GOOD NEWS EXTRA - 6th March

A SUMMARY OF THE HEALTHIER FLEETWOOD OPEN MEETING - 1ST MARCH

On a cold and dark evening our chair of residents Pauline welcomed everyone to Emmanuel Church and thanked our hosts for their hospitality.

Sandra from Wyre Council’s Cleaner Greener Team is coordinating a number of initiatives across the borough. She invited suggestions for a local event as part of Keep Britain Tidy and also supporting Fleetwood in Bloom … and this will be on Thursday 23rd March, meeting at Fisherman’s Walk. The time is yet to be confirmed, all equipment will be provided - to get involved, look out for the updates from Wyre Council or email sandra.byrne@wyre.gov.uk

Lynda is setting up the Youth Theatre group at Fleetwood Library for ages 14 to 22 years and reminded us of the first meeting at 5pm, also on 23rd March. > Fleetwood Library opening hours and information.

Anne is a member of the craft group at Fleetwood Library on Wednesdays, 10am to 12 noon. Originally set up as part of Healthier Fleetwood’s weekly drop-in the group has grown in numbers and is now well-established. The emphasis is on crochet and knitting but the group also have a go at other seasonal crafts. There’s no need to book, just join in the fun on any Wednesday morning!

Anne also read one of her wonderful poems and we'll be sharing that soon.

Priesley is one of the health and wellbeing team at Fleetwood Town Community Trust and was enthusiastic as always about the ‘Fit For The Future’ sessions including Wednesday afternoons at the Library where the Boccia games are very popular. Wendy, one of the Social Prescibers, said how she’d seen her clients benefit from taking part. > Follow Fleetwood Town Community Trust on Facebook here

Richard updated us on all the news from the Men’s Shed. Among the groups and activities held at their hub on Manor Road is the new music & poetry club (offers of instruments welcome), Fleetwood Autism Buddies meet regularly and the Chill Lounge (ladies only) use the venue twice a week. Reflecting the diversity of visitors to the hub, they are considering a change of name later in the year.

> Contact Fleetwood Mens Shed on Facebook or call 07864 065764

Karen had exciting news from Jars of Joy. They are now a community interest company which will allow them to apply for additional funding to support their many workshops and events - they recently visited the Warm Hub at Fleetwood Fire Station. > Jars of Joy are on Facebook and have a website

The Linda Eaton Craft Awards are coming up, an opportunity to share work in a number of mediums under the theme of ‘Art & Soul’. The presentation evening is at the Marton Institute in Blackpool later in the year. If you’d like to know more please contact us at Healthier Fleetwood and we can put you in touch with the organiser Brian.Mandy shared the success of Behind Closed Doors ... several women have been supported to escape abusive relationships She is organising a fundraising sea dip later this month, an Easter party for children at YMCA Lofthouse and will be speaking soon to officers from Lancashire Police. There’s a new leaflet available for Behind Closed Doors and in Mandy’s words, she is “using her voice to help others” but she also would like to see someone take on a similar role for men affected by domestic violence.

> Behind Closed Doors on Facebook

Jules from Fitness 50 is expanding her programme of classes, focussing on specialist support for individuals with health needs. After only a few weeks her Cancer prehab/rehab course is attracting good numbers; the weekly gentle-exercise groiup in Cleveleys is so popular there’s now a choice of two sessions and starting soon is a Couch To 5K for anyone who wants to improve their fitness gradually over 10 weeks.

> Call Jules on 07484 821156 or see the Fitness 50 Facebook page

Also starting something new is Bernard - a series of short wellbeing walks along some less familiar Fleetwood routes. The first is likely to be in the Beach Road area and another close to Larkholme Community Centre. More details will be confirmed soon and promotional leaflets distributed.

Friendlier Fleetwood meet 4 times a week for hot drinks, conversation and activities. They also organise trips and short breaks and Fran said they are looking forward to visiting Llandudno in May but before that will be making Easter Bonnets! Find out more about Friendlier Fleetwood on Facebook

Derek is an observer for the Wyre Council CCTV. The system helps local police prevent and solve crime but the team of volunteers has been reduced since the pandemic and new recruits are needed. It’s a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week and travel expenses are paid to the CCTV base in the Civic Centre, Poulton. > More information on the Wyre Council website

Before the meeting closed Pauline mentioned that during the evening we had heard many examples of an individual having the passion and support to turn their idea into a reality and seeing the difference they are making in the community.

Inspiring and amazing … well done and thank you to everyone.

The next Healthier Fleetwood Open Meeting is on Wednesday 5th April at Emmanuel the Mount Church – all welcome and we'd love to see you there. Until the next time ... take care.

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