Real progress for real people

When I was elected a year ago, I promised to deliver better jobs and better wages for Blackpool. That wasn’t just a slogan – it was a commitment to real change. One year in, I’m proud to see that promise coming to fruition through stories like Adam’s.

At the start of the year, Adam was at breaking point. He’d lost contact with his daughter, his mental health was in bad shape and he had just lost his job. Struggling with debt, isolation and a serious health condition, he found himself unsure where to turn.

But Adam didn’t give up. In February, he attended the Jobs Fair I hosted – the biggest our town has ever seen. More than just stalls and vacancies, it was a space filled with real opportunity – quality jobs, career paths, apprenticeships and, crucially, access to support for those who needed a hand getting back on their feet.

Adam made the most of everything on offer. He spoke to employers, asked questions, followed up on leads – and he engaged with the support services available on the day, from career advice to mental health and wellbeing help.

After a few bad months, Adam wasn’t feeling hopeful, but gave everything his best shot anyway and applied for several jobs. A few weeks later, he was offered a role with NHS Pensions. After months of struggle, that job offer gave him back something he’d lost – a sense of stability and purpose.

This is what I mean by better jobs. Not just seasonal work, but roles people can build a future on. It’s not enough to put vacancies in front of people – we must also break down the barriers that stop people from getting back into work. That means supporting the whole person – their wellbeing, their confidence and their long-term ambitions.

Adam is proof that when people are given the right opportunity at the right time, they seize it – and they thrive. I wish him all the very best in his new role.