GOOD NEWS - April 7th
This week was our latest Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting and as always it was a wonderful evening, full of enthusiasm and great ideas.
This particular meeting was also the nearest to the anniversary of the formation of Healthier Fleetwood, just over 6 years ago. A great deal has been achieved in that time thanks to the amazing spirit within the community and by listening and working together. Thank you to everyone who has been involved.
Fleetwood resident Pauline opened the meeting and invited Liz, of the Fleetwood Primary Care team and mental health/well-being practitioner to be the first speaker.
She previewed a presentation about the dangers of access to paracetamol on the High Street and the storage of medications at home.
Residents are invited to attend the May meeting to hear more from Liz about this and how they can support a campaign starting later this year.
We also met Andrew who has joined the Primary Care Team as an Associate Psychologist, to provide additional support for individuals with their wellbeing.
If you are not familiar with the title Primary Care Team, it’s the combined healthcare services delivered from Fleetwood’s three surgeries and other NHS partners. They work alongside and support the amazing community network we hear about at the Healthier Fleetwood Open Meetings and see in action every day.
Among the other topics we heard about at the meeting …
Mark from Lancashire Volunteer Partnership encouraged anyone with a few hours of spare time to find out more about community befriending, making a real difference to someone's life.
Anne told us about the new 'Place of Welcome' events at United Reformed Church on Agnew Road, Fleetwood.
These include a coffee morning on Tuesdays 10am - 12noon and hosting the Lifted Spirits residents art group, currently exhibiting their work at Fleetwood Market.
Tony said the Friendly Lunch Club on Thursdays at the Mens Shed Fleetwood Community Hub, Manor Road was proving very popular and valuable in supporting local residents.
Shirley reminded us of the Harmony & Health sessions at Marine Hall on Tuesdays, and thanked Wyre Council for their support but did need to look at options for other venues to keep the group viable in the future.
Friendlier Fleetwood are hosting a Carers event on Friday 22nd April at the Senior Citizens Association Hall: free advice on the support for carers and their families.
Rick from Fleetwood Town Community Trust updated on events for Fylde Coast Veterans including kayaking and drone flying lessons. There’s also a 10 year anniversary dinner coming up in May for the Community Trust.
Mandy has created a new peer support group for women dealing with the effects of domestic violence. There’s a Facebook group, meetings and events will be held soon and Mandy is looking forward to working with other community groups.
Hope volunteers at The Pantry and made an appeal for carrier bags. If you can help, drop in any bags or donations at the Pharos St/North Albert St corner of Fleetwood Hospital, 10 - 3 weekdays.
As you may have seen, there will be activities around the Town on Sunday 8th May to Celebrate Fleetwood Day 2022, marking the birth date of the Town’s founder Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood on the 9th. Further information will be shared soon on music and dance workshops at Affinity and the first ‘Sunset Walk’ hosted by the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way team. Vicky told us that this will follow the Promenade to end at The Mount with an evening tea looking out across the Bay.
And talking of The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery … Mike from the Wyre hub was at the meeting too. Look out for loads of great events coming up using the beaches and outdoor spaces to support health and wellbeing.
There was also some sadness at the meeting around the recent, tragic loss of Lisa, a dear friend and colleague within the Fleetwood community and we took a moment to remember and reflect.
Dr. Spencer mentioned that Fleetwood has been invited by Trinity Hospice to contribute to a new group looking at grieving and the concept of a ‘good death’. Delegates (health professionals and residents) from the Town will attend an event next month ahead of launching ‘Compassionate Communities’ and there will be updates on this soon.
The evening ended with a brew and a good natter as people buzzed from table to table to follow up the topics raised and offer their help. Our next Open Meeting is on Wednesday 4th May, at Emmanuel, from 6.30pm and we’d love to see you there.
A reminder that this Saturday (9th April) is the FREE Collective Identity workshop event at Fleetwood Library from 11am to 2pm.
The session includes viewing a newly created artwork, a film screening and a fun, dance workshop with lunch also provided.
Places are still available, please email info@explorationsincollectivity.com
We’re delighted to be partnering with the Fleetwood Social Prescribers at the Easter Family Fun Day, Marine Hall on Sunday 10th April.
Please say hello at our table between 10am and 3pm, pick up information on local services and events … and there’s a little something extra for younger visitors!
Under 16’s are invited to bring along a drawing or painting on an Easter or Spring theme. The first 40 will receive a charming, crocheted chick and chocolate egg AND all the entries will go into a draw to win a terrific art set. The work can be something original or a completed colouring-in sheet - download some here.
A few other events to quickly mention …
Fleetwood Methodist Church on Fleetwood Road has a Spring Celebration Fair on Saturday 9th April, 1.30pm to 4pm for stalls, raffles and competitions.
Healthier Fleetwood is supporting the Family Arts session at Fleetwood Library on Wednesday 13th April, 10am - noon. Free to attend, book in advance at the Library.
West Fleetwood Computer Clinic are at our Information Centre, Affinity Lancashire on (Good) Friday, 15th April from 11-2pm for FREE advice with your digital device!
Not quite Fleetwood but always an eagerly awaited local event, details of the Garstang Walking Festive have been announced.
Taking place from Saturday 30 April to Sunday 8 May, visitors can experience the best of spring countryside around Garstang, Rural Wyre, Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain. This year the festival has expanded to include some events in surrounding local villages and neighbouring towns. On some walks, special permissions to gain access to rural Wyre and Garstang will allow you to meet local land managers, farmers and experts in wildlife and heritage.
Sticking with outdoor pursuits, did you know that Fleetwood is home to a new Rugby League club?
Wyre Warriors ARFLC have a base at Fleetwood Rugby Club and play matches on a pitch by the Nautical College. There is mens, womens and academy teams, regular training sessions and the Club’s committee are keen to share their love of the sport with more local residents. To get involved: Wyre Warriors Facebook page or email wyrewarriorsarlfc@yahoo.com
Welcome to the Fleetwood Community.
We hope you have a safe and Happy Easter with friends and family. If you'd like to hear more about anything we've shared here, please do contact us and also feel free to send in your 'Good News' and events for future editions.
Until the next time, take care.