The initial aim of this project was to meet with the customers Strive Community Hub in Fleetwood to see how the space could be used to benefit the local community. A large proportion of customers were parents and carers of the children who attended Flakefleet primary school.
In February 2024, Kelly Mercer from Coach and Shine Community Interest Company met with over 65 customers whilst on-site to find out what would make their lives feel more fulfilled. What people most wanted was to have a connection and to “feel part of something” (68%). Topics such as goal-setting, motivation, facing fears were also some of the popular outcomes alongside wanting to take up some form of hobby or become more creative.
Following on from this, a bespoke programme named Becoming More Me was curated based on these asks. It fed into a wider, local agenda of bringing communities together to improve health in Fleetwood which had previously been described as 'significantly deprived' - NHS England (2023).
A total of 24 workshops were facilitated between April and December 2024, attracting 261 participants. Weekly themes included life coaching, crystal meditation, beach wellbeing, crafting, mental agility challenges, reiki and self-care practices. Success was evaluated through feedback forms and periodic wellbeing assessments using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Initial self-reports at the beginning of delivery indicated 'very low' wellbeing, but after the programme, scores increased to 'average' showing an improvement. This was very much seen as a success!
Participant feedback highlighted positive experiences, including stress relief, enjoyment and a supportive environment for sharing without judgment. Becoming More Me has fostered confidence, friendships and community cohesion.
Case Study 1:
Previously avoided going to coffee shops alone due to low mood and anxiety.
Joined the group encouraged by a friend.
Gained confidence, made new friends and started a subsequent crafts group.
Case Study 2:
Encouraged to attend by a teacher; previously withdrawn and isolated.
Aimed to model healthy behaviours for his children.
Initially found the group daunting but felt proud of taking the first step to rebuild his support network.
Becoming More Me effectively created a supportive forum and was proven to enhance participants' wellbeing. Whilst initially being attended by parents from Flakefleet Primary School, on concluding the group around 40% of members had joined through social media or recommendations. We also had special guests attend to capture what we had created, these included a Roving Reporter from Healthier Fleetwood, Junior Doctors from Lancaster University and Social Work students from UCLan.
Whilst the group has now come to an end, Strive continues to offer various services like women's support, career advice, fitness, nutrition information, parenting support, craft groups and is also a Warm Hub.
We would like to pay special thanks to the following contributors without whom, the Becoming More Me programme would not have been possible:
Dave McPartlin, Head Teacher of Flakefleet Primary School
Steve Newsham, Strive Centre Manager
Amanda Spavin, Community Projects Manager, Lancashire County Council
The wonderful people of Fleetwood

Comments