GOOD NEWS - 2nd September

A slightly different look to our Good News ... we're thrilled to have restarted our Open Meetings this week so here's a summary of all the Good News we heard about.

Pauline Kennedy opened the meeting, saying how wonderful it was to see everyone again before inviting those present to give an update on their groups and activities ...

Karen and her mum ‘Sparkly Margaret’ have been busy in the last year launching ‘Jars of Joy’.

With their daily messages of positivity they have helped lift the spirits in these difficult times and are looking forward to starting a group with Regenda Homes for the residents at Lighthouse View, Fleetwood.

Fran from Friendlier Fleetwood has been a star keeping the group running during the lockdowns and they now meet 5 times a week, indoors and out.

They hope to find premises of their own soon but in the meantime, it’s the Senior Citizens Hall, Warrenhurst Road on Tuesdays/Thursdays and the Marine Hall Gardens colonnade café on Wednesdays/Fridays/Sundays ... weather permitting.

Men's Shed Fleetwood do have a place of their own, the former Beehive Centre on Manor Road and it is due to fully reopen in October after refurbishment.

The ground floor spaces will be available for hire, start-up community groups will only be charged a nominal fee, while the First Floor will be used by the Shedders.

For now a few support groups have started at the venue, there is the Veteran's Breakfast on Wednesdays at St David's Hall and a coffee morning every Thursday in the Pavilion, Memorial Park. The Men’s Shed also continues to play a leading role in Fleetwood Together distributing food, furniture and clothing to residents in need.

David Baxter and David Ratcliffe attended the very first Healthier Fleetwood meetings in 2016. David B is actively involved with several patient-support initiatives and as an avid member of the Windmill Players was off to a rehearsal later in the evening while David R is now enjoying a well-earned retirement … it was lovely to see them both!

Chris English of Calico was attending his first meeting and told us of two new opportunities.

He will be setting up a fishing group for local residents wellbeing and is currently getting together rods and equipment – more details will be shared soon. Calico Connect is a drop-in session on Monday mornings at Fleetwood Methodist Church - it's help with form-filling, benefit support and a friendly chat over a brew.

Jess is the new Scientist in Residence at The Mount and along with her colleague Henry, Artist in Residence, they will be bringing the much-loved venue to life with a series of workshops and activities.

They are inviting residents to contribute by sharing memories and stories of what The Mount and Fleetwood mean to them and also discover more about how the local geography and climate have helped shape the community and the Town.

Drop-in sessions at the Mount will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Susan set up Wyre Flounders Swimming many years ago for people who would enjoy and benefit from a social swim in a quieter environment.

They meet at 5pm on Saturdays at YMCA Fleetwood and include members with long-term illness, recovering from surgery or with anxiety. It’s been hard work keeping the group going and recently numbers have increased a little, new members very welcome. Thank you Susan for all the work you do.

Also thank you to Susan, John, Wendy and Norma from Emmanuel for their support, offering the room and looking after us with refreshments. John shared how the Church is restarting many of their groups again. Like the other faith groups across Fleetwood these welcome and support all members of the community including those new to the Town.

Mark Spencer shared a couple of his highlights from the challenging times of the last 18 months or so.

He recalled the success of the vaccination centre at Fleetwood Health & Wellbeing Centre on Dock Street, and the vital role played by the volunteers to support the medical teams delivering the jabs.

In July the newly-appointed Chief Executive of the NHS, Amanda Pritchard, spent her first day in the job visiting Fleetwood, where she has family connections.

She toured the 'Inside Out' art exhibition and joined the singing with Harmony & Health at the Fleetwood Hospital building as well as meeting community leaders to hear about their work. Mark will also be running the London Marathon on 3rd October, a day after his 60th birthday, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

David and Karen added that Healthier Fleetwood is hosting a MacMillan Coffee Morning, Friday 24th September at the Community & Wellbeing Centre at Affinity Lancashire.

Another forthcoming event is the Suicide Awareness Walk on Friday 10th September, along the Esplanade to Marine Hall for an illuminated remembrance service.

Pauline passed on an update from the Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs charity - they are having a hugely successful Summer and receiving wonderful feedback on the service they offer. Members of Fleetwood Carnival and Friends of Warren Park came along to say hello and several other old friends and new joined in a very enjoyable and inspiring evening, Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed.

The next Healthier Fleetwood open meeting is from 6.30pm on Wednesday 6th October, Emmanuel at the Mount - all welcome to attend and share in the Good News!

Until the next time … take care.

If you would like further information on any of the activities or events mentioned above please contact us by email to: listening@healthierfleetwood.co.uk and we will be delighted to connect you with the organisers.