GOOD NEWS - 18th August
Sometimes we start these bulletins with a topic that may seem anything but 'Good News' and, sadly, the tragedy of suicide has touched our community all too often in recent times.
Healthier Fleetwood is honoured to be among the partners supporting this year's Suicide Awareness Walk which will be held on Friday 9th September. The event is the idea of local resident Liz Loftus, who is also a mental healthcare professional and has seen at first hand the devastating effect of suicide.The walk will start with a gathering at the Log Cabin opposite the Sea Cadets base at 7pm and set off soon after to follow the Esplanade, taking in some of the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way to arrive at Marine Hall Gardens for around 8pm. Here there will be an illuminated ceremony and live music and those taking part are invited to bring along a torch or flameless lantern together with a photo in memory of a loved one.
Posters are being distributed to promote the walk, look out for more announcements in the local press and follow updates on the Fleetwood Suicide Awareness Walk Facebook page.
The event is also to raise funds for a new and unique place of remembrance and hope for the community. Last year, thanks to the generous donations two 'hope benches' were placed on the Esplanade and Promenade - this year it could be a piece of art, a garden, a beacon ... the community will decide.
Leading up to the walk other events and activities are being planned to bring the community together and show support for those in need.
Households and businesses are also encouraged to place a ribbon in their window. It can be a purple and blue (teal) ribbon for suicide prevention awareness or a yellow ribbon for World Suicide Awareness Day, which is on Saturday 10th September.
One of the many organisations doing great work in the community to support better mental health is Lancashire Mind and their aim is to get people talking, to help themselves and each other.
Working with the Fleetwood Primary Care Network, Lancashire Mind are asking the community what they think about the mental health support available across the county and invites everyone to contribute to a short online survey - your responses will help shape future services. > Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here.
Local community groups are also being offered the chance to hold their own mental health workshops supported by experienced staff from Lancashire Mind. These can be as part of the group's existing events such as a coffee morning and will be based around open questions about mental health, the services currently available and what should happen in the future. Email christopherbell@lancashiremind.org.uk for details.
There's an opportunity to join the team at Fleetwood Primary Care Network with a vacancy for a Social Prescribing Link worker supporting children and young people.
The role is about signposting individuals to the services, groups and activities available in the community which can help improve their health and wellbeing. You will work alongside the existing team of link workers and the other health professionals within the Primary Care Network covering Fleetwood's three GP surgeries. > Find out more and apply for this vacancy here.
Our role at Healthier Fleetwood has always been to make connections for a stronger, self-confident community and recently we've seen great examples of this.
This week it's been our pleasure to be part of many conversations about new groups, suggested by residents and for residents and we will be supporting their launch in the coming weeks. On social media we've seen posts asking for help finding groups and activities but within minutes the response from the community has been so positive and encouraging - we look forward to seeing where these conversations flourish when they are led by residents. As the lovely Hope from The Pantry said at last month's Healthier Fleetwood meeting ... "a hand up is better than a hand out."
And here are a few more suggestions to make those connections, to get out & about, and try some of the groups, activities and events in and around Fleetwood during the week ahead.
Sunday 20th August - FREE Beach Craft event for all the family. Come along to the beach by Marine Hall at 11am to help make a unique piece of oversize art on the beach using driftwood, stones, shells and more. No need to book, just turn up. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the beach, bring a drink if it's hot weather, young children should be accompanied by an adult. The event is hosted by Fleetwood Museum & partners.
Saturday 21st August - Sunset Wellbeing Walk
Starting from the Rossall Point carpark (opposite the Sea Cadets) at 7.30pm, taking a gentle stroll along the Esplanade following the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way to arrive at The Mount for refreshments and to enjoy the stunning sunset view across the bay. All welcome but places may be limited - please see the Facebook event for more information.
