A SUMMARY OF OUR OPEN MEETING, 2ND AUGUST

Pauline welcomed everyone to the meeting including our visitors from Nottingham NHS … more from them later … and thanked Susan and John from Emmanuel Church for their support and hospitality.

Reece is one of the wonderful volunteers at Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs and updated us on the progress of the charity. Since starting in March 2021 with 4 chairs, they now have 10 and a range of accessories to support individuals with all levels of mobility – he could only recall one occasion when somebody couldn’t use one of the chairs and that’s from nearly 1,000 visitors. The service continues to look at ways of being more inclusive, working with partners and supporting the town’s tourism offer. The chairs can sometimes be used in other locations, such as accessing the pitch for mascots at Fleetwood Town FC.

They have had some setbacks, none more so than a burst pipe that took down much of the roof at the end of last year. The volunteers rallied round to make the repairs and more help is always welcome, in particular someone to take on the role of social media and help promote the beach wheelchairs to a wider audience.

For further information please see their website here or call 03000 111 003.

Reece also said he would be a point of contact for Fleetwood Rotary at future Healthier Fleetwood meetings, passing on requests for support from community groups and events.

Margaret and William from Fleetwood Civic Society told us more about the Fleetwood Blue Plaque project. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Wyre Council, the plan is to create a trail of 10 historic buildings in the Town, celebrated by a blue plaque. Local residents are being canvassed for their suggestions, from which a list will be drawn up for review by a community panel. The plaque should be in place by the end of 2024. Suggestion forms were circulated at the meeting and you can also contribute online at https://bit.ly/FleetwoodBluePlaqueProject

We heard about the exciting plans for the new Enchanted Forest Nursery and Community Hub in the former Emmanuel Church building on Warrenhurst Road. Work is well underway ahead of the opening in early September. The venue will offer nursery facilities and host FREE groups for children and families. Please email enchantedforestnursery@gmail.com for more information.

Ray is approaching his 88th birthday and has set himself the challenge of breaking a World Record by weightlifting 88 kilos. He’s doing this to encourage people to make use of gym facilities like the YMCA.

Fran reminded us of all the opportunities to meet through Friendlier Fleetwood – coffee mornings, craft group, drama group and the Yappy Friends dog-walking session. See their Facebook page here to get involved. Shaz also invited everyone to the Wyre Wednesdays group meeting at Strawberry Gardens – again see Facebook to find out more.

Fleetwood Men’s Shed continues to be very busy supporting the community, providing around 150 meals and hosting many groups. The volunteers were going to attend the funeral of Gail Martin, a much-loved member of the community and somebody who helped set up the Men's Shed.

Janette has joined the team at Behind Closed Doors, supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Among their many projects they hold a ‘clothes shop’ to pass on donated items, they regularly attend community events and founder Mandy is planning a sky-dive as a fundraiser. Read a full round up from Behind Closed Doors on the Healthier Fleetwood website here.

It was lovely to see Jackie again, attending her first meeting for a while to tell us about the Enhanced Primary Care Team which support local residents to improve their health, often working closely with the Fleetwood Social Prescribers.

The Wendy’s are two of the social prescribing team and they’ve partnered with The Bay: A Blueprint For Recovery to set up a wellbeing group using nature and the natural surroundings as a theme. They have also been involved in a new cancer support group. Contact the social prescribing team through your GP surgery or call 01253 958493.

Karen let us know about the upcoming Quiz Night to raise funds for the Fleetwood Festive Lights. It’s on Thursday 28th September at the North Euston, entry is £5 per team. See the Facebook page here or call organiser Julie on 01253 777639 to put a team in. Details of the Lights Switch On in November will be confirmed nearer the time.

Karen from Healthier Fleetwood mentioned that local resident and poet Anne was in hospital recovering from an operation which had gone well – Pauline asked that the best wishes of the group were passed on to Anne. Details of this month’s drop-in events at the Healthier Fleetwood unit, Affinity Lancashire were distributed.

Plans for local resident Richard’s book telling his mental health story are progressing well and publication is hoped for around mid-October. Priesley ran through the fitness and wellbeing sessions he hosts for Fleetwood Town Community Trust including gentle exercise and chair bowls at Fleetwood Library on Wednesday afternoons. Email priesley.duffy@fleetwoodtownfc.com or call into the library for details.

Before we broke for a cuppa and conversation, Becky, one of our visitors from the NHS in Nottingham said a few words. They’d heard about the strength of the community through Dr Mark Spencer and wanted to see for themselves. They are starting a similar journey in their area, connecting and supporting residents and would take away the importance of listening and that it wasn’t just about spending money. Becky said everyone should be proud of what was being achieved in Fleetwood.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the meeting, and for all the energy and inspiration you shared.

The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is on Wednesday 6th September, 6.30pm at Emmanuel Church – all VERY welcome.