GOOD NEWS - 25th February 2026
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Aspiring entrepreneurs are being given the opportunity to develop real-world business skills through a funded training programme at Fleetwood Market.
The programme offers hands-on experience in marketing and managing a market stall. The initiative forms part of wider investment allocated to Wyre Council, which, alongside other projects, has helped establish the scheme.
Julian Brent, Market Manager comments, “This was an idea I’ve carried for many years, and seeing it finally come to fruition is incredibly rewarding. With the support of UKSPF funding, we’ve been able to successfully establish and grow the scheme, creating real opportunities for people. To now see it supporting individuals into self-employment and bringing new life into Fleetwood Market, is something I’m genuinely proud of."
Among the latest cohort of traders is Rebekah, who was selected from multiple applicants to run the pet-themed stall, New Leash of Life, located in the main hall at Fleetwood Market. Rebekah said: “This opportunity has given me the chance to build my experience and create a career for myself. I’m excited to see how the future looks for me now.”
A Lifetime of Wisdom is a wonderful new initiative showcasing a remarkable generation and giving them the voice they deserve ... in a unique way!
Business partners Adam Blakey and 'Dancing On Ice' star Dan Whiston want to connect with people who have mobility challenges, feel isolated, or simply want a safe and supported way to get out in the fresh air. There's an invitation for join them for a FREE trishaw ride AND with the passenger's consent, the conversation is also filmed and shared online for their family, friends and the community to enjoy.
Initially the rides will be in the Fleetwood area but there are plans to expand the offer across the Fylde Coast, purchasing more trishaw vehicles and recruiting volunteers.
This week the BBC came to Lighthouse View, Fleetwood to hear more about the idea and film a chair exercise session hosted by Dan and Victoria from Dance Fit, working alongside the Life of Wisdom team. Look out for the feature on TV soon. To get involved ...
Fleetwood Detachment: Royal Marine Cadets, part of the Sea Cadets are recruiting for volunteers ... adults to join the soon to be relaunched group.
If you are aged 18 and over, motivated, willing to learn and support young people ... they'd love to hear from you. Interest is welcome from ex-service personnel or anyone not attached to the Armed Services.
All training is provided by a dedicated team, based locally and from across the North West. New adult volunteers are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and two references are required as part of the onboarding process.
To find out more about volunteering:
Breaking news ...
Fleetwood Museum are seeking volunteers too ... could you spare three hours a week to help and be part of the team in the Museum Coffee House? Full training given for this rewarding experience. Please contact the museum 01253 876621 or email info@fleetwoodmuseum.co.uk
On the subject of volunteers, our thanks to Sam & Dave ... not the soul singers for those who can remember ... this duo are two of our own wonderful volunteers.
Sam is usually with us on Thursdays and loves meeting visitors to the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre at The HUB, helping them to find out what's on in the community. She's also a very talented crafter ... look out for news of upcoming drop-in sessions!
If you pop in to see us on Fridays you'll meet Dave and he may be familiar from his work in the community, in particular as co-founder of Fleetwood Computer Clinic. After well over a decade of great work the group stepped back in 2025 but Dave continues to keep up-to-date with the world of tech and ways to stay safe online. He is offering a FREE service to safely dispose of any devices that have become obsolete since support for Windows 10 software ended in October last year.
You can bring your old PCs, laptops, tablets in to Healthier Fleetwood, ideally on a Friday, and with your written consent on a form we have, all your personal data will be removed and the equipment destroyed at an approved facility. If you have any digital devices that are still in working order and you're happy for them to be refurbished and passed on to somebody who can make use of them, Dave can help with that too - always with peace of mind your personal data is never at risk.
> For any inquiries about this service, email listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk
Dates for more FREE NHS health drop-ins in Fleetwood have been announced.
These are a check up of your cardiovascular health - it takes less than 30 minutes and involves answering some general questions about your health and simple health tests ... height and weight; blood pressure; cholesterol; blood sugar. There's also some basic questions about your family history, exercise, alcohol and smoking.
