GOOD News: 15th April
There’s been a real sense of Spring and better times ahead this week as more community facilities reopen and wellbeing activities resume. The latest date in the roadmap to recovery has seen three of the Town’s most important and much-loved venues able to welcome visitors again.
Outdoor stalls at Fleetwood Market have been open for a few weeks, now joined by the other traders and cafés.
The market is a huge part of Fleetwood’s heritage, not just as somewhere to shop but as a meeting place and with all the necessary COVID precautions in place it was great to see and hear the indoor spaces busy again. Fleetwood Market is open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9am - 4.30pm.
Fleetwood Library has remained open on a limited basis for much of the lockdown but since Monday, residents can now call in again and browse the shelves.
It’s not quite business as usual as it will be some time before the groups and activities return but a very welcome step forward. All the latest information is available on the Lancashire County Council Library Services website or by calling 0300 123 6703.
And many people took advantage of the bright sunshine on Monday morning to shop or enjoy a coffee with friends at Affinity Lancashire.
Why were we there? Healthier Fleetwood would like to thank the management team at Affinity for offering a unit as a ‘pop-up’ community information point. Over the next week or so we’ll be working with our partners to get the unit ready and anticipate opening on Friday 23rd April, St George’s Day - full details will be in next week’s Newsletter. Fleetwood Town Community Trust and their partners have announced more health and wellbeing activities including walking netball, football for youngsters and this year’s NCS courses for 15-17 year olds. All the latest details and booking options are available on the Trust’s website.
Wyre’s Great Outdoors program of activities and events was launched on Monday.
The activities include health walks, bike rides, conservation days, family fun and much more!
Membership offers are now available for the reopening of the YMCA at Fleetwood including the swimming pool from May 1st.
It will be a great boost to have the facilities open again but it’s very important they are supported by the community.
We’ll also be sharing news from some of the independent gyms and personal trainers supporting local residents in a couple of weeks time.
UR Potential is hosting a free employability and wellbeing training programme for women, to increase confidence and skills to move towards employment. The 6 week (3 hours a week), on-line course includes 1 to 1 and group support in a women-only environment. Topics will include positive decision making; support to access volunteering and training; interview skills and a mock interview; confidence building and IT skills. For more information and to book a place call 01253 344398 or e-mail sally@urpotential.co.uk.
Other organisations supporting individuals to improve their employability and gain employment may want to consider the latest round of funding available from The ESF Community Grant Programme. Small grants of up to £20,000 are available across Lancashire to eligible organisations in the VCSE sector. Click on the link above for information or there is also a webinar on Tuesday 20th April at 10am to explain more about the fund. Armed Forces Veterans, serving members and family members are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete an on-line survey.
Information is being collated about what is needed across the Fylde Coast and when events are most likely to be supported. The survey is anonymous and can be found here.
Until the next time, enjoy the opportunity to get out and about if you can, take care.