HEALTHIER FLEETWOOD OPEN MEETING - Wednesday 7th October 2026
Updated: 3 hours ago
It was lovely to see some new faces and returning friends at the Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting last Wednesday evening, hosted by our chair of residents Pauline.
Oliver was attending his first meeting and told us about the men’s wellbeing group at Fleetwood Gym Boxing Club – a mix of physical activity and a chance to chat. It’s an early start as the group is from 7am to 8am at the Club on Poulton Road. Oliver is also an ambassador for Movember, the world-wide initiative raising awareness of men’s health.
Kathryn is the regional co-ordinator for Lancashire Volunteer Partnership and mentioned some of the opportunities available in the local area including at Fleetwood Library, the Adult Day Disability Centre near Broadwater and Thornton House plus the 1:1 community support befriending service. If you can help … even a couple of hours or your time can make a difference.
Joyfest 2027 at Marine Hall on 17th January is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing with something for all ages and free to attend. Karen is looking forward to the event, now in its fourth year and would appreciate offers of help as volunteers on the day.
Wendy is one of the Fleetwood Social Prescribers. The team will be hosting two drop-in sessions for local residents to chat about groups and activities supporting health and wellbeing. You can find them on Mondays at The Heart of the Hub Café, in The HUB Fleetwood on Mondays from 10am – 12noon and starting from Friday 23rd October every other week at Strive Community Café next to Flakefleet Primary School.
Rick is a busy man, working hard on his excellent You Tube videos Wheels in The Wild, sharing how he overcomes daily challenges to enjoy wild Camping and activities – an incredible journey from soldier to disabled person to outdoors enthusiast. And our congratulations again to Rick - a very worthy winner last month at the Soldier On Armed Forces Community Awards.
Carol was representing Fleetwood Rotary Club and planning for this year’s Santa’s Sleigh is underway. For two weeks leading up to Christmas, the sleigh will tour round the Town bringing joy to local families and taking donations to pass on to good causes in Fleetwood. If you’d like to get involved by offering some time as a volunteer please email jennyhaytree@gmail.com
Pauline thanked Emmanuel Church for their continued support and hospitality. John said the church was looking for a new minister.
Before the Healthier Fleetwood meeting, the hall had used for a Pride in Fleetwood workshop, ahead of submitting the formal plan of action for the funding received from the UK Government
Karen attended the Pride in Fleetwood workshop as a board member, she is also a member of staff at Flakefleet Primary School and their Strive Community Café. She was delighted to see and hear so much was going on in and around the Town.
> Flakefleet Primary School and Strive Café on Facebook
The Fleetwood Wombles are out and about most Saturdays keeping Fleetwood tidy. Matt helps run the group and the town-centre litter-pick sessions which usually last about 90 minutes but stay for as long as you can, all the equipment is provided. They has planned to hold a special event for World Mental Health Day on 10th October … unfortunately the weather meant that was cancelled but look out for future events.
Fran and Janette are two of the amazing volunteers at Behind Closed Doors, domestic violence support. As always the group have been very busy with a range of help across the community and you can read a full summary on our website here.
Fleetwood Health & Fitness Centre is undergoing some refurbishment work. Laura is the sales manager and had some free, 3-day passes to introduce people to the new facilities, also highlighting the opportunities for adult and children swimming lessons. Pauline reminded us of the wonderful Wyre Flounders adult swimming group which meet at Fleetwood pool on Saturday evenings.
Rachel wears several hats! As co-ordinator for Lancashire Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, she has information on funding opportunities, support and events. Working for Green Rose CIC Rachel and her colleagues share advice to save money on energy bills, changing suppliers and though the Cosy Homes scheme, arranging home visits.
> Email Rachel to join the voluntary network rachel.coupe@lacvs.org.uk
Lyn is also with Green Rose CIC and can offer extra support that could include providing items such as air-fryers. Lyn hosts a weekly drop-in at The Heart of the Hub café, Wednesday mornings 10am - 12.30pm.
Becci and Suzanne organise the fundraising events and activities promoted through the Larkholme Chat group on Facebook, open to all of the community. The Craft group meet at Strive on Wednesdays, 10am - 12noon, enjoying a different activity each week. Materials are provided and the venue team kindly offer FREE tea & toast too! The Book Club meets monthly at the Meadow Café, Broadwater - next meeting is Wednesday 14th October. They are also organising a Halloween Pumpkin competition, a Christmas Party and Becci is hoping to launch a Perimenopause support group.
Adam from Wyre Council suggested some funding streams that local groups and event organisers may want to consider. These could support projects or be spent on refurbishing and improving community buildings. Applications are now open for The Walney Extension Community Fund, closing in January 2027 and Adam encouraged Wyre-based groups to apply. He also let us know that a colleague is available to take feedback on services including the provision at Fleetwood Sports & Fitness Centre.
> Email Wyre Council community@wyre.gov.uk
The Fleetwood Volunteers Fayre is on Saturday 17th October, bringing together local groups and organisations looking for support. Call in to Emmanuel from 11am to around 2pm for a chat and find out how you can offer your time and experience AND support your own health and wellbeing. Free to attend with refreshments to keep the conversations going!
As always a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening hearing about the best of Fleetwood.
The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is on Wednesday 4th November from 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church … all welcome!
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