GOOD NEWS EXTRA - 5th November
A summary of the Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting on Wednesday 1st November
With our lovely chair of residents Pauline on a well-earned break, David opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and introducing some guest speakers.
Christian Fenn aka SecaOne is the amazing artist responsible for several stunning large murals around Fleetwood including the 'Only In Fleetwood' Landladys on the corner of Lord Street and Mount Street, and in the new Strive café at Flakefleet Primary School. With creative partner Hayley they have formed the Butterfly Effected project that uses art, storytelling, and therapy to inspire and support individuals facing adversity with a focus on mental health and addiction.
It’s the very early stages of discussions towards a trail of murals around Fleetwood that would help regenerate the town through tourism, new businesses, artistic opportunities, volunteering and much more. Working with residents, voluntary groups, schools and professional partners, the proposals would also bring colour and a sense of civic pride to the community. There’s a lot more to be considered before this exciting project can be fully launched, not least securing the funding so look for updates and how you can get involved in the months ahead.
Visit the Butterfly Effected website here.
Pat wanted to share some of the great work from the Fleetwood Social Prescribers. The fortnightly bereavement group has about a dozen members, enjoying the mutual support and activities, and they are looking forward to their Christmas meal. The wellbeing group had a great time with The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery, learning some new skills and having fun at a crabbing session. A new friendship group for residents aged 70 plus is being planned next.
The Chill Lounge will be at the Joy Fest Christmas Shopping event at Fleetwood Rugby Club on Thursday 16th November, selling wreaths they have made to support Chaucer School.
Read more about Joy Fest
Pat also wanted to congratulate Dr Mark Spencer (now Professor Spencer) on becoming an Honorary Clinical Chair within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University.
Mike from The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery was pleased to say that the program has been extended for another year and the newly appointed community engagement officer for Wyre will be introducing themselves and setting up activities soon. Over the last two years, The Bays’ work has had a positive impact on many individuals, forming friendships and improving health.
Visit The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery website.
Jules from Fitness 50 was delighted to announce that the Cancer Rehab sessions will be continuing and extending in the future thanks to support from Fleetwood Town Community Trust. This is just one of the many fitness opportunities from Jules, including walks, gentle exercise and themed fitness classes.
Fitness 50 Facebook's page
Sarah from Fleetwood Town Community Trust shared news of their many health and wellbeing sessions for all ages.
Follow Fleetwood Town Community Trust on Facebook.
David congratulated Jules and the Trust for the recent success at the Active Wyre awards, recognising their work supporting the community.
Anne is one of the residents featured in the From Nothing To Now exhibition at Fleetwood Market, Fleetwood Library and Fleetwood Museum.
From Nothing To Now exhibition
Anne also read a very moving poem about two brothers, going off to fight and tragically die in World War I. We will be sharing the poem online ahead of Remembrance weekend.
Brian told us that the Linda Eaton Arts awards had been a great success with around 140 entries and a very enjoyable presentation evening last month. He launched the 2024 awards which has a theme of The Time of Your Life.
Please contact Healthier Fleetwood for more information about the awards.
Shaz has been busy with a couple of community groups. Wyre Wednesdays meet at the Strawberry Gardens at 12.30pm for conversation over a meal or a drink, all welcome. The first meeting of the Graves Disease group took place recently and was well attended. The next get-together will be on 23rd November, also at the Strawberry Gardens.
Wyre Wednesdays on Facebook
Graves Disease Lancashire group on Facebook
John from our hosts Emmanuel Church updated on the building work, creating new rooms and facilities for the future to support their work in the community. The church continues to welcome all local residents, many new to Fleetwood, providing practical advice and the chance to make new friends.
Liz of Inspired Minds has worked with poet Nathan and creative artist Tina to produce Fleetwood’s Little Book of Hope. This is a collection of stories and experiences from local residents offering support and comfort in challenging times such as the loss of a loved one. A launch event for the book is on Monday 13th November, 3.30pm at the North Euston – refreshments will be available and free copies of the book.
Kath works for the NHS in Thornton Cleveleys and is keen to hear more about what’s happening in Fleetwood and working in partnership.
Care & Repair is a service offering help, advice, and support with repairs, maintenance, adaptations, and improvements to your home. The service is for homeowners aged over 65 or any adult aged over 18 with a disability living in Wyre. Kate from Wyre Council said there will still be costs for any work carried out but you have the confidence of knowing it’s by trusted tradespeople.
More about Care & Repair on Wyre Council website.
Andrea works for Lancashire County Council, helping to form partnerships between schools, professional agencies and the community supporting children, young people and families. The focus is on what is the root cause of the issues affecting individuals and changing the narrative that there’s no hope - very much on the same positive themes as all the groups we were hearing about.
Susan said that numbers for the Wyre Flounders swimming group vary from week to week. They meet on Saturday evenings at YMCA Fleetwood pool for a quiet, adult-only swim, great for anyone who is in recovery from illness, surgery or feeling anxious. There is a small cost to cover the pool hire and lifeguard but with a few more attending each session, the cost can be reduced.
Contact Susan on 01253 522232 to get involved.
Karen from Healthier Fleetwood reminded the meeting of the Free Christmas Dinner 2023 open to anyone who will be alone or in need. Offers of support with food and other items, or as a volunteer on the day are very welcome
You can also make a cash donation through the Just Giving page.
Healthier Fleetwood is now at Fleetwood Library for a drop-in session on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am to 12noon. Find out what’s happening in the local community and ask about support to get your ideas started. David added that a video of the recent Creative Voice live event will be available online and with DVD copies soon.
The meeting was closed with thanks to John, Susan and Elizabeth at Emmanuel for their hospitality and refreshments. The next meeting is Wednesday 6th December, from 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church, Mount Road, Fleetwood ... you are all very welcome!
Many of the groups mentioned above share their information on Facebook. If you would like to get in touch with them but don't have access to social media, please telephone 07399 093835 or email listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk and we can connect you.
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