HEALTHIER FLEETWOOD OPEN MEETING - 6th May 2026
- May 11
- 3 min read
After Pauline opened the meeting we had some guest speakers ... Ian and John from the National Coastwatch Institute based at Rossall Observation Tower told us about their work and shared advice on staying safe around the coast.
NCI is a 100% voluntary service, they even pay for their own uniforms. Working closely with the Coastguard and RNLI, they are the ‘eyes along the coast’ looking out for anyone in peril, alerting of potential problems and updating on incoming weather. They can make calls to the other emergency services, and assist with directions but do not go on ‘call outs’.
Volunteers undertake 15 weeks of training before they become a watchkeeper, new members to the team are always welcome. The Princess Royal is the Patron of NCI and Her Royal Highness has visited Fleetwood to meet all the volunteers.
Water Safety is a huge part of the NCI’s work and with instances of people needing assistance are increasing across the country, they make regular presentations at community groups and schools. The key message is to prepare if you are visiting the beach and coastline – check the tide tables, stay alert to avoid being cut off and don’t take unnecessary risks like walking on the newly installed rock groynes.
Thank you to NCI Fleetwood for presenting Healthier Fleetwood with a certificate on the evening, now on display at our Information Centre.
Shirley and Jamie were representing Level Up Fleetwood Families in Recover. Their weekly drop-in session is for individuals and families with addiction, homelessness and mental health concerns and they offer practical support like signposting to services. Help comes from lived-experience, is non-judgemental and compassionate.
Kate from Wyre Council shared news on a range of groups and activities in particular the new, free Park Yoga sessions in Marine Hall Gardens, Sunday mornings at 9.30am until September. Just turn up with a towel or mat to give it a go, no booking required.
Carrie is one of the wonderful Fleetwood Wombles, volunteers who help keep the town clean and tidy. They are out and about most Saturday mornings, also joining the monthly beach cleans. Come and meet some of the team at the Fleetwood Volunteer Fayre on 30th May.
Carrie also told us about the benefits of Emotional freedom technique (EFT) tapping and how it could help hayfever sufferers. She will be demonstrating this in the Heart of the Hub café, Monday 18th May, 10.30am.
Wyre Flounders have had some Good News with a donation towards their running costs by Glasdons of Blackpool. They have still had to make a slight increase in the weekly fee for the members, to cover the £100/week fee for use of Fleetwood pool by the adult-only group.
> Call Susan on 01253 522232 to find out more about Wyre Flounders
The Bay: A Blueprint for Wellbeing host a 12-week programme using nature and the environment to support physical and mental health. Mike told us It’s a small, friendly group for ages 18 and over, based at venues in and around Fleetwood. They also offer a year-round programme of community events like the beach clean – all welcome.
Pauline thanked John, Susan and Elizabeth from Emmanuel for their hospitality and support, before John updated on news from the Church. Congregation numbers are strong and there are some new groups … Celebrate Recovery for anyone who needs confidential support and advice, and a Men’s Talk group.
Alan is a leader from Fleetwood & Wyre District Scouts. They offer activities for boys and girls from ages 4an upwards into adulthood. Volunteers are also needed to support the many groups.
With volunteering a popular topic on the evening, David from Healthier Fleetwood updated on the upcoming event. In partnership with Fleetwood Rotary, there’s a Volunteer Fayre on Saturday 30th May, 11am to 2pm at Emmanuel Mount Church. Groups and organisations are invited to take a table, free of charge, to share their work and recruit new members. On the day local residents can attend to chat with the groups over a brew and to offer their time as a volunteer.
> For table inquires email listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk
David also directed everyone to the many upcoming community events and to the busy schedule for Mental Health Awareness Week at The HUB Fleetwood.
Anne brought the first part of the evening to a close with her poem of the month before the conversations continued over a cuppa.
Our next Open Meeting is on Wednesday 3rd June, 6.30pm at Emmanuel.
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