REECE & SUNNY'S ROVING REPORTS - WARM HUB at Fleetwood Fire Station
The Warm Hub at Fleetwood Fire Station started in the winter of 2022 to help elderly, vulnerable or isolated people in the community with the ‘cost of living’ crisis. It was set up by Fleetwood Town Councillor Cheryl Raynor, Community Engagement & Development Officer Lauren Harrison and Fleetwood Fire Station Manager Sammy Preddy.
The group is now funded completely by Fleetwood Town Council offering them a warm meal and the vital opportunity to make friends.
Cheryl and Lauren run the group each week with the help of group volunteer Karen. The attendees have the opportunity to relax and unwind with a brew and biscuits whilst talking to each other, playing games, completing puzzles or colouring. Some weeks external visitors have been invited to come along to give talks or presentations about what they do. Blackpool & The Fylde College have run a budgeting course, helping show everyone ways to reduce their bills and in turn save money with everyone that completed the course receiving a shopping voucher.
Each week at dinner time there is always a hearty meal, which is prepared and cooked onsite by Lauren, assisted by Karen whilst Cheryl spends her time in the Community Room where she has witnessed first hand the difference that the Warm Hub has made to the lives of those attending. Cheryl loves seeing how in just a few short weeks friendships form and how they all enjoy helping each other.
The Warm Hub has transformed the lives of those that attend in many ways ...
Paula lost her mother three years ago and although working, she found herself becoming isolated and suffering with depression. Since first attending the Warm Hub, she has started to come out of her shell, meeting and making new friends which in turn has helped her to start lifting her depression.
Former fisherman Gilbert, who three years ago developed walking difficulties that resulted in him needing spinal surgery. Whilst in hospital receiving treatment his partner passed away, which led to him becoming isolated and suffering from anxiety. Gilbert’s GP advised him to attend a bereavement group, which helped and resulted in him coming along to the Warm Hub where he has a good laugh with the friends he’s made each week. He really enjoys coming along to the group and isn’t bothered about the free meal, although it’s a really nice bonus. The group has really helped, he’s found it to be a great way to lift his spirits, so much so that he looks forward to coming each week and wishes it was on more than once a week.
Sunny and I really enjoyed our time visiting the Warm Hub. Everyone was so welcoming, getting along so well, giving each other the chance to talk about their daily concerns and worries, listening to each others' problems offering advice based on their own life experiences - they also enjoyed a good laugh with each other. The ladies that run the group do it with enjoyment and pride in the service they offer to the community, and it’s all done freely.
Sunny and I both say if you or anyone you know could benefit from this service, please speak with the Social Prescribers regarding a referral to this fabulous FREE service.
- Reece & Sunny, May 2024
The Warm Hub meet every Friday in the Community Room at Fleetwood Fire Station on Radcliffe Road from 10am till 2pm. There are currently spaces available, although a referral from Fleetwood Social Prescribers is required.
If you’re over 50 and in need a little bit of help, contact the Social Prescribers either by telephone: 958397/957803, e-mail: Fwccg.SPrx@nhs.net or alternatively ask your GP Practice to refer you to the PCN Social Prescribers team.
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