WEEKLY GOOD NEWS: 28th May
Hello again we trust you are safe and well, and have been enjoying our Newsletters over the past few weeks. Of course it's not all 'good' news in the community as the impacts of COVID-19 continue to affect us in many ways. Some of our family, friends and neighbours have struggled, needing the support of those around them more than ever and as we see the easing of lockdown restrictions, it presents both challenges and opportunities. Here are just a few of the positive stories and ideas we've heard about this week ...
SAYING IT WITH FLOWERS Although this year's North West In Bloom has been cancelled a small group of volunteers is helping to brighten up Fleetwood with floral displays. Fleetwood Town Council is coordinating planting along Lord Street and around the Promenade.
Visit their Facebook page or email cedo@fleetwoodtowncouncil.org if you'd like to get involved.
BIKES FOR HEROES This project takes unwanted bicycles for refurbishment then donates them to NHS staff across the Fylde Coast. The group has already provided over 40 bikes and are now working locally with the Fleetwood Trust. There's a short video from BBC North West about the project and more information on Facebook.
EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR MARKET With outdoor markets among the facilities that can reopen safely from June 1st, Fleetwood Market took delivery this week of the kiosks that are part of Wyre Council's successful bid to the Coastal Community fund. Updates on the new outdoor space will be on the Market's Facebook page.
TAKE A VIRTUAL WALK Staying with the outdoor theme ... even in this good weather not everyone can get out to enjoy our beautiful open spaces and coastline.
Visit Fylde Coast have been sharing videos of walks around Fleetwood and Cleveleys - all the videos are available on their You Tube channel.
A NEW PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH Fleetwood's GP surgeries are supported by a small team of social prescribers, who work with residents to find ways of improving their health. Normally this would involve linking up with all the groups and events but what was a very busy programme of activity has been postponed or cancelled during the lockdown.
Wendy & Lisa have been keeping in touch with many residents, making sure they are OK and have the help they need, as well as sharing a little kindness and happiness within the community ... look out for one of the books they have been leaving around for people of all ages to find, read and pass on. The social prescribing team will be working with many organisations such asDWP on how to support residents and we'll be sharing more news in the weeks ahead.
YOUR HELP IS STILL NEEDED A reminder that Fleetwood Together continues to support the community by coordinating the distribution of food and essential items to local residents in need. They are helping around 500 households a week and donations are welcome to maintain this invaluable service.
Healthier Fleetwood is a central point of contact for the partnership of residents, local authorities, businesses and organisations, voluntary and faith groups all working together to improve the health of the community. In the weeks ahead we want to start having conversations about what the 'new normal' is going to look like. It could be ideas for reconnecting people who have been isolated, reinvigorating projects that have been paused or taking a different look at what we need in our Town. We'll share more about this soon but if you'd like to be involved please do get in touch using the contact details below. We especially like to hear from individuals and groups about how you've been keeping active and connected during the lockdown and your plans for the future.
Please do pass this newsletter on and if you know somebody without access to email, perhaps give them a phone call and let them know what is happening- keeping in touch had never been so important. Back copies of the Healthier Fleetwood newsletters are available along with much more on theNews pages of our websiteand if you’d like to include something in a future edition, please email your words and images to us at listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk by Wednesday, midday each week.
Until the next time ... Take Care and Stay Safe.