GOOD NEWS EXTRA - 12th April
Our chair of residents Pauline opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing herself to the new faces before Rob from Mens Shed began the updates.
He, like the Shedders was in good health and enjoying the many groups and activities the group host at their Manor Road base, including the Chill Lounge for ladies. Attendances are up and there’s plenty of exciting things to come in the future! > To contact Fleetwood Mens Shed call 07864 065764 or see their Facebook page here.
Kate from Wyre Council invited everyone to chat with her about the opportunities coming up to get out & about and make new friends (see the website here) and Brian reminded us of the Linda Eaton Arts & Crafts awards, handing out application forms. > To get involved, email eatonbrian33@outlook.com
Richard is a leader with the 16th Fleetwood Beaver Scouts and shared the many benefits of joining. In recent weeks the young people have completed a sponsored walk around The Mount, listened to a talk by Jane Couch MBE and been to activity camps. They meet on Mondays, from 6pm for the Cubs and from 7.30pm for the Scouts. A new group for a younger age is being considered too.
Eric is the local coordinator for the national charity 'Dad Matters' who support men during their partner's pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life, encouraging them to be positive role models. He’s keen to make connections in the community and a drop-in has been arranged with Healthier Fleetwood at Affinity Lancashire, 11am, Tuesday 18th April. > To get in touch with Dad Matters, call 07743 775428 or see the website here
The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery have a couple of wellbeing projects coming up in Fleetwood. Jane told us about the FREE, 8-week photography course starting soon for young people aged 16-24 years to learn new skills. There's also a FREE gardening workshop based in the library to support individual’s mental health and one-off, fun and educational events will also continue throughout the year.
Jennifer has been working hard to help set up a new foodbank for pets. This will open soon from a temporary base at Broadwater and they hope to move to the new community café at Flakefleet school in the future. Their aim is to support people to keep their pets in their home, as a boost for wellbeing. Pauline suggested that at the next meeting, if we can, we bring a tin of pet food as a donation.
Julie and Vicky are part of the local team from Macmillan Cancer Support, and they were pleased to announce that their new Information Centre at The Hub, in the Fleetwood Hospital building, will officially open on Tuesday 18th April. The facility will host support groups and drop-ins, alongside outreach work with partners including Fleetwood Town Community Trust, Julie Brooks (Fitness 50) and the Social Prescribers. They will also be launching a new fund-raising programme soon to support clients who may need household items and essential equipment. Contact the local Macmillan team - call 01253 955710
Kay was another attending her first meeting. She works for Scenaio Management who support people with learning disability to live more independently. They are planning to open a community café in the Lodge building at The Mount as an opportunity for volunteering. More information about this will follow.
Lynda told us the newly-formed Fleetwood Youth Theatre, meeting in the Library on Thursday evenings, was going very well. The group was for ages 16 - 22 years and Lynda was pleased to say that included a young man with cerebral palsy who was enjoying being involved. Pop into the library to find out more.
Suzanne introduced SENDsation, a support group for families of children with special educational needs. Among the events and activities they organise, Suzanne hosts meditation classes to raise funds.
Wyre Wednesdays are a friendship group that meet at The Steamer, 12 noon on, you’ve guessed it … Wednesdays! Shaz started the group to support her own mental health and connect with others who may be struggling, all welcome. > Find out more at the Wyre Wednesdays Facebook page
Another group always open to new members is Friendlier Fleetwood and Fran told us how they’d enjoyed an Easter bonnet-making session. They hold 4 sessions a week, between Fleetwood Library and the YMCA Lofthouse building. > Friendlier Fleetwood's page on Facebook
The team at Behind Closed Doors were looking forward to their Easter events including a children’s party, Easter bunny visits and a bunny conga! Mandy also said how the recent sea dip had raised funds for the local women’s refuge. The group will also be starting a confidence café soon – using different venues around the Town to meet and offer support. > Behind Closed Doors Funding page on Facebook
Derek is one of the volunteers monitoring the CCTV for Wyre Council, supporting initiatives combatting crime and anti-social behaviour. More help is needed to cover shifts starting from 3 hours a week, travel expenses to Poulton are paid and refreshments provided.
Mark from the Fleetwood Youth Hub shared his joy in the great work coming from the local community. It’s almost a year since the Youth Hub opened and the service has helped around 100 young people find employment or enter training programs, as well as offering many health, wellbeing, life-skills courses and signposting to specialist support.
> Contact Mark on 07483 041028 or by email to mark@blackpoolvolunteers.org.uk
Saima updated us on the work to support women and families relocating to the area as refugees and immigrants. They meet regularly at Fleetwood Library and are planning more activities and events.
Susan was wearing two hats, one of them a swimming cap! As the coordinator of Wyre Flounders she welcomed new members to join and enjoy the adult only swim sessions at YMCA Fleetwood on Saturday afternoons - ideal for anyone recovering from illness or surgery, or with anxiety. She is also involved in the local Multiple Sclerosis Society and directed us to the local team and the support they can offer plus their meetings and events. > For Wyre Flounders Swimming inquiries please call 01253 522232
Posters and leaflets for Celebrate Fleetwood Day were available. The free event is 11am to 5.30pm on Sunday May 7th in Euston Gardens, marks the founding of the Town and is also Fleetwood's party for Coronation weekend. > See the event page on Facebook here for news and please contact Healthier Fleetwood if you can help distribute posters and leafets, or volunteer to help on the day.
Our resident poet Anne read a newly written piece, then Pauline thanked everyone for their contributions and invited more conversations over a cuppa.
As always a very enjoyable and inspiring evening, great to hear about some new groups and events. The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd May, doors 6.15pm for 6.30pm start – all very welcome. Until the next time ... take care.
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