GOOD NEWS - 12th January
We start this week's bulletin with a couple of opportunities for community groups to support their existing work and plan for the future. Wyre Council has launched the Cost of Living Support Grant for Community Organisations. Funding has been provided by the NHS (via Lancashire & South Cumbria Integrated Care Board) to support the activities of local organisations and groups within the voluntary, community, faith sectors helping vulnerable people during the cost of living crisis.
Projects could include support to vulnerable households that are struggling with the cost of living; schemes supporting social interaction and participation; support for community buildings and outreach support. Bids are invited for funding to support either existing or new projects in Wyre and funding must be spent by 31 March 2023.
As a voluntary group, charity or a small business it's important to seek advice on how you progress, and possibly grow to best achieve your goals.
Selnet was established in 2005 by a group of practitioners who recognised the support needed for voluntary & community organisations and social businesses to flourish. They have already supported a number of local projects and would like to help even more.
If you'd like to find out about the support available for your organisation, start by completing and sending in a questionnaire then an advisor from Selnet will be in touch. You could get two days of FREE support, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Selnet questionnaire is available on the Healthier Fleetwood website here.
There are several new activities from Fleetwood Town Community Trust and others are restarting again for the New Year ...
As part of the Fit For The Future programme there's a gentle exercise class at Fleetwood Library on Wednesdays afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. It's about keeping fit and improving your mobility as well as supporting greater independence and a chance to socialise. You can pop along for a FREE taster session on Wednesday 18th January then it's £3pp per week. There's also an exercise group for individuals with dementia and their families (also Wednesdays, 10.30am to 11.30am) and a new walking group on Tuesdays at 1.30pm - meeting at the library and enjoying a brew on return.
For youngsters ... the Try Sports and Premier League Kicks sessions, both at Fleetwood High School, are back again for 2023. Year 10/11 students are invited to attend the Fleetwood Town Sports College Open Evening, Poolfoot Farm, Thornton on Tuesday 17th January from 6pm to 8pm. You'll hear more about the opportunities for the academic year starting September this year - please call Kerrie on 07872 180845 or email: kerrie.burke@fleetwoodtownfc.com To find out more about these and all the activities hosted by the Community Trust: > See their website > Follow on Facebook > email community@fleetwoodtownfc.com
Fleetwood Town Community Trust is also supporting The Armed Forces Veterans 'Walk for Wellbeing' on Saturday 25th February. The walk will start at 6am from Morecambe’s Mazuma Stadium, with staff and volunteers completing the 20.4 mile walk to Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium, ahead of the League One fixture between the 2 sides - members of the community are invited to join the walk and/or make a donation. Over 150 veterans, service personnel and their families regularly taking part in wellbeing activities provided by Fleetwood Town Community Trust and their partners - funds raised will be used to extend the much-valued programme in the future. > Donations can be made on the Crowdfunder page here.
This week saw the first meeting of the prostate cancer support group in the Fleetwood Hospital building. The group will meet at 1pm, every second Wednesday of the month, in Macmillan's new Infomation and Support centre which will be officially opened soon as great addition to the Town's services.
> To find out more about the support available from Macmillan call 01253 955710. ... and to hear what's happening in the hospital building, the Fleetwood Trust AGM is on Thursday 19th January at 4.30pm. Trustees and officers will update on progress to develop a community hub. Access to the building is from Bold Street entrance.
Another local group who met recently were the members of YOYO (Young Onset Young Outlook).
The group is in association with the Alzheimer's Society and brings together people under 65, and their families, coping with dementia - we were delighted to support their festive meal last month.
> The locally based Alzheimer's Society team can be contacted on 01253 696854.
If you're interested in conservation as a possible career, there's an opportunity for some work experience. The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery is hosting activities on Friday 20th January from 10.30am to 2pm, meeting in the Rossall Point car park. Participants will assist with conservation work alongside the Wyre Council ranger team - it is not sand dune creation, it is sand dune protection and erosion prevention. This is a FREE event but places are limited to 10 so pre-booking is advised. > Visit The Bay's website to book and for details of other upcoming events.
... and the Wyre Great Outdoors 2023 guides are out now! This terrific booklet is packed with events and activities, advice and ideas about making the most of the wonderful open spaces and coastline of Wyre. You can pick up a copy at venues including Fleetwood Library and Marine Hall. > Information is also online here
The attempt to put satellites into orbit this week didn't quite go to plan but it's not like there isn't plenty to see and learn about in the skies above ...
Some tickets are still available for an Evening of Astronomy on Thursday 19th January at Rossall School, Fleetwood. Astronomer in residence Dr Nick Lister will take you on a mind-bending and time-traveling trip around the Milky Way, Galaxy and beyond with a talk and Q&A. > More info & bookings on Eventbrite
This month's events at our Wellbeing & Community Information Centre, Affinity Lancashire, all free and no need to book - just drop-in! Tuesday 17th January, 12 noon - 2pm: Foster Care information with Lancashire County Council Friday 20th January, 11am - 2pm: Tech and digital support with West Fleetwood Computer Clinic Tuesday 24th January, 1pm - 3pm: Advice and opportunities from Lancashire Volunteer Partnership
After a very busy event last week we are now holding a 'Chatter Cafe' on Friday mornings in the Centre. Residents and partner organisations are invited to pop in from 11am to 1pm for a natter, find out more about the community and suggest ideas for something new. Grab a delicious hot drink from Katie's, Costa or The Coffee Box at Affinity then come and see us or if you don't mind a builders' brew, we'll have the kettle on.
And finally, congratulations to the team at Fleetwood Market, It's just been announced they have received well-deserved recognition at the National Association of British Market Authorities Awards 2023 for the 'outstanding' role they play in the local community. Until the next time ... take care.
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