The biennial ball, hosted by Jon Cant, was organised by Leroy Partnership and Community Engagement Manager of Positive Action In The Community, and featured a silent auction and grand raffle to boost the total raised.

A black tie ball, with a Hallowe’en twist ,raised the grand total of £11,000 for a charity that supports people affected by homelessness, domestic abuse and poor mental health.

Held at the Fence Gate, 140 business leaders and supporters attended the ball for Positive Action In The Community.

Hosted by Jon Cant, sales director at Colne based GB Integrated Systems, the biennial ball was organised by Leroy Philbrook, who is the Partnership and Community Engagement Manager at PAC and this was the charity’s biggest fundraising event.

Nelson based PAC has been delivering essential services across the region to help individuals affected by youth homelessness, domestic abuse, and poor mental health since 1997.

Through specialist support, counselling, and supported accommodation such as Safespace, PAC ensures that vulnerable people find stability, regain hope, and look towards a brighter, more independent future.

Speakers included Claire Bennett, the CEO of PAC, who highlighted the hidden struggles of vulnerable individuals in the community and emphasised that the funds raised directly support safe spaces and rebuild confidence for those escaping abuse or facing homelessness.

Micky Marsden, of the Impact Club patron scheme, delivered a powerful speech about her personal survival of youth homelessness and domestic abuse. She shared her inspiring journey from relying on a wheelchair due to severe sepsis to running the 2026 London Marathon for PAC. Despite breaking her ankle at mile seven, Micky completed the marathon, raising over £6,500—the record for money raised by a single person for the charity.

Scott Earing, Director at GB Integrated Systems, spoke about the importance of supporting local charities and how businesses can get behind PAC's essential services by joining the patron scheme.The company was among a number of award winners, being presented with ?

The Spirit of PAC Award went to Blue Rock IT in Blackburn for embodying the charity’s spirit. The fundraiser of the Year award went to Micky Marsden.

Entertainment included a live performance by the Stage Door Youth Theatre, alongside close-up magic from Steven Hickey and readings by Drag Tarot card Reader Madam Hooch. DJ Paul Cunliffe provided dance music and karaoke. There was also a raffle and silent auction.

One of the highlights of the evening was pumpkin carving competition featuring 14 jack o’lanterns crafted by children from Waterside Youth Club which is young people in PAC's safespace supported accommodation, and families in domestic abuse safehouses.

The charity has now appealed to supporters and the public to help push the total raised at the ball over the £12,000 milestone. Anyone who would like to donate is asked to search Positive Action In The Community on the justgiving platform.