GOOD NEWS - 14th May
- Healthier Fleetwood
- May 14
- 5 min read
It's MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK, the theme this year is the power and importance of community.
There's no one reason why somebody may experience mental health issues AND there isn't one solution. Some individuals may need the support of counsellors and healthcare professionals but for others just the chance to talk and be listened to over a brew can make a huge difference. Getting out & about, being more active, taking up or resuming a hobby, learning new skills, volunteering ... they all play their part in leading healthier and happier lives and in Fleetwood we have an amazing choice of opportunities.
We've been using this week to share groups, activities and events available in the Fleetwood community.
> Many of these are listed on the TRY SOMETHING NEW pages of our website and regulary posted on our Facebook page ... please take a few minutes to have a look.
There may be more groups and activities to add to the listings, can you help?
If we have missed something the Fleetwood community should know about, or something already listed needs updating, please get in touch.
> Email: listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk
> Call into our Information Centre at The HUB Fleetwood: Tues & Fri, 10am - 2pm
Groups, activities and events should take place in the FY7 postcode or be hosted by a Fleetwood-based organisation. Ideally FREE to attend or at a low cost, if there is higher cost or a ticket price, as a fundraiser for a local good cause.
Thank you.
In the meantime, here's some updates and introductions in keeping with the community theme of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The Positive Futures Team from Wyre Volunteer Centre are looking for suggestions to expand their support to residents from Fleetwood and across the borough.
If you or somebody you know is aged 16 - 64 and not in work, education or training, what activities and drop-in events would you come to?
Social groups (a brew and a chat)
Creative sessions
Walk & Talks
Mental health support
or SOMETHING ELSE
To get involved ... the team is based in The HUB, North Albert Street, Fleetwood.
> Send an e-mail to positivefutureswyre@blackpoolvolunteers.org.uk
> Call 07554 454574
Thank you to Denise for coming over from Chorley earlier this week to visit the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre and let us know about her work.
With her friends she is part of a network of peer support groups across Lancashire and the North West ... Hoarders Helping Hoarders.
People are affected by hoarding in different ways, but generally speaking it is when someone acquires an excessive number of items and stores them in a chaotic manner, resulting in unmanageable amounts of clutter. It’s really important to encourage a person who is hoarding to seek help, as their difficulties can cause loneliness and mental health problems and pose a health and safety risk. Denise has kindly offered to speak with anyone in the Fleetwood area who may be affected by this disorder, and support setting up a local group if there is enough interest. Please contact us at Healthier Fleetwood and we can connect you.
We were introduced to Denise by Lancashire Mental Health Partnership and their next meeting will be just up the road in Cleveleys later this month.
Partnership meetings are held across the County, the one in Fleetwood last year was very well-attended and provided a lot of valuable information and connections. Open to organisations, voluntary groups and individuals working in the mental health/wellbeing sector or anyone wanting to know more about the support available in local communities.
Lancashire Mental Health Partnership, Cleveleys Library, Tuesday 27th May, 2pm - 3.30pm
> For more details please contact: sean.smith@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk
Young people aged between 14 and 24 are invited to join the Wyre Youth Champions programme starting this week.
This is about supporting individuals to manage their health and wellbeing, sharing health messages with their peers and gaining a Level 2 qualification. Sessions begin tomorrow (15th May), 4pm at YMCA Lofthouse Building, London Street, Fleetwood. For more info:
> Call Michelle 07929 665227
> Call Courtney 07704 712848
Our friends at Tia's Crown are looking to expand their 'Let's Dance' sessions in the community ... and are recruiting for extra teachers to work with them.
The sessions encourage people to take up dance or return to the floor for fun, exercise and to support their wellbeing. If you're a qualified dance teacher and would like to join Tia's Crown ...
> Send a CV to admin@tiascrown.co.uk
If you need another reason to enjoy this lovely spell of sunny weather ... take a stroll around the Town and discover the Fleetwood Blue Plaque Trail.
Managed by volunteers from the local community, it's a great legacy for Fleetwood.
Here's what's been achieved by the group, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
10 easy-to-read Blue Plaques on display 24/7 with QR codes to get more information about each one.
A colourful, family-friendly leaflet leading you around the trail.
A terrific website with photos and descriptions of Fleetwood's history, and colouring sheets.
Community Events ...
There's a choice of musical evenings this Friday in Fleetwood ...
Blackpool Male Voice Choir
Friday 16th May from 7pm
St Wulstan's Church
The Blackpool Male Voice Choir make the journey up to Fleetwood for a concert supporting The Pantry Food Bank. Tickets are available on the door at £10 including refreshments.
Cowboys For A Cause
Friday 16th May from 7pm
Fleetwood Conservative Club
If you're into Country & Western, the Cons Club on Lowther Road is hosting an evening of themed music, dancing, entertainment, food and also fundraising for Fleetwood's Mens Shed.
Tickets £3.50pp / £3 for Club members.
Lancastrians: Mines, Mills and Minarets
Tuesday 20th May, 2pm to 4pm
Fleetwood Library
For 'Local History Month' Dr Paul Salveson MBE will talk about his book, "Lancastrians: Mines, Mills and Minarets" covering Lancastrian history with a particular focus on Fleetwood.
Free event - no booking required
Parent & Guardian First Aid
Tuesday 20th May, 6.30pm - 8pm
Poolfoot Complex, Thornton Cleveleys
This course is open to adults and accompanied children. Learn vital skills including CPR and use of AED (Automated external defibrillators), dealing with choking emergencies and the correct use of the recovery position. The session is delivered by HW Training.
Cost is £20pp of which £5 is donated to Fylde & Wyre Community Defibrilators.
> Telephone: 07533 938281
And finally ... our own Professor Dr Mark Spencer delivered his inaugural lecture at Lancaster University last Thursday evening.
If you know Mark, it won't surprise you that this wasn't the typical lecture ... it was informal, fun and of course included a singalong! Representatives of Fleetwood Trust, Fleetwood Primary Care Network and Healthier Fleetwood joined the audience, including our chair of residents Pauline who says ...
"Karen and I were delighted to be invited, we knew that it would be something different. Mark chose the "Evening with" style of event and members of the audience asked questions. He covered a whole range of subjects in his inimitable style, keeping the audience fascinated the whole time and with the singing it turned into a joyous occasion. We couldn’t have been more proud of Mark and wish him much success as Professor Spencer - our key to a brighter future."
Mark adds, "It was a tremendous honour to be asked to deliver such a prestigious lecture at Lancaster University and a great opportunity to showcase everything that’s brilliant about Fleetwood!"
Please keep sending in your GOOD NEWS to share, until the next time ... take care.
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