GOOD NEWS for World Mental Health Day

A different look to our Newsletter this week as, on the eve of World Mental Health Day, we look at some support close to home and from national organisations ... 

Fleetwood Wellbeing Way has been one of the positive things to emerge from the uncertainty of recent months. The idea came from a group of local residents as part of Lancashire Mind’s ‘Community Challenge’ earlier in the year. After months of planning and support from other local partners including Wyre Council, Lancashire County Council and Healthier Fleetwood, the Wellbeing Way was launched at the start of August. It’s a route along the Esplanade between the old Pier site and the Sea Cadet base marked by a series of posters and banners which share challenges based on the Five Ways of Wellbeing. There’s also a very busy Facebook page with lots more ideas and now over 1,000 members. The original challenges on the route have been updated for October and to coincide with World Mental Health Day, the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way has been also hosting on-line support sessions with Lancashire Mind. Tomorrow, October 10th, there’s a special series of challenges to tackle encouraging better mental and physical health.

The success of the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way is a great credit to the individuals involved and the power of a community when it has the confidence to take control and make a difference. There are a number of national organisations offering specialist support for those with mental health concerns and those looking for advice for a family member or friend … We’ve mentioned Lancashire Mind already but if you are unfamiliar with them, they are an independent charity made up of committed and energetic staff, trustees and volunteers, passionate about making a difference to the mental health of people living and working in Lancashire. Together All (formerly the Big White Wall) is an on-line community offering support and a forum to safely share your thoughts in confidence. There is also a wide range of self-guided group and individual courses covering mental health and lifestyle topics and an on-line library. There is a quick registration process to access all the resources. Kooth is a similar web-based service, aimed at a younger age group. There are helpful articles, personal experiences and tips from young people and the Kooth team. You can chat anonymously and safely on-line and use the daily journal tool to share you own feelings and concerns. Fleetwood Town Community Trust and its partners have recently been awarded funding to extend their excellent programme of support to tackle isolation while the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership has set up a network of ‘telephone befrienders' across the County which has been keeping in touch with people restricted to their own homes. A phone call or text message to somebody every now and then, can brighten their day and let them know they are being thought of. Knocking on a neighbour’s door and keeping your distance while you see if they need anything is easy to do and although the rules may change, a ‘walk and talk’ is a great way to keep in touch and boost your wellbeing, which brings us nicely back to the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way!

Until the next time, take care and stay safe.