Bless Community Services

Bless Community Services are a non-profit company that provides vital community services where everyone can belong. We believe in a better future and strive to create a stronger and committed community through locally rooted activities and programmes which support wellbeing, mental health and personal development for all.

We provide a safe space where every voice is heard, friendships are formed, strengths are developed and connections are made. Together, we are growing our community and making improvements not only for today, but for generations to come.

Bless Community Services have been a Nova member since July 2020!

Weekly programmes include: meditation, crochet classes, cancer support and signposting, miscarriage and baby loss support group, and Memory Friendship group for people living with dementia/Alzheimer's and their carers.

What is your organisation’s vision for Wakefield District?
B- ECONNECTED
L-EARNING
E-NVIROMENT
S-UPPORT
S-OCIALISE

Our vision is to be a be a recognised connected organisation that can offer signposting and support within the district together with other voluntary sectors and work together to strengthen our communities across the district. We have shown that we are all resilient, but we have to rebuild our social connections in a more  positive and innovative way.

We can be a huge source of support for people through Bless,  acknowledging the fact that people have been disrupted for 2 years almost and considering that this might be one of the reasons why they feel lonely and have health issues by not being part of something and being  motivated is something we have to work together on and  a good step to take in this present moment.

It’s also important to understand that it can take time to build those social connections back up again but are ready to make Bless a place where everyone has equal opportunities and feel that they belong to something.

It’s something we must invest in now on every level for mental wellbeing and education to rebuild in a positive way.

What project are you working on that you’re most proud of?
Our Learning Group...we are currently partnering up with Wakefield College Adult Learning to offer more places to the community. By removing barriers of high costs for transport and accessibility we can service all surrounding areas for people to upskill, be part of something and have a mentor on hand.

We have had huge success with our group, 3/5 ladies are now employed after attaining their Level 2 certificates and enjoying feeling proud of something and making their lives better. We are proud of the attendees and believe people can achieve anything when they are supported.

Any project, volunteer or staff member that you’d like to highlight.
We all play an important part in Bless as every volunteer has lived some kind of hardship or disability and needed resilience and to be part of Bless is rewarding for all of us and can understand the need for this programme.

Fun fact about your organisation
Bless is always full of fun. We have such a diverse range of people and ages that there is always someone there to make us laugh! Our afternoon tea and quiz is a lot of fun which is always part of the service, but the competitiveness is off the scale!

What do you like about being a Nova member?
Nova has been a lifeline for Bless and we have nothing but appreciation for the help and professional advice we have asked for and received, Rachel has been the most supportive person we could have. The team are able to put any question forward to her and do not feel daft about asking it. We would have been completely in the dark if we had not been a member of Nova.

How can local organisations and the public support you?
We have had huge support from local business and we are grateful for that, we would love to create more opportunities for them to be involved and also to donate small prizes for our fundraising days to continue.

If people would like to get involved, how do they contact you?
Please contact us on 07907 106360 or please call in for a cuppa and chat (at Upton Library) to see what plans we have for future events or try out groups.

Thank you to Bless Community Services for getting involved!