GOOD NEWS EXTRA

Conversations from Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting, 6th August

Chair of Residents Pauline welcomed everyone and thanked Emmanuel Church for their hospitality.

Some months we have a 'guest speaker' sharing more about a particular theme or event and this evening it was Amy, co-ordinator of the Fylde Coast leg for THE BATON OF HOPE UK.

This national suicide awareness and prevention initiative begins its UK tour in Blackpool on September 1st, calling through Lytham St Annes and Fleetwood. The local event is being held at Highbury Stadium from 2pm to 4pm, a gathering of community partners open to the general public. At 3pm the Batom itself will arrive carried by wonderful people with a personal connection and experience of coping with the suicide of a loved one.

Voluntary and professional organisations, and creatives are invited to join the event -

> Please email Amy for more info: amy@healthwatchblackpool.co.uk

> Visit the Baton of Hope UK website

Kate from Wyre Council updated on the new Befriending Service.

Volunteers are welcome to offer some time to help others with tasks such as shopping or meeting for a brew now and then, combatting isolation and associated issues. You will be matched with an individual who shares interests or experiences.

> Read more on the Wyre Council website

> Email befriending@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887234

Sarah and Mark are consultants and course leaders with Slimming World, both have used their personal success of weight management to inspire others.

Fleetwood-based Sarah hosts several popular sessions and has been recognised for her work by Slimming World and in the local media. Mark was one of her group, he's recently started leading his own sessions in Thornton, and seeing a good uptake from men.

They recommended the Wyre Council funded, 12 week programme combining weight management with a more active lifestyle ... and there's a 12 week YMCA gym pass for everyone that completes the course. Pauline added that the Active Wellness Suite at YMCA Thornton was a fantastic facility.

(A referral is needed to start the course - see the information online here)

> Contact Sarah on 07432 141695 and Mark on 07723 377136

Thank you to Jane from United Reformed Church Fleetwood for letting us know about the Local Vocals choir group meetings.

Sessions are held weekly on Tuesday mornings and all levels of ability and experience are welcome.

The first session is free then there's a monthly fee.

Julie said how much she was enjoying the Poulton Local Vocals.

> Visit the Local Vocals website for more information and register for a free session

Staying with singing, Shirley from Harmony & Health said the group was enjoying a busy summer.

Their weekly sessions at Marine Hall and Little Thornton Theatre continue to be popular, members are aged to 90 years plus. They have performed at a number of community events including FlakeFest.

> Call Shirley on 07940 030925 to find out more about the Harmony & Health singers

Lizzy, one of Fleetwood's PCSO's, dropped in to catch up on what's happening in the community.

She also passed on that there's an email address residents can use to contact the local police team with any non-urgent questions and concerns wyre.npt@lancashire.police.uk and there's the 101 phone number.

John was pleased with the recent Feast for the Nations event at Emmanuel church.

Attended by many individuals and families new to the community and Fleetwood locals, it was a joyful mix of food, music and cultures. Also there was an opportunity to hear first hand some of the reasons why people come to the UK, and to extend friendship and kindness. Further events will be announced.

Wyre Flounders adult swimming group are bobbing along nicely!

Susan told us that numbers can dip now and then but usually the sessions are busy and greatly enjoyed. She wanted to thank the YMCA Fleetwood staff for looking after them, in particular making sure the pool hoist was working for their sessions.

> Call Susan on 01253 522232 for more information about the Wyre Flounders

Julie from Alcohol Free Women was looking forward to her next Fleetwood session.

These have been held monthly at the Health & Wellbeing Centre, Dock Street and support to ladies who want to reduce their alcohol content and enjoy the benefits to their wellbeing. Julie is also hoping to start and additional group at the Heart of the Hub cafe in the former Fleetwood hospital building soon.

> Follow Alcohol Free Women on Facebook for all the latest news

Pauline congratulated Lesley on her wedding at the weekend before the new Mrs Taylor updated us on the KCA Cancer support group.

Through their ongoing fundraising and events, KCA can now support a Will Writing service and are looking at some counselling support too. They are hosting a Psychic Night (12th August), profits to KCA.

> Join the KCA Cancer Support Group on Facebook

The Y:Move On and Y:Mentoring programmes support young people with their wellbeing and lifeskills, practical themes such as housing and budgeting.

Vicky is one of the project leads working in Fleetwood/Wyre and she told us of the challenges young people can face finding and maintaining their first accommodation. She and her colleagues can help advise on a variety of topics including working with landlords.

> If you or somebody you know would like more details please email vicky.taylor@fyldecoastymca.org

Fleetwood Community Comic Con was a huge success in June but that's not the end of the story!

Allan told us that there's a series of workshops and smaller events planned for the coming months, such as prop-making and creative writing, and members of the group will be out an about supporting other community events. Enthusiasts and those new to cos-play/fan culture are always welcome to get involved!

> Follow Fleetwood Community Comic Con on Facebook

Kim from The Big Food Project and shared more about their work supporting local communities.

Perhaps best know for their work in Blackpool, the are also in touch with organisations like The Pantry, Fleetwood's foodbank, identifying gaps in the support and helping to make positive change. Kim will continue to liaise with Fleetwood partners and further updates will be shared through Good News bulletins.

> The Big Food Project website

Pauline congratulated Ray on his upcoming 90th birthday before resident-poet Anne read her latest piece "Five Things That Are Scary" ... inspired by her visit to the Comic Con!

The next Healthier Fleetwood open Meeting is on Wednesday 3rd September, 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount, Mount Road ... all welcome.

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