LIFELINK'S Mission for Blackpool has proved itself the perfect launch-pad for local churches to reach out to people with learning disabilities.

Causeway Prospects is a nationwide group intent on making the church more accessible to such people.

One group is already working in Fleetwood and the Lifelink Mission is providing the opportunity to start groups up in South Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes.

Joe Cunliffe, in charge of the scheme, said: "We call the group the Family of God.

"We try to get these people involved by asking them what their interests are.

"We're prepared to help any churches wishing to take on this type of work. At St Thomas, we have a thriving deaf population and we have people signing for them throughout the services whenever possible.

"Working with people with learning disabilities is like an extension of this.

"Many of them do not understand church services and we want to know how we can get sermons over to them."

The Lifelink Mission - the churches' modernisation and recruitment drive - arrives in Blackpool tomorrow (May 8) with a huge launch party at the Norcalympia until May 17 and events planned all over the area.

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