A history of empowerment
From a single vision to community strength
Since our humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a lifeline, empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges, build connections, and thrive in a supportive community.
Our story
Founded in 2010 with just £5 and a vision, Community Solutions has grown from a small initiative into a lifeline for thousands. Today, based in Elmfield Hall, we’re committed to helping individuals overcome challenges, find connection, and build a supportive community.
From a grassroots vision to a trusted community resource, our journey reflects a commitment to empowering individuals and fostering connections.
Our journey
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2011
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2012
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2013
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The Beginning
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
Our recognitions and achievements
2021
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
2021
Hyndburn Not For Profit Award
2021
Hyndburn Medium Business Award
2024
Weston Charity Award
Trace our journey through pivotal moments and milestones that have shaped us into what it is today.
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In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2010
The beginning
2011
Expansion and new services
In 2011, we launched the East Lancs Befriending Service, marking a significant expansion in its offerings. The organisation recruited an impressive 411 volunteers for Calico in just twelve months. Additionally, we delivered the Lancashire County Council befriending service and provided volunteer management for Sure Start. The team grew from three to five staff members and moved offices twice to accommodate this growth.
In 2012, we began our first befriending groups in Hyndburn, Burnley, and Pendle, and launched a telephone befriending service and the first Street Soccer Academy. The food parcel delivery service grew rapidly, reflecting increased community need. We also initiated a new volunteer management project with 1st Call Hyndburn and expanded its team to eight staff members.
2012
Growth and new initiatives
2013
Expansion and recognition
In 2013, we expanded its food bank into a larger building in Burnley and began a Community Repaint Scheme. The organisation won the Selnet Award for Excellence in Training and an award for Recycling Waste for its food bank. We was also featured on the TV show 'Bank of Dave'. Additionally, a traineeship program for 16-18-year-olds was introduced, and the befriending service continued to grow.
In 2014, we was supported by 399 volunteers and acquired Elmfield Hall and Trafalgar Mill in Burnley. The organisation started a new horticulture support project, working with ex-offenders and families in crisis. We won the Selnet Large Social Enterprise of the Year award and opened two coffee shops. Additionally, the organisation hosted its first Remembrance Sunday event at Elmfield Hall.
2014
New acquisitions and community projects
2015
Focus on social isolation
In 2015, we further developed Elmfield Hall to include new offices and tea rooms. The organisation supported a staff member in establishing the food bank as a standalone project. We began concentrating on social isolation projects across East Lancashire, added two more staff members to the team, and continued to increase its social group offerings.
In 2016, we began working with the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner to develop programs for ex-offenders. The organisation launched a popular men's social group and a heritage art project. Family-based services were expanded to include 'Start with Sport,' 'Cultivate to Plate,' and the Burnley Street Soccer Academy. We also hosted its first summer fair and Christmas market, further engaging with the community.
2016
Community engagement and new partnerships
2017
Expansion and new support services
In 2017, we launched Transition Solutions, funded by the National Lottery, to support people through life changes and crises. The organisation expanded its events and social groups, creating a community hub at Elmfield Hall. We hosted a heritage event and began offering therapeutic intervention services. To support these initiatives, nine new staff members were recruited.
In 2018, Community Solutions Cafe was rebranded as Mr Gatty's Tea Room to honor Mr Gatty's 200th birthday. We launched our Digital Drop-In and Digital Health projects to support people in getting online and improving digital literacy. The organisation expanded its weekly schedule with additional social groups and welcomed five new staff members to support its growing initiatives.
2018
Innovations and community engagement
2019
Service launches and facility growth
In 2019, we launched the Visit Me Hospital Visiting and Befriending Service to provide support to patients. The organisation expanded its room hire and training room facilities to accommodate growing demand. We welcomed our first patrons, WHN Solicitors, and developed various projects including #IWILL and PCC Life Solutions. To support these initiatives, seven new staff members were recruited.
In 2020, we launched the Life Solutions Project to enhance support services. The organisation celebrated the centenaries of Gatty Park and Elmfield Hall. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, CSNW continued operations, providing crucial support to over 1200 people and their families during the crisis. CSNW expanded its digital befriending service to meet increased demand for virtual support. Additionally, the organisation welcomed over 150 children to its Pumpkin Trail event in Gatty Park.
2020
Resilience and community support
2021
Expansion and new services
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
2022
Expansion and new services
2023
Expansion and new services
In 2010, Community Solutions North West was launched by Deborah Clark with the aim of helping local people live better lives. Initially established as a Volunteer Management organisation and a small food bank, CSNW was based at Hyndburn Homes in Accrington. The organisation started with one full-time and two part-time staff members, working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Calico Homes.
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