A celebration event held in Blackburn has marked a significant local milestone in efforts to reduce Hepatitis C and improve long‑term health outcomes for people across the borough.
The event took place on Friday 6 March, at The Learning Loft at Spark, St John’s Court, Blackburn, and brought together the Spark team, volunteers and partner organisations who helped deliver the recent Hepatitis C micro‑elimination drive in Blackburn with Darwen.
Spark has confirmed that the borough is now ready to declare micro‑elimination of Hepatitis C among people accessing local substance misuse support. This means that almost everyone using the service who could be at risk has been offered testing within the last year, reaching a nationally recognised benchmark for progress.
What this means for Blackburn with Darwen
While the event was a chance to thank those involved, the wider impact is felt across the community.
Making testing a routine, everyday part of support at Spark has helped remove fear, stigma and barriers that can stop people engaging with healthcare. Earlier testing leads to earlier treatment, better long‑term health, and fewer complications later in life, helping people focus on their recovery, families and futures.
This approach also benefits the wider community by reducing the spread of infection, easing pressure on health services, and supporting healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods across Blackburn with Darwen.
Partnership working at the heart of delivery
The achievement reflects close collaboration between Spark, its delivery partners, and local, regional and national organisations. Attendees at the event included representatives from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT), Gilead, Blackburn with Darwen Council, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Spark’s recovery delivery partners were also recognised for their role in engaging people, building trust, and supporting testing as part of everyday support. Spark is delivered through a network of trusted local organisations working together to provide joined‑up, person‑centred recovery support across the borough.
Jo Clarke, Service Manager, for Spark said,
“We are incredibly proud to be able to declare that we have achieved Micro-Elimination in Blackburn with Darwen. This milestone reflects the commitment of our team, volunteers and partners, but most importantly the trust people place in Spark. By making testing a normal part of support, we’ve helped remove stigma and fear, and that has a real impact on people’s health and confidence. This work will continue, because the benefits are felt not just by individuals, but across the whole Blackburn with Darwen community by empowering people to live happier and healthier lives.”
Jane Grassham, Programme Manager, Lancashire and South Cumbria ODN Hepatitis C, said:
“This achievement shows the power of partnership working. Together we can achieve more by testing, diagnosis and treatment of the virus and supporting local services in prevention, early detection and management of chronic liver disease, in high-risk communities. Without treatment, Hep C can cause long term health problems such as liver Cirrhosis and cancer. Congratulations to all on the achievement of micro-elimination.”
About Spark
Commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Council and delivered by the Calico Group, Spark is a confidential, community‑led recovery service supporting people and families affected by alcohol and substance use. Delivered through a partnership of local organisations, Spark focuses on dignity, inclusion and person-centred support that helps people build healthier, more hopeful futures.