We are offering temporary opportunities for team leaders and assistant team leaders to lead and support teams of young people as they take part in NCS – an exciting 4 week summer programme combining physical and mental challenges and community action. For more information on these opportunities, please visit our vacancies page.

The centre, which has been owned and operated by the YMCA for over 50 years, continues to deliver outdoor learning and activities programmes and accommodating schools, youth, corporate and family groups from the local area and across the globe.

Building upon Lakeside’s reputation and expertise in the field of outdoor learning, the YMCA is proposing an upgrade to the current facilities to meet the future needs of all learners and to enable the fulfilment of the YMCA’s mission ‘helping young people build a future’.

Brian Barden, Chair of the YMCA National Centre, Lakeside Sub-committee explains: “Over the years the YMCA has delivered excellent work through the site and the impact of the programmes on individuals’ lives is immeasurable. However the site itself needs reinvestment and re-development to be able to continue with this unique learning experience and move it forward for the generations to come.”

He adds: “The re-development plans propose to achieve our shared vision through high quality, environmentally sustainable, purpose built accommodation within the existing grounds.”

Vision for Schools and Youth

John Cronin, Executive Director of Fylde Coast YMCA, who took over the management and ownership of the centre in 2011, said: “We are striving to ensure all members of the local community have access to engage with the consultation and provide their feedback on the plans.

“Lakeside has played an important and memorable part in so many peoples’ lives over the years and we want to make sure the facilities can adapt and meet the needs and requirements of our learners for years to come. It is important that we get it right to ensure the centre is sustainable and achieves the YMCA’s mission.”

The public are invited to view and comment on the plans online via www.fyldecoastymca.org/consultation and at the open public event at Lakeside on Friday 3rd May from 12 noon to 8pm.

Contextual images of the proposed design for the buildings are available to view online now with the full detailed plans available from Friday 3rd May at the public event and online from midday. Comments and feedback can be made online until midday Monday 13th May.

Also visit www.lakesideymca.co.uk

Mum Diane France attended the programme with her 10 year old daughter. “We learned so many invaluable things on MEND and found it to be massively positive and has helped us to become healthier as a family. I enjoyed meeting other families and instructors on the course and my daughter has gained so much confidence from learning about nutrition and trying out new sports. I feel that she has grown as a person because of this programme”

The programme provides practical guidance for reading and interpreting food labels, identifying healthier options, information about a balanced diet for all the family along with many more tips and advice for healthier living. MEND also provides a wide variety of fun physical activities and games that provide a safe, supervised, indoor space where children can get involved in exercise and take home ideas and activities to introduce to the whole family.

Steve Brown MEND’s programme manager for Fylde Coast YMCA said: “MEND helps families make small changes to their lifestyle that improve their health in the long-term. MEND encourages children to be more active by giving them the opportunity to try out new activities in a fun and supportive environment. The programme helps children to become more confident, healthier and happier.”

MEND is completely free to join and open to children aged 7 to 13. Participants will receive a welcome pack that includes a t-shirt, water bottle, wristband and a bag. Families will get to take home folders full of handouts containing: nutrition advice, guidelines, games, activity ideas and healthy recipes. The programme in funded by NHS North Lancashire and delivered by Fylde Coast YMCA.

Mum Rebecca Bashford from St. Annes attended MEND in Kirkham with her children, said “There have been a lot of positives from the programme. The kids help me more in the kitchen, they sleep better and have been able to concentrate better at school. The children want to exercise more and often go out on their bikes, they keep asking about trying new sports”.

The programme will be held at Millfield School, Thornton. Starting on the 23^rd April on Monday and Wednesday evenings: 17:00 to 19:00 for 10 weeks. Carr Hill High School, Kirkham, starting on the 1^st May on Monday and Wednesday evenings: 17:00 to 19:00 for 10 weeks. Children must be accompanied by an adult and brothers and sisters are also welcome to attend.

To book a free place on the MEND programme or to find out more details call Fylde Coast YMCA on 01253 882105, speak to your GP, Practice Nurse, School Nurse or email steve.brown@fyldecoastymca.org

Session 3: Heart Rate, Moving More and Burning Calories

All is going well and I’m keeping up the exercise routine, running three times a week plus one swim and doing as much walking as I can.

Still drinking the diet Pepsi and really struggling with eating the regular meals. Been trying to eat breakfast but it’s not part of a normal habit yet and i keep forgetting. Still not sticking to the 300 calorie rule on snacks however, saying this I am checking sugar and calorie levels. I have stopped buying crisps, cake and chocolate on my weekly shop so I am making some positive choices.

I can’t make this weeks Momenta session as i have work so i have arranged a catch up on Thursday. In the mean time, I am working hard on my diaries and going to read this weeks chapter. This weeks session, get your heart rate up, moving more and burning some calories, the sort of exercise we should be looking at and the intensity levels.

