A Blackburn-based community interest company (CIC) says its services are vital to many people in the borough, after raising more than £20,000 through a Crowdfunder.

Creative Football, which aims to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being through football and other activities, is aiming to raise £30,000 to fund its services with only five days left to reach its target.

Co-founder, Paul Hardman, says the funds will cover ongoing operational costs, including pitch hire and office rent.

“We have secured the £20,000 and I think the Crowdfunder ends on Monday. Now is the last push for the rest,” Paul said.

“This project is not just about football, it’s about using the sport as a tool to engage people and support their overall well-being.”

Creative Football serves more than 350 people each week including those with learning differences, mental health needs, and neurological issues

Paul said: “We put on sessions for people with learning differences and mental health needs and addictions.

“We even have a walking football team that helps people with neurological issues.

“It’s a vital service for many people in the borough. We support more than 300 people a week.”

Paul said the team was reluctant to make the Crowdfunder, due to the cost of living crisis, but says the overwhelming support it has received shows how important and vital grassroots organisations like this are.

He said: “The Crowdfunder is not something we wanted to make but it’s vital that we stay around for everyone.

“We were reluctant to sort the fundraiser because of the cost of living crisis. We knew people were struggling [financially] and the Crowdfunder market is already saturated with projects that need support.

“Seeing the response to the fundraiser has been overwhelming. We have had donations from all over the country.

"I think people can appreciate that these grassroots projects really do make a difference. In the long run, they save the NHS money as we are helping to keep people well.”

The organisation provides a non-clinical, supportive environment where participants can escape daily stresses, form meaningful friendships, and receive peer support.

Paul said: “Football is a different way of providing support. It is not clinical, it gives people time out from life.

“Amazing friendships have been formed here and there is so much peer support that it has become a community and family in itself.”

With the campaign nearing its conclusion, Paul thanked all contributors. “It’s been an incredible feeling to reach that £20,000 milestone. We would do everything to make sure we are here for everyone,” he said.

“I want to thank anyone who has supported us. As long as we keep going, we will do all we can to help the people in Blackburn with Darwen.”

You can donate to the Crowdfunder, which ends on Monday, by visiting www.crowdfunder.co.uk and searching  ‘Creative Football’.