The government released statistics on Thursday that showed that neighbourhoods in Blackpool account for eight of the ten most deprived neighbourhoods nationally.
The city contained 15 neighbourhoods considered highly deprived, with 30 per cent of children living in households with a low income.
Reverend Steve Haskett, pastor of St John’s Church in central Blackpool, who was also born and brought up in the city, said it means ministry is different to other places in the country:
“It is true that there is the most crushing and oppressive poverty and social needs in Blackpool. I think it’s probably a place unlike anywhere else in the country, it’s got such a unique and distinctive set of problems and circumstances that combined together to make it perfect storm really in terms of the effects and impact on people’s lives.
“The result of that is that there are many people who are just coping every day with the most horrendous burdens and issues.”
He added that the local Church of England primary school St John’s is linked with deals every day with “circumstances that really break your heart in terms of the effect that it has on their upbringing.”
However, Rev Haskett explained that there was a “flip side” to this story – that he and other ministers in Blackpool had noticed how “the Lord really is work in the most wonderful and delightful ways.”
“We read throughout…
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