GOOD NEWS - 19th January

We start with GOOD NEWS from Flakefleet Primary School - the announcement they are creating a Community Coffee Shop to be called STRIVE as a friendly, safe and supportive place for families and the local community.

Work will commence in the coming weeks to convert the current Children’s Centre into a bespoke coffee shop with a meeting room/art gallery for children’s work and some private spaces to work and meet with families. There will be some great opportunities for local residents - volunteering on a range of imaginative projects including gardening and receiving full, professional barista training. The new coffee shop will operate as an independent and separate entity from the school as a Community Interest Company (CIC) supported by funding from Fylde Coast Medical Services and ongoing expertise from Cafe Nero. > To follow all the news from Flakefleet School - see their Facebook page here.

And with the winter weather returning this week, we can all do with somewhere to get a hot drink and a friendly welcome ... and that's the Fleetwood Warm Spaces.

Many venues across the Town have opened their doors to local residents for the next couple of months offering refreshments, activities, wi-fi and companionship. The response so far does vary - Fleetwood Library is always a popular choice with its programme of events drawing in people from Monday to Saturday, while others may only have 2 or 3 visitors - it's about all the venues making up a supportive network. > The list of venues is updated regularly on the Healthier Fleetwood website and look out for the red house logo on banners and posters to indicate a Warm Space.

Another group now established is the weekly get-together in the community room at Fleetwood Fire Station.

Supported by Lancashire Fire & Rescue and Fleetwood Town Council, the sessions are every Friday from 10am - 2pm. There's a meal and drinks, games and activities, and regular visits from local organisations with advice and information.

To find out more about this group, please contact the Fleetwood Social Prescribers

Telephone: 01253 958493 / email: fwccg.sprx@nhs.net / follow the Facebook page

There's a new, FREE creative opportunity for residents starting next month at The Market House Studios, above Fleetwood Market. Sessions will be on Thursdays, 10am to 1pm for 8 weeks from February 9th. The course is ideal for beginners or those who have some arts experience and will be led by a friendly local professional artist. The group will have a go at a variety of creative things including sketching, watercolour painting and screen printing. It will be great fun and there is no pressure to reach a standard - it is all about having a go at something new in the lovely art studios. There are 8 places available and you do need to be able to give the commitment to attend every week. Similar courses have seen fantastic work produced by the participants who also enjoyed the good company and a boost to their self-confidence.

> Want to know more? Please email artsandevents@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887209.

We have some more details of the FREE Creative Voice event, Fleetwood Library, Saturday 28th January LPM Dance and Healthier Fleetwood are presenting this afternoon of fun and interactive workshops covering dance, music, spoken word and art. The programme is ...

1pm - 1.45pm: Fantastical Fish Fun, family-friendly inclusive movement & live music. 2pm - 2.45pm: Sea of Words A creative writing and poetry workshop. 3pm - 4pm: Seafood Medley Bringing together live music, poetry & movement.

During the afternoon there will also be an opportunity to share your ideas and thoughts on why you Love Fleetwood, what helps make a happier and Healthier Fleetwood and what you'd like to see in a Future Fleetwood. You can join us for all or any of the workshops and although we anticipate places will be available on the day, you can reserve in advance through the Facebook event here or by leaving your details on our answerphone at 07399 093835.

A couple of other dates and events to direct you to ... Wednesday 8th February - Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing Consultation North Euston Hotel, 1pm - 4pm Hosted by Fleetwood Primary Care Network, this workshop event is about understanding and addressing children’s mental health across our community. Education staff, health professionals, voluntary/community groups are invited to attend (2 per organisation). Lunch and refreshments is at 1pm followed by the workshops. Please contact elizabeth.bradford3@nhs.net for information and to book Tuesday 14th February - Say No To Loneliness! Marine Hall, 11am - 3pm An opportunity to find out more about the many groups and activities in the Fleetwood community connecting residents for friendship and to support their health and wellbeing. Chat with the staff and volunteers, have a go at some of the activities and make suggestions for something new. There's also an open session with the wonderful Harmony & Health singers from 1.30pm - all welcome to share the joy! Look out for more information, posters and leaflets in the weeks ahead!

The Health & Social Care Career Academy is recruiting to a short course for people interested in a career working as an NHS health care assistant. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like a career in care with training opportunities to skill up as an advanced practitioner or to work toward a nursing career. The course starts Monday 20th February and is for people who are unemployed, aged 19+ (as of 31/08/22) and offers a placement at the end of the programme, and a guaranteed interview with the NHS. The Health & Social Care Academy is based in central Blackpool - a package of travel / childcare support is available for successful applicants.

For further information please contact:

Helen Cook on ​01253 504202 or by email helen.cook@blackpool.ac.uk

Fleetwood Town Community Trust have a vacancy for a Community Engagement Manager to oversee their expanding programme of activity.

The successful candidate will provide influential leadership to a team of project managers driving the organisation's strategy across Fleetwood and Wyre. They will be expected to support a range of community-focused projects including, Premier League Kicks, TrySport, Champions, Adult Health & Wellbeing and Youth Engagement. Applications close, 5pm on Monday 6th February.

For an informal conversation please call John Hartley on 07892 718186 or see the Fleetwood Town Community Trust website.

We take the opportunity to thank Rick Clement for all his dedication and hard work on behalf of the Fylde Coast Veterans, as the Community Trust's wellbeing officer.

Rick is leaving the role at the end of this month having achieved so much - raising awareness of the challenges faced by Veterans, and their families, as well as supporting the many groups and activities now available. One of his last tasks was to help organise the Armed Forces Christmas Ball and you can read a report on this great night here. Rick will continue to support events as a volunteer and a great friend to the community - our best wishes to him for the next chapter of his amazing story.

Events at our Wellbeing & Community Information Centre, Affinity Lancashire ... all free and no need to book! Friday 20th January, 11am - 2pm: Tech and digital support with West Fleetwood Computer Clinic Tuesday 24th January, 1pm - 3pm: Advice and opportunities from Lancashire Volunteer Partnership Friday 3rd February, 11am - 1pm Dementia Awareness and Support with The Peter Lyttle Foundation ... and a reminder Friday mornings at the Information Centre are Chatter Cafes from 11am - 1pm, pop in for a brew and to find out what's happening in the community. Until the next time ... take care.

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