Adults across Lancashire & Greater Manchester

Feel better. Learn more. Move forward.

Friendly support for adults who want to feel more confident, pick up new skills and get closer to work. You go at your own pace, with people who understand.

Haslingden · Blackburn · Bolton · Preston · Call 01254 946444

A Positive Smiles group on a winter walk

What would help you most right now?

Pick one. There are no wrong answers.

Choose an option and we'll show you the best place to start.

How we help

Three ways in, one team behind you

Most people come to us for one thing and find the others help too. Whatever brings you in, we'll help you make a plan that fits around your life, your shifts and your caring responsibilities.

Wellbeing & mental health

Feel more like yourself again

Low-level support for stress, anxiety and low mood, in a calm and friendly space.

  • Wellbeing sessions and peer groups
  • Natural Strengths gardening
  • Mindful walks and gentle activity
Find a session →
Skills for life & work

Learn at your own pace

Short, practical courses that build confidence and lead somewhere, from English to employability.

  • English (ESOL) for adults
  • CVs, applications and interviews
  • Customer service and communication
See courses →
Connected communities

Nobody should feel left out

Friendly groups and welcoming spaces that bring people together, whatever your age or background.

  • Fab after Fifty
  • Crafts, chat and afternoon tea
  • Our Haslingden community hub
Join a group →
A mindful walk through the woods
Adults learning together in a classroom
Homemade food laid out for an afternoon tea

Digital & AI confidence

Everyday tech, without the fear

Every Positive Smiles programme builds digital and AI confidence. We start from where you are, even if you've never used a computer.

Stay safe online

Spot scams, fake messages and dodgy links before they catch you out.

Use AI to job hunt

Write a CV and cover letter with AI tools, then make them sound like you.

Sort things online

Book a GP appointment, use the NHS App and keep your Universal Credit journal up to date.

Talk across languages

Use translation tools to fill in forms and keep in touch with people.

More about digital & AI

Our impact so far

1,000+adults supported
5,000+learning hours delivered
95%say they feel more confident
50+volunteers since we started
A learner working on a laptop at a Positive Smiles session

What happens when you get in touch

Small steps, at your pace

No forms to fear. Just a friendly conversation about what you'd like to change.

Say helloDrop in, call us or send a message.
Have a chatA relaxed talk about what you want.
Your planSessions and courses that fit your week.
Next stepWork, learning or volunteering, with us still in your corner.

Where we are

Local, and easy to reach

Our home is Hazelwood in Haslingden, and we also run sessions in Blackburn, Bolton and Preston.

Head office & hub

Haslingden

Hazelwood, 41 Bury Road, BB4 5PG

Outreach

Blackburn

Central Buildings, Richmond Terrace, BB1 7AP

Outreach

Bolton

All Souls, Astley Street, BL1 8EY

Outreach

Preston

215–217 Ribbleton Lane, PR1 5DY

Hazelwood, the Positive Smiles home in Haslingden

Good things happen when we work together

Refer someone, give your time or partner with us.

Get involved