Well, weigh in didn’t go well, I’ve put a little bit back on. Very disappointed with myself and need to try harder next week. I did quite well at tonight’s session, I think I’m quite aware of the amount of exercise needed to burn those calories! This week need to try a bit harder with those snacks.

Session 4: Food is Fuel

Well this last week has been good, I have tried harder and definitely thinking more. My children are definitely seeing a difference in what they are being given to eat, and I have really cut back on their sugar and sweet treats. Again the exercise is going well, running further for longer and I’m not as tired as I have been so something must be working!

This weeks Momenta session was interesting as there was no Fran, our leader has gone on holiday for 3 weeks leaving us with a different leader to take the group. Tonight was Steve, a nice guy and he knew his stuff. Half the ladies weren’t there but we had a new comer join us this week. The session ran as normal, food is fuel this week and it was all about eating regularly, the food groups and time management! Easier said than done in my world but we shall see.

I’ve lost what i put on last week and i managed to run 5k tonight, the furthest I’ve done so far so feeling really positive! Here’s to a good week of eating more meals regularly!

Session 5: External Triggers

Another week has gone already, seem to be flying by. This week saw the start of lent so it also gave me an opportunity to give something up so, here it is, Chocolate! Now this is a big thing for me, I can eat 2 or 3 chocolate bars a day. Put a Cadbury’s Dairy Milk in front of me and it’s gone. So anything chocolate or anything that has chocolate in it is not allowed. Last year i managed 24 hours before giving up however, this year I have a different incentive so I have cleared the cupboards of chocolate bars, biscuits and drinks and put a big sign up on my cupboard door, NO CHOCOLATE!’ This is going to be hard.

Well I’m doing well, but have been out for my tea tonight. However, I am very proud of myself as i had a light starter, then for the main course I had a pizza and brought half of it home. But the biggy was dessert as it was a friends birthday and she had brought a massive chocolate cake. It looked amazing! So, on a table of 16 people, i was the only one that said no thank you to the cake. Had it been any other type of cake I would have had some, but not chocolate! I have done well all week and this isn’t going to ruin it!

So, back to Momenta for another session with Steve and i have lost again. Not as much as I’d have hoped with not eating chocolate all week but that Victoria Sponge with cream probably didn’t help.But I’m all for doing this slowly and although I’m thinking a lot more I’m not going to deprive myself, that would mean failure for me. This weeks session was about external triggers that make you want to eat. Although i can relate to this I think mine are more internal triggers, but it was still a very interesting session. New target for this week is smaller meal portions so, I am going to buy myself a smaller dinner plate then I can’t cheat. It’s also a little reward for keeping on track.

Session 6: Resistance Exercise

Well, week 6 and half way through the course so how am i doing?.. Ok. I put on again this week, it seems a bit of a roller coaster and my weight is remaining steady. On a plus so is my exercise, as i am maintaining my weekly targets. Still no chocolate although this week has been hard after not losing much at last weigh in. I’m actually thinking it doesn’t matter because it’s not making a difference however, looking at my food diary I am still over compensating by eating too many sweets and cake to help with my sugar cravings.

This weeks session is looking at resistance exercise and i get this, it’s the eating properly and the right things that I’m having trouble with. I have found it hard work this last week and keep thinking about throwing it all in. But NO! I knew this would take time and commitment from me, lets persevere a bit longer. I have had McDonald’s, the first takeaway in 5 weeks and now i do feel guilty! But i had had enough, I needed to splurge and this is what it was, I stil howver made choices. Medium meal not large, Diet Coke not full fat milkshake, no dessert and I chose a chicken burger lighter in calories so, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

I have had a very bad week, stress levels have been high at work, my eldest daughter has been poorly and off school so that has limited my time to exercise but we keep moving forward.

Funds raised for Fylde Coast YMCA will be re-distributed into our communities to provide families with a chance to build stronger relationships within their community through multi-skilled events. The events run will be called the Community Games and form part of the Olympic Legacy and follow the Olympic theme and values. The Games are aimed to increase physical activity in all ages, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Much needed funds for the Fylde Sharks Swim Club will be distributed to help the volunteer led club continue to provide swimming lessons to children with disabilities. Funpod Foxes is a locally based club and operate out of St Annes YMCA, providing children and adults with disabilities the ability to express themselves through multi-skilled activities.

