Fylde residents feeling the January blues can discover a wealth of free activities and support services designed to boost wellbeing and bring some sunshine to the darkest Monday of the year.
Blue Monday, falling on 19 January this year, traditionally marks the most challenging day of winter. But Fylde Council is determined to help residents transform this gloomy day into an opportunity for positive change with fantastic free programmes and beautiful spaces to explore.
The Council’s popular Change programme offers residents a complete health transformation through free weekly group nutrition sessions and enjoyable low-impact exercise activities including badminton, chair-based exercises and Wellbeing Walks. Meanwhile, anyone wanting to start their fitness journey from the comfort of home can join Couch to Fitness, delivered by Our Parks, featuring expert-led 30-minute sessions three times weekly that require no equipment or experience.
Our stunning outdoor spaces provide the perfect antidote to winter blues. Whether you fancy a round of adventure golf at Fairhaven Lake, a peaceful stroll around Ashton Gardens, or discovering activities at Lowther Pavilion, Fylde’s beautiful beaches, parks and green spaces offer endless opportunities for that vital dose of fresh air and natural mood-boosting exercise.
A little warmth and kindness will be spread across the borough with a simple gesture called ’A Warm Hug’. Volunteers and council officers will be handing out small bags containing a teabag and a biscuit to brighten people’s day. Each bag will contain information about mental health charities. The bags will be distributed at various locations across Fylde including during the Change programme walks, with a presence also in St Annes and Kirkham. The initiative is being supported by local partners including Fylde Food Bank, iHope and Fox’s Burton’s Companies.
Meanwhile, residents looking to connect with their community can explore numerous volunteering opportunities, from befriending services to litter picking and environmental projects. The upcoming Volunteer Fair on Thursday 29 January promises something for everyone wanting to make a difference.
Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “Nobody should face Blue Monday alone when we have such incredible support and activities available across Fylde. From free fitness programmes you can do in your living room to our beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for a mood-lifting walk, there’s something for everyone. We know January can be tough financially and emotionally, which is why we’ve ensured these wellbeing resources are completely free and accessible to all. I’d encourage everyone to try something new this week – whether that’s joining our Change programme, exploring one of our wonderful parks, or volunteering to help others in our community.”
For residents struggling with finances, mental health or other concerns, comprehensive support is available. Visit our cost of living support page to find out more.
Other Available Support
- Fylde Family Hub in Kirkham offer a range of free children’s activities all year round.
- Wesley’s Community Café is a safe place for people to come together and enjoy a nutritious meal for free.
- Freckleton Methodist Church offer free food and drink every Wednesday at 12:30pm, open to everyone.
- Park View 4U run free health walks every Friday at 10:30am.
- The Fylde Ramblers host free Ramblers Wellbeing Walks every week.
- Lytham Hall host parkrun every Saturday, a free, fun 5k community event.
- The Men’s Shed at YMCA Lytham offers woodworking and mixed sessions for all.
- Lytham St Annes Together brings services together to improve wellbeing.
- Just Good Friends combat loneliness and isolation by bringing the community together.
- Every Mind Matters offer practical advice on dealing with stress and anxiety.
- Age UK help older people who are at home and need extra support with their wellbeing.
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