GOOD NEWS EXTRA - 10th March
- Healthier Fleetwood
- Mar 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 20
Opening the meeting, chair of residents Pauline introduced Claire and Nicola from a new project ... Our Future Coast.
This will look at natural ways to support coastal defences, learning from the past and working with the environment. 26 locations have been identified across the UK, including Fleetwood in the North West. The first phase of the project will be researching the history of the area, its geography and instances of flooding. Later work will consider the benefits of creating a salt marsh as a natural flood defence. Further engagement events will be held and details of volunteering opportunities will be shared in the weeks ahead.
Pat updated on the groups she helps to run … the self-led art group on Mondays, and Young at Heart on Tuesdays, both at Fleetwood Library and very popular. Numbers for the bereavement group meeting at United Reformed Church every other Wednesdays can vary, but everyone attending appreciates the support and understanding.
> For further information on Pat’s groups, please contact Healthier Fleetwood
Jane is a volunteer at United Reformed Church. She mentioned that the venue also hosts the Social Prescribing group on the alternate Wednesdays to the bereavement group and is included in the Fleetwood Churches Lent Lunches. These are 12 noon to 1.15pm offer, bread and soup, with a donation welcome to the Safe Families charity. Upcoming dates and venues …
* Friday 14th March at United Reformed Church, Dronsfield Road
* Friday 21st at St Nicholas Church Fleetwood, Broadway
* Friday 28th at Emmanuel Church Fleetwood, Mount Road
* Friday April 4th at Fleetwood Methodist Church, Fleetwood Road
* Friday 11th at St Mary's Church Fleetwood, Lord Street
John from Emmanuel Church said that the recent ‘Feast For All Nations’ event had gone very well, an opportunity for people new to Fleetwood to meet and share their culture, food and music with other members of the community. Pauline added what a wonderful event it was and how important it was to welcome everyone in the community and not be frightened of change.
Heather has set up Ember & Blossom Community Interest Company to build on the success of the Community Christmas Dinner events. With a team of volunteers she is hosting a ‘Soup & Bingo’ session on Saturday 19th June, 1pm at St Wulstan's School Hall as a fundraiser. The Christmas Dinner has been nominated for Event of the Year at the Coastal Radio Awards Local Business Awards 2025.
Jane from Chaucer Primary School was attending her first meeting. The school is fundraising to replace the playing surface of their MUGA (multi-use games area). It’s a vital wellbeing facility, for the school and for the local community, used well over 30 times a week for sports and fitness activities. They welcome support and have set up a page to take donations.
#KCA Cancer Support group is looking forward to their ‘Spring Jumble Sale’ on Saturday 12th April at Trinity Baptist Church, Fleetwood. There’s going to be loads of stalls, fun and games, food and a FREE Easter egg for all the children. For inquiries about stalls, donations and volunteering …
Call Lesley on 07918 453167 or Barbara on 07701 077866
Eddie from #KCA is leading the volunteers in creating a fishing lake and quiet space at Kincraig Waters, near Bispham. There will be an Open Day for all on Saturday 28th June.
Jules from Fitness 50 is collecting donations of Easter Eggs to pass on to #KCA and Macmillan Cancer Support, over 200 already! Among her many classes, there are specialist groups for people in pre-hab/rehab from cancer and other debilitating conditions. Her work was recognised recently with a Community Hero award from Fleetwood Town Community Trust.
Kelly from Coach & Shine CIC was thrilled that the success of her wellbeing courses for children has led to Lancashire County Council commissioning them for over 600 schools. Feedback has demonstrated the value of the courses, boosting self-confidence and resilience among the children, and also benefitting their parents, who are encouraged to join in. Kelly will also be working with partner agencies on the upcoming Holiday Clubs.
Julie is spreading the word on the benefits of cutting down on alcohol through her group meetings at 4 different venues and as a speaker at wellbeing workshops. She’s also loving the chance to join the Singleton Cloggers and perform at community events, and how she’s grown in self-confidence.
Pauline kindly offered to support Julie and any of the community groups with public speaking and presentation.
> Please contact Healthier Fleetwood and we can connect you with Pauline
Brian reminded us of the creative opportunities available at the Linda Eaton Arts and Crafts Awards. There are several categories covering all media, with two themes …
“A lot of living to do” and “Music be the food of love”. The closing date for entries and the presentation evening is in October.
> Please contact Healthier Fleetwood for more information
Karen from Jars of Joy is also delighted to be nominated for a Coastal Radio award for this year’s successful Joyfest. Over £15,000 was raised to host the event and 500 people enjoyed the day. She is already planning Joyfest 2026. Karen is also one of the contributors to the book ‘Powerhouse’, a collection of stories from female entrepreneurs.
As a Fleetwood Town councilor, Karen shared the good news about the opening of the new Cash Access UK banking hub for Fleetwood. Situated in the Senior Citizens Hall by Fisherman's Walk it will offer banking support for residents and businesses.
Healthier Fleetwood is supporting the Ron’s Run event on 13th June. A fundraising run/walk/push for The Pantry – those taking part are encouraged to bring food items rather than pay a fee.
Karen also reminded us of the new Carer’s Group at 9.30am on the last Tuesday of the month in Strive Community Cafe at Flakefleet - all welcome.
The new Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre is now open on Fridays at The HUB Fleetwood in the former hospital building, more days will be announced soon.
> Please contact Healthier Fleetwood for more information
At the time of the meeting Behind Closed Doors were preparing for their International Women’s Day event on Friday 7th March. They are also marking three years of their work by opening a new hub in Fleetwood, somewhere to raise funds and as a base for meetings and support, working closely with the police and other partners. The police are also signposting to Behind Closed Doors and other domestic violence support groups. In the summer, the group will be hosting an event at Poolfoot in memory of Kienna Dawes.
Mandy and her colleagues welcome the opportunity to work with more partners and can offer workshops in businesses and community venues.
Sue works for Healthwatch Lancashire … their role is to listen, gather feedback, collate reports and make recommendations to the NHS, Government and decision-makers. They are funded by Lancashire County Council but work independently. Always active on a number of projects such as how the NHS supports the deaf community, health and social care for ex-offenders and reporting on care homes and GP surgeries they share positive news and constructive feedback. Sue invited residents and community groups to contact her if they have any suggestions or concerns.
Fleetwood Community Comic Con is a fantastic new event for the Town this Summer. Alan is one of the volunteer committee, he told us that it’s more than just a one-off event. There’s going to be a series of workshops leading up to Comic Con, encouraging all ages to be creative and have fun.
Rachel from The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery mentioned the upcoming programme of events which includes the monthly Fleetwood beach cleans. Her colleague Mike also hosts the regular wellbeing groups, using nature and the environment to support physical and mental health. The Bay respond to feedback from the individuals attending their groups and events, to tailor their offer.
Emma is coordinating the new Wyre Council befriending service and invited volunteers to find out more about getting involved. Roles can be from as little as an hour a week and could be making phone calls, shopping and connecting isolated individuals with opportunities in the community. Volunteers will be supported during their induction and matched up with the most appropriate role.
Email: befriending@wyre.gov.uk
And to close the meeting, local resident Anne read her latest poem about an amusing encounter with a camel on her recent holiday!
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another very enjoyable and inspiring evening. Our thanks also to Emmanuel Church for their hospitality and support.
The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is on Wednesday 2nd April, 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church – all welcome!
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