Dave and his friend will be commencing the long, gruelling ten day challenge from Land’s End on June 3rd 2013 and will take in many sights along the way, before finishing up at John O’ Groats on June 12th 2013. Here is the route they will take:

3rd June – Land’s End to Okehampton

4th June – Okehampton to Bristol

5th June – Bristol to Shrewsbury

6th June – Shrewsbury to Blackpool

7th June – Blackpool to Carlisle

8th June – Carlisle to Kilmarnock

9th June – Kilmarnock to Inveraray

10th June – Inveraray to Spean Bridge

11th June – Spean Bridge to Bonar Bridge

12th June – Bonar Bridge to John O’ Groats

If you would like to join Dave and his team at any point during the ride, then please contact him at Ansdell YMCA. If you can, please find the time to support Dave and his team on their journey by donating to their worthy causes via Dave’s JustGiving webpage:

www.justgiving.com/Dave-Marsland1

There is also the ability to donate via the collection box at St Annes YMCA or by seeing Dave direct and filling out his sponsorship form

The 2^nd Annual Y:Cycle Challenge organised by the Sport Development Team is due to take place on 30^th June 2013. Please keep your eyes open for news on how to join in and get involved or contact Dave for more information

Work costing a total of £625,000 will include a new “changing village” and remodelled entrance, reception and spectating areas. It will begin in September and end in January.

As part of the bid process YMCA managers have developed a new proposed swimming programme which seeks to extend the range of activities and encourage wider participation in swimming across the community along with improved access into competitive pathways through partnership working with local swimming clubs and the ASA.

The YMCA, which operates the Fylde Council-owned pool, has committed £100,000 to the scheme, with Fylde Council funding a further £25,000.

Darren Bell, Fylde Council cultural services manager, said: “This is fantastic news for swimmers.

“The pool itself is in good condition, but the entrance is uninviting and the lack of a modern spectator area makes it difficult for parents to relax and watch their children.

“The existing changing facilities are not currently designed to accommodate different user groups such as schools, families, and disabled groups. The YMCA has already introduced a similar changing village at Fleetwood and it is a big success with a mix of cubicles for individuals and family changing.

“This project will bring the pool up to the standards that the modern public expects.”

John Cronin, YMCA executive director, added: “The team has worked very hard to ensure the centre has continued to grow from strength to strength as a flagship facility for the Fylde community and for visitors to the area.

“We introduced the gym facility to increase the offering available at the centre. This additional investment will mean we can really develop the fabric of the building and develop an enhanced swimming programme in partnership with Lancashire Sport and the ASA to further meet people’s needs and benefit people’s lives now and in the future.”

Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “As the research shows people have a better experience of sport when the facilities are good both on and off the pitch. These investments on artificial grass pitches and swimming pool changing rooms will have a big impact on sport in local communities.”

Redevelopment plans will be available for the public to view and provide feedback. More details will follow.

The pool will close when work starts in September and reopen in January.

Fun at St Annes YMCA Pool

This Easter, make the most of £1 a Kid and Half Price Family Swims. All centres, dates and times are available here. PLUS don’t miss our fun swims with inflatables too!

Kids Exercise Classes and Teen Gym Times
We’ve added some exciting new classes to our junior activities programme including Junior Spin at Garstang YMCA for ages 14 – 16 years and Junior Swimfit as Poulton and Fleetwood YMCAs for swimmers aged 8+. Find out more and view all Junior and Teen Activities.

Each YMCA gym also has designated times for teens aged 14 – 16 to enjoy working out on the cardio and resistance equipment. Check out the centre timetables via www.ymcayactive.org/timetables.

The YMCA’s 12 week programme is delivered through health and fitness facilities in Blackpool, community and outdoor venues. Each participant’s programme of exercise is designed to meet their individual needs and activities include health walks, gym sessions, low impact circuit and chair based classes and swimming.

James Wheelhouse, Y:Active Health Programme Manager said: “We’ve been inundated with referrals and for all ages with varying health reasons. It really is great to see this real partnership with GPs and health professionals working, benefiting local people and helping Blackpool get active.”

Stephen Evan, 63 from Blackpool recently completed his first 12 week programme. Stephen was referred to the service by his GP at South King Street Medical Centre when he presented complaining of shortness of breath when walking up the stairs and during day to day activities.

Stephen said: “The Doctor explained that one of the reasons was due to me being overweight. I’ve had two hip operations and my mobility wasn’t great still suffering with some pain in my hips. But the Doctor said the exercise referral team would give me the right advice and set me off at the right level.”

By the end of the programme, Stephen had lost 1 stone 5 pounds in weight, reduced is waist by 12cm and dramatically lowered his blood pressure and heart rate.

Stephen added: “I chose to attend the low impact circuit class held on Thursday’s at the Claremont Community Centre Dickson Road. Emma, my referral officer, was a great support throughout and she made sure I was exercising correctly.

“Dr Vikram was right though. Not only has my breathing improved since the start of the programme, but so has my mobility. I’m walking further and pain free.”

Blackpool residents can access this service directly through the self referral pathway or can be referred by their GP and other health care professionals.

For more information or to self refer contact on 01253 398931 or email be.yactive@fyldecoastymca.org

New weekly sessions at the