HEALTHIER FLEETWOOD OPEN MEETING - 1st April 2026
- 27 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Pauline opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and welcoming the new faces.
Following the event for National Social Prescribing Day, Linda shared her story of the impact social prescribing support had helped her, in particular Wendy from the Fleetwood team.
Karen & Sparkly Margaret from Jars of Joy have hosted two successful events this year and picked up an award for their contribution to mental health. Joyfest 2027 will take place on 15th January 2027.
Fleetwood Day is also back again … the annual event marking the birthday of Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood. 6 hours of live music and entertainment in Euston Gardens on Sunday 3rd May. Volunteers are appreciated on the day and also any old/pre-decimal pennies as ‘treasure’ for the metal detector activity.
Pauline thanked Emmanuel for their hospitality and support before John mentioned the events the church hosts for the Easter weekend.
Susan reminded us of Wyre Flounders adults swimming group, meeting on Saturday afternoon for a quiet session, suitable for anyone recovering from illness or injury, or mat be anxious in crowds.
> Call 01253 522232 for more information
Dave was representing Fleetwood Rotary this month and updated on the group’s many activities and events to mark their Centenary. The Dragon Boat race has been put back a week to June 28th and unfortunately the Thursday Club will be closing. New members to Rotary are always welcome – there is a fee to cover costs so that 100% of donations from their fundraising goes towards good causes.
Dave is also one of the volunteers for Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, now open again for the Summer season. With 12 chairs and a range of accessories – all available for FREE, from their base on Central Promenade. Volunteers are needed and Dave stressed that the roles does not involve any lifting or pushing, it’s a ‘meet & greet’ service. Full training is given and volunteers always work in pairs. Visitors come from all over the country - for many it’s their first time on the beach, in some cases a poignant wish.
Mark has recently joined the Community Team at Wyre Council although has many years of working in and around Fleetwood from previous roles. Wyre Council has £100k to support initiatives in Fleetwood which could be 4 projects at £25k – full details of the funding will be shared soon.
Wyre also offer many volunteering opportunities including the bike maintenance workshop, gardening club and the befriending service. The latter is about combatting isolation by meeting people for a chat and a brew, and making phone calls.
Mark is also an ambassador for Lancashire Police Cadets, who are looking for more volunteer leaders. Locally the cadets meet at the Nautical College on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8pm.
Homestart Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre are also looking for volunteers in a number of roles with their groups and activities supporting families across the Fylde Coast. Individuals are matched with the most appropriate opportunities, training is provided and on-going … Homestart have received awards for the quality of the training programmes. New and returning groups are being announced, it’s hoped that the Fleetwood Stay & Play will be resuming soon.
Dave is ‘Man Friday’ at the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre, in The HUB Fleetwood, the former hospital building. He wanted to mention the positive impact of volunteering, taking the opportunity to share that a friend of his had benefitted from a volunteering role with Homestart.
Karen reminded everyone of the opening hours for the Information Centre and David directed the meeting to the many upcoming events.
Dave also gave a shout out for volunteers to support The Pantry Foodbank at The HUB Fleetwood. Opening hours are covered but drivers to pick up food donations and purchases are needed, as well as ‘canvassers’ … people who can share the great work of The Pantry in the community.
> The Pantry Foodbank on Facebook / Call 07852 989065
Ahead of closing the first part of the meeting Pauline shared her story of volunteering which started 10 years ago in the very early days of Healthier Fleetwood and has seen her take many positive decisions about her wellbeing since.
Everyone enjoyed another brew and plenty more conversation before the evening came to a close.
The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is on Wednesday 6th May from 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church … as always, all welcome.
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