GOOD NEWS EXTRA - 8th April
With our chair of residents Pauline under the weather, Karen welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Emmanuel Church for their support and hospitality.
Susan is one of the volunteers at Emmanuel and also runs the wonderful Wyre Flounders adult swimming group. Following a recent post on the Healthier Fleetwood Facebook page, 6 inquiries have been passed on to Susan. Extra numbers will help to cover the cost of hiring the pool at YMCA Fleetwood for a quiet swim, Saturdays at 5pm.
> Contact Susan on 01253 522232 or through Healthier Fleetwood
Rob and Richard attended on behalf of the Men's Shed Fleetwood, as always the group is offering great support to its members and the wider community. They recently hosted an enjoyable Easter Lunch and thanks to the ladies at The Chill Lounge, passed on chocolate eggs to everyone.
> Men’s Shed Fleetwood on Facebook or call 07864 065764
Julie has set up two regular meetings in Fleetwood for women who want to reduce or stop drinking alcohol. These are at Fleetwood Health & Wellbeing Centre (first Saturday of the month) and at Fleetwood Methodist Church (second Tuesday) - offering support and access to resources. Future events will include specialist advice on nutrition and dealing with trauma - often the trigger to start drinking more.
> Alcohol Free Women’s Group on Facebook or 07845 041333
Kelly from Coach & Shine has also been busy. Her regular drop-in sessions with parents at Strive Community Café are popular, the focus is on finding out what support is needed and encouraging individuals and families to achieve their goals. She is working directly with local schools to deliver wellbeing programmes, taking inspiration from the children and what’s important to them. Kelly also offers some courses free of charge to the community.
> Coach & Shine website or email info@coachandshine.com
Behind Closed Doors has just held a successful and fun, fundraising event for Easter - passing on more than 200 eggs to local children as part of the day. Over £600 will go towards the group’s ongoing work supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence, and the long-term aim of opening a hub. Mandy also mentioned ‘trauma bonding’, when somebody forms a strong, emotional attachment to a person even if they are abusive to them. The group welcomes partnerships with local organisations to support their work.
Reece from Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs completed his '100 miles in March' challenge, with funds raised going towards the charity’s running costs. The service is now fully open for the Summer, welcoming visitors to their base on Central Promenade.
> Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs website or call 03000 111 003
In a break from tradition, Anne read this month’s poem during the meeting - a witty take on the traditional full English breakfast, written from the point of view of the menu!
John said that Emmanuel Church's Easter Sunset & Sunrise events had been enjoyable and that the combined-churches Lent Lunches had been well attended, raising well over £900 for the local RNLI. John also mentioned the ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) event in February and that the organisers wanted to return to find out more about all the good things happening in Fleetwood.
Brian reminded us of the opportunity to take part in the Linda Eaton Arts Awards - there’s a number of categories themed ‘The Time of Your Life’. Entry forms at the Healthier Fleetwood Information Centre.
Dick, Emma and Chrissie were attending their first meeting and told us about volunteering for The Poverty Truth Network in South Shore, Blackpool. This was just an introduction, and we will be keeping in touch to look at opportunities to work together in the future.
June asked about sign language courses and Karen said we’d update at the next meeting, Gerald raised the issue of potholes on the local roads - Karen offered to get information on the reporting process and feedback.
Kate from Wyre Council told us more about the Active Travel launch event (this was held on Thursday 4th April) and the projects that will follow including healthy activities, a bike maintenance and donation scheme and much more.
Her colleague Alisa is new to role and will be offering support to community groups - connecting them with advice, funding opportunities and more. A survey will be sent out soon asking what is needed by the groups - all feedback is appreciated. She also directed us to the Rural Circular Economy Grants, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is now open for applications.
Fleetwood PCSO Nick called in on his shift to hear from the community and tell us about the work of the local police. More funding is being made available and this will mean more officers out and about. Our thanks to Nick for attending and to all his colleagues for their efforts, often in challenging circumstances.
David wanted to say that he thought the meetings were a great example of what has been happening in the Fleetwood community for some time … the ‘magic’ of local residents connecting and making a difference.
We also heard details of a few new groups and activities … the Supper Evening and Pokemon Club at Westview Community Association, the new Couch to 5k with Jules from Fitness 50 and The Late Night Coffee Club - an alcohol-free social group.
Karen closed the meeting, inviting everyone to stay for more conversations over a brew.
We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting ... on Wednesday 1st May from 6.30pm at Emmanuel Mount Church, Mount Road, Fleetwood.
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