Fleetwood Cafe Prioritizes Community Well-being

The Strive Cafe, a new coffee establishment in Fleetwood, has commenced operations with the objective of enhancing the mental well-being of residents. This initiative was conceived by Dr Mark Spencer, a General Practitioner, and Dave McPartlin, the head teacher of Flakefleet Primary School. The founders’ intention was to establish a “youth club for families,” serving as a venue for community members to gather and for various groups to convene. Additionally, the cafe functions as a drop-in facility for local mothers, offering them access to guidance and assistance from the county council and Healthier Fleetwood. Mr McPartlin articulated his long-held vision, stating: “We had this big dream many years ago – what would it be like if you created a school all over again? “Well, actually, I’d have NHS on site, police, social services, family, health and well-being all coming together – and that’s what we’ve got.” He further commented on current challenges, adding: “Life’s been really, really tough with the cost-of-living crisis, and now we can help with that – with somewhere that you can come, have a brew, speak to people, make friends and come together.” Dr Spencer emphasized the cafe’s purpose, explaining: “We’re trying to improve people’s health by bringing people together in a space that’s warm and welcoming.” He elaborated on the importance of social interaction: “Connecting with each other as human beings is so, so beneficial for our emotional well-being and for our mental health. “People’s mental health has taken a bit of a battering during lockdown, Covid and the economic crisis – so we’re creating somewhere that people can connect to other people.” He concluded by asserting: “That’s heaps better for our health than sitting at home on your own watching telly.”