Monday 22nd August - Calico Connect Join other local residents, support staff and services for the relaxed, friendly and FREE coffee morning with Calico Connect at Fleetwood Methodist Church (Fleetwood Road by Flakefleet School) from 10am to 1pm. Refreshments, help and advice with practical issues like benefit claims and more. Find out more about Calico Connect on their Facebook page here.
Tuesday 23rd August - Harmony & Health at Affinity Lancashire
Fleetwood and Thornton's community singing group are back at Affinity for an afternoon of good times and good tunes - if you're shopping or lunching, listen or join in from 1.30pm to 3pm. Harmony & Health usually meet on Tuesdays at Thornton Little Theatre in the mornings and Marine Hall in the afternoons - to get involved, telephone Shirley on 07940 030925.
Wednesday 24th August - Making the right moves at Fleetwood Library Exercise the brain at Fleetwood library on Wednesday ... there's the FREE Beginners Tablet & Computer Class from 10am to 11am and 11am to 12 - learn the basics, including using a keyboard and/or touchscreen, emails and even shopping. At 1pm there's a choice of the Chess Club or the Scrabble Club - all levels are welcome to come and play!
Thursday 25th August - Enjoy the Great Outdoors on Fleetwood Beach
Discover the different types of rocks and pebbles found on the beach and the processes by which they came to be there on a FREE escorted geology walk from 10am to 11.30am. Call 01995 602125 to book a place. Wyre's Great Outdoors is a year-round programme of events and activities, many free to attend and for all ages and accessible to all. > See this month's listing here.
Friday 26th August - Armed Forces Veterans Football As part of an always busy and varied month of events and activties for the Fylde Coast Armed Forces Veterans and their families, it's Friday Night Football at Fleetwood Rugby Club. The FREE session is from 7pm to 8pm, and usually followed by a social afterwards. For more information please contact: rick.clement@fleetwoodtownfc.com or call 07949 523089.
If you'd like to suggest something for the Seven Ways in Seven Days diary, please contact us no later than the Wednesday of the week before, by email to
The deadline is approaching to nominate for the Wyre Sports Awards, celebrating sporting achievements, community initiatives and wellness in the workplace.
Categories include Coach of the Year, Club of the year, Volunteer of the Year, Contribution to Active Communities (Individual), Contribution to Active Communities (Group), The Jimmy Armfield Lifetime Achievement Award, Primary School of the Year, Secondary School of the Year, Uniting Lancashire Award (previously Services to Underrepresented Groups), Young Achiever of the Year, Active Workplace of the Year, and the Health and Wellbeing Award.
The deadline for applications is 31st August and all the winners are put forward to represent Wyre at the Lancashire Sports Awards in November, the largest celebration of amateur sport in the county.
Also coming to a close is the 'Grow The Tallest Sunflower' competition with our good friends from The Fleetwood Wellbeing Way.
We've already had some great photos sent into us including this week from children of the Summer gardening club at Staining CE Primary School.
To be in with a chance of winning, final heights and images of your sunflowers should be sent by email to listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk or through our Facebook page no later than September 1st.
A reminder we have the West Fleetwood Computer Club at our Wellbeing & Community Information Centre, Affinity Lancashire tomorrow (Friday 19th August) from 11am to 2pm. Call in for FREE advice on your digital device, help getting connected and keeping your personal data safe. No need to book, just drop in.
Next Tuesday, 23rd August we will have staff from O'Briens with us at Affinity offering blood pressure and heart monitoring at a drop-in session from 11am - 1pm, again no booking.
This month's Chatter Cafe is at the YMCA Lofthouse Building on London Street, Friday 26th August from 10am to 11.30am - pop in for a brew and a catch up with local residents, the Healthier Fleetwood team and social prescribers.
Until the next time, take care ...
TO RECEIVE THE 'GOOD NEWS' DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX EACH WEEK WITH ADDED IMAGES AND FEATURES - USE THE SUBSCRIBE FORMS ON THE HOME PAGE/CONTACT PAGE OF THIS WEBSITE. THANK YOU.