackets.

The group provide a vital service to vulnerable people and aims to build bridges between those in crisis and those who can help.  Community Spirit look to support service users by signposting the to the relevant agencies for their requirements. They are also dedicated to lending a listening ear to those who need to talk.

Community Spirit runs throughout the year and receive food and donations from Greggs, Morrisons and a range of businesses in Blackburn and Accrington including Vaping Giant and Totally Wicked.

The group is completely self-funded and relies entirely on donations.

A spokesperson for the group said, “I think we are all still a little stunned about winning Community Group of the year 2018.

“We are very proud of achieving such a prestigious award. However this is not just an award for the people who were there on the night but an award for the dedication, generosity, donations and support of all of those individuals and local businesses within the community who help Community Spirit directly or indirectly to continue doing what we do.

“We are lucky to have a wonderful group of people around us to help. Thank you does not seem enough but thank you on behalf of everyone involved with Community Spirit.

“Well done to all of the other groups who were in attendance on the night too, all of whom are winners in their own right for making the difference that they do.”

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Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner said, "It was great to have the opportunity to hear about how each of the finalists in the Community Group of the Year Award category have made a real impact within our neighbourhoods and their role in developing safe and confident communities across the county, a key priority in my police and crime plan.

"I really value the work done by these types of organisations which is why I 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."