‘’We’re lighting Blackpool Tower orange to support bereaved people’’

Friday, 5 December 2025 17:15

By Richard Hunt

Blackpool is doing its bit to support a charity which helps bereaved people – culminating in the iconic Tower turning orange next week.

The Good Grief Trust helps those affected by grief in the UK, bringing the various bereavement services together to ensure individuals receive the tailored support they need to move forward with their lives.

Councillor Julie Sloman, who represents Norbreck ward on Blackpool Council, is an Ambassador for the Grief Trust and raises awareness of the services it offers.

She is keen to highlight its work, especially during National Grief Week, which began on Tuesday and culminates at 6pmBLACKPOOL: on Monday (December 8) when the council-owned Tower will be lit up in orange, the Trust’s main colour.

Conservative member Cllr Sloman said: “I use some of my ward funds to sponsor Good Grief Trust cards, which ensure everyone registering a death in Blackpool is signposted to the right support at the right time.

“Similarly, with council members’ help, we have placed over 100 plaques on benches across the town carrying a QR code to connect them to the Trust.

“All the councillors on Blackpool Council have purchased them to go on benches in their wards, which has delighted me. It was cross-party too – only Liverpool has more than we do.

“We recognise that unresolved grief can impact on emotional wellbeing and even become a precursor to mental ill health.

“It’s important to be able to talk and to seek appropriate support at such a difficult time.

“Since I first brought the work of the trust to the attention of members of the council the Trust has expanded greatly to bring together over 1,000 organisations and groups under our Umbrella of Hope.

“On the final day of the campaign (Monday December 8) we light the country orange in support of those bereaved up and down the country – including Blackpool Tower.”

Cllr Sloman is also working with Blackpool South Labour MP Chris Webb, who has joined the All Party Parliamentary Group on Grief and Bereavement.

She added: “As an Ambassador for the Trust, I want to extend my personal thanks to the Illuminations Department who have agreed once more to light up Blackpool Tower, the famous beacon of hope for many reasons, and I wish to thank members who have supported our endeavours.”