GOOD NEWS EXTRA - 5th February
A summary of the Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting, 1st February ...
We were delighted to be back at Emmanuel Mount church on Wednesday evening and Chair of residents Pauline opened the meeting by thanking our friends at Emmanuel for their hospitality and support.
Pat was first up and wanted to thank the Fleetwood social prescribers for their care and hard work. One of the team, Wendy, said they had a waiting list of referrals and held regular drop-in events for residents to meet them and chat - at the Library on Mondays 10am - 12 noon and at the Healthier Fleetwood Centre at Affinity on Fridays 11am - 1pm.
Jules of Fitness 50 mentioned some of the many health and wellbeing courses she now presents including the new cancer prehab/rehab sessions at Fleetwood Methodist Church - and since the meeting, there’s been the news that these courses are now free!
We heard from Vicky and Julie about the new Macmillan Information Centre at Fleetwood Hospital, now hosting several groups including peer support for prostate cancer and we were reminded of the importance or regular PSA tests. The new facility is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm - call 01253 955710.
Saima recently attended a meeting in Preston on behalf of Healthier Fleetwood, finding out more about support for the refugee community and ideas for the future. She is also meeting with Lancashire County Council and other partners later in the month.
Lynn has recently returned to Fleetwood and wants to help young people set up new groups and activities. One of these could be a Youth Theatre project and she’d welcome offers of support. Fran from Friendlier Fleetwood suggested a ‘regifting’ scheme with unwanted items passed onto others in need, perhaps residents in care homes – we’ll keep in touch with Fran on this. She also recommended the Wyre Wednesday group at The Steamer on Wednesday lunchtime.
Andrew reminded us of the many groups at Fleetwood Library – there’s a new music session starting soon and donations of instruments (other than guitars) are appreciated. Priesley from Fleetwood Town Community Trust shared some of the many activities they host for local residents and the benefits they offer. David B attended recently with a friend and spoke highly of the positive impact.
Kath said how much she is enjoying her role as a befriender with Lancashire Volunteer Partnership and then Anne from Peter Lyttle Foundation told us more about their work supporting people with dementia and signposting to services and groups. They also hold a monthly drop-in with Healthier Fleetwood and are looking to work with partners on new initiatives.
Fleetwood Mens Shed continues to be a busy community hub and will be expanding their programme of support in the year ahead while Mark from the Fleetwood Youth Hub updated us on the many employment and wellbeing courses they offer young people. Among these are regular LGBTQ group sessions in partnership with URPotential and Nina looks forward to continuing the good work – volunteering opportunities are available.
Mandy set up Behind Closed Doors to support victims of domestic violence and was interested in working with the Youth Hub and URPotential in the future. She is also organising fundraising events: an Easter Egg appeal for children (drop-off point at Healthier Fleetwood), an Easter Party at YMCA Lofthouse Building AND a sponsored Sea Dip at the end of February – more details soon!
Andrea from Lancashire County Council shared some of the ways partners are working together to support children, young people and families and mentioned the new, dedicated healthcare roles within the Fleetwood Primary Care Network. Kate from Wyre Council had information on many health and wellbeing activities including the Holiday Clubs for children across Wyre.
Shirley was singing the praises of Harmony & Health - the sessions at Thornton Little Theatre and Marine Hall are very popular and the members love performing in public. Give Shirley a call on 07940 030925 for bookings!
David B said he felt Healthier Fleetwood was making connections and making a difference in the community and our Karen has been visiting local schools and local groups to share ideas. David G reported that the recent Creative Voice event has been very successful with guests enjoying the dance, music and spoken-word workshops and the next event is Say No To Loneliness on Tuesday 14th February - a showcase of the many local groups offering friendship, health and fitness, arts & crafts and much more for local residents - spread the word!
Pauline closed the meeting and as always, we all enjoyed plenty more friendly conversation over a cuppa. Thank you to everyone who attended and for their lovely contributions.
Healthier Fleetwood Open Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church Hall so the next is 1st March. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you.
Until the next time ... take care.
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