Blackpool VCFSE Community Fund Proposal

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Dear Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Grants Team,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is David Lester, and I am the founder of Lucy — a free, 24/7 AI-powered multilingual learning platform designed specifically for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

I am writing to apply for the LACVS / LOCAL Fylde Coast VCFSE Community Fund 2025–26 to support digital skills and English language learning for migrants and refugees in Blackpool.

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WHAT IS LUCY?
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Lucy is an AI-powered learning platform that provides:

✓ 24/7 English conversation practice (CEFR A1–C2 aligned)
✓ Life in the UK Test preparation (full official syllabus)
✓ NHS navigation and health rights guidance
✓ UK employment rights and workplace law education
✓ Digital skills foundations (email, web browsing, gov.uk services)
✓ CV writing and interview preparation
✓ Available in 15+ languages including Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Kurdish, Romanian, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian

Key features:
• Zero download required — works on any smartphone browser
• Completely free for all learners
• Voice input/output for users with low literacy
• Spaced repetition vocabulary engine
• Real-time pronunciation feedback with native speaker AI voices
• Progress tracking and gamification (badges, streaks, levels)

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PROJECT PROPOSAL — BLACKPOOL VCFSF COMMUNITY FUND
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Project Title: "Lucy AI — Digital Skills & ESOL for Blackpool Migrants"

Requested Amount: £4,000 (larger grant tier)

Duration: 6 months (October 2026 – March 2027)

Target Beneficiaries: Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

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ALIGNMENT WITH FUND PRIORITIES
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This project directly addresses the stated priorities of the VCFSE Community Fund:

✓ EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING: Lucy provides ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and digital skills training — both explicitly mentioned as fundable activities.

✓ REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION: By connecting migrants to language learning and community resources, Lucy helps reduce isolation and build social cohesion.

✓ COMMUNITY COHESION: Lucy supports integration by teaching UK cultural norms, employment rights, and practical life skills.

✓ DIGITAL INCLUSION: Lucy's zero-app, web-based design ensures accessibility for users with low digital literacy or no smartphone storage space.

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EXPECTED OUTCOMES — 6 MONTHS
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Target: 40–50 learners enrolled (migrants and refugees in Blackpool)

✓ 70% course completion rate (benchmark: 65% for adult ESOL in England)
✓ 50% achieve CEFR level progression (A1→A2, A2→B1, etc.)
✓ 30% employment or further training placement within 3 months of completion
✓ 85% learner satisfaction (measured via quarterly surveys)

Data collection:
• Real-time progress tracking in Lucy platform
• Quarterly follow-up surveys at 3 and 6 months
• Alignment with Blackpool Council UKSPF reporting requirements

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BUDGET BREAKDOWN — £4,000
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1. Lucy Platform & Hosting: £1,500
   - Platform licence and AI infrastructure (6 months)
   - Hosting, CDN and technical support

2. Coordinator Time (0.25 FTE): £1,500
   - Learner support and progress tracking
   - External stakeholder liaison
   - Outcome data collection and reporting

3. Outreach & Support: £750
   - Marketing and recruitment in Blackpool migrant communities
   - Device/internet access support for learners without smartphones
   - Welcome packs and printed learning guides

4. Evaluation & Reporting: £250
   - Outcome evaluation and data analysis
   - Final impact report for LACVS / LOCAL Fylde Coast

TOTAL: £4,000

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WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS FOR BLACKPOOL
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Blackpool has one of the highest rates of digital exclusion in England:

• 28% of Blackpool adults lack basic digital skills (vs. 17% UK average)
• ESOL waiting lists: 4–8 weeks for council classes; demand far exceeds supply
• Post-COVID isolation: Migrant communities face language barriers + digital exclusion
• Employment barrier: 40% of unemployed migrants cite English or digital skills gaps

Lucy addresses these gaps by providing:
✓ Immediate access (no waiting list)
✓ 24/7 availability (flexible for shift workers, parents, carers)
✓ Multilingual support (learners can start in their native language)
✓ Zero cost to learners (fully funded by this grant)

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SUSTAINABILITY
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After the 6-month grant period:

• Lucy will continue as a free platform for all learners
• Coordinator role can be extended through further grant funding (e.g. UKSPF SPF 3.0, Adult Skills Fund)
• Partnership with Blackpool CAN (blackpoolcan.co.uk) for ongoing fiscal hosting and governance
• Potential for Blackpool Council commissioning as an ESOL delivery partner

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NEXT STEPS
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I would be delighted to:

1. Arrange a demo of Lucy for your team (30 minutes, online or in-person)
2. Provide sample learner progress reports and outcome metrics
3. Complete the full application form with any additional information required

The VCFSE Community Fund is a rolling fund with no fixed deadline, but I recommend we submit by mid-October to align with the new academic year and maximize learner enrollment.

Would you be available for a brief call next week to explore this further? I am flexible and can work around your schedule.

Thank you for the incredible work you do supporting Blackpool's voluntary and community sector. I believe this project could make a meaningful difference to some of our community's most vulnerable members.

Warm regards,

David Lester
Founder, Lucy AI
Guestservices International Ltd
📧 davidalester2022@gmail.com
📧 David@empower-creative.com
📱 [Your phone number]
🌐 [Lucy platform URL]

P.S. — I can provide a 2-page project brief with full details, budget breakdown and outcome metrics on request. Happy to answer any questions!