The schedule for the next series of NHS health checks is:
Saturday 14th March: Affinity Lancashire
Monday 16th March: Strive Cafe
Wednesday 18th March: The HUB Fleetwood
All appointments are 10am - 4pm
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
It's only a week or so until this year's International Women's Day on Sunday 8th March, part of Women's History month 2026.
Many community groups and organisations are hosting awareness events and activities, we'd like to take the opportunity to highlight some of What's On.
Ember and Blossom CIC invite all members of the community to join their 'Carrying Women's Voices' walk on Sunday 8th March. Walkers will hold flags created at workshops in recent week, displaying messages of empowerment and positivity, just like this fantastic work from the pupils at St Mary's Primary School. Spare flags will be available for anyone else who wants to join the walk. The starting point is The Log Cabin, opposite Beach Road at 11am before the group heads along The Promenade towards Marine Hall.
Also on Sunday 8th March, Fleetwood-based group Jars of Joy will be celebrating International Women's Day at The Grand Hotel in Blackpool, 11am - 4pm.
On Wednesday 11th March there's an awareness event at Highbury Stadium.
Featuring workshops, guest speakers, an introduction to the community support available and a self-defence class, all from 5pm to 9pm. Anyone aged 12 and over ... families, carers, teachers, youth workers, community leaders ... all welcome. The event is hosted by Fleetwood Town Community Trust and the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network supported by Fleetwood Area Police.
Thank you to all the individuals and organisations who work all-year-round to support and empower women and girls in the Fleetwood community.
UPCOMMING EVENTS INCLUDE ...
The first Cine Wyre Film Festival is from Thursday 26th February to Sunday 1st March at Fleetwood's Marine Hall.
An incredible four days of short films, feature films, entertainment and events celebrating the diversity, fun and impact of storytelling across many genres ... family friendly; documentary; LGBTQ+ and horror/thriller. Day passes are available from £12 for one / £20 for two days / single events tickets from £6.
> Call the Box Office on 01253 887693 from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Bingo Fundraiser
Friday 27th February, 7pm for 7.30pm
The Green Hut at St Wulstan's
Supporting the Church's Grotto Appeal and The Pantry Foodbank, 10 games of bingo for £5, including a brew. Come along to join the fun in a good cause.
Fleetwood Beach Clean
Saturday 28th Feb, 10.30am - noon
Central Beach
Join The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery on Fleetwood Beach to explore the strandline and pick up litter and plastic off the beach in a bid to help nature thrive!
Fleetwood Promenade parkrun
Every Saturday from 9am
Start by Marine Hall
The perfect way to begin the weekend ... run, jog, walk, push a buggy, bring your dog (short lead only) or volunteer! Everyone involved gets the same sense of achievement and community spirit.
Fleetwood Indoor/Outdoor Carboot
Every Sunday: 9am - 2pm
Navigation Way, Fleetwood
Come on down and have a look around over 100 stalls. It’s more than just a 'car boot' it's a community ... somewhere to make and meet friends and there's great food served from the cafe!
Looking ahead to March ... we have printed copies of next month's Great Outdoors and What's On at Fleetwood Library available from the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre. Among the other events ... Fleetwood Methodist Church Spring Fair on Saturday 7th, and an evening of St Patrick's Celebrations at Fleetwood Bowling Club on Friday 20th.
> Follow the links to Facebook pages for details and we'll share a full preview of these and many more events for March in next week's bulletin.
In the meantime, checkout the ...
FLEETWOOD COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
To discover WHAT'S ON across the Town and how to get involved ...
The calendar is regularly updated but your help is also appreciated.
Any additions and amendments ... please contact us by email to
AND FINALLY ...
... the next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is on Wednesday 4th March, Emmanuel Mount Church and it's a special one as it marks our 10th anniversary!
If you've not been able to get along to a meeting before or haven't attended for a while, we'd love to see you and hear all your Good News. The evenings are always full of positivity, sharing groups, activities and events that connect the community and encourage better health and wellbeing. It's also a great chance to make suggestions for something new and gather support to turn your idea into a reality. Brews and cake from 6pm, then the conversation starts at 6.30pm until around 8pm.
See you there!
Please do send in your Good News to share ... until the next time, take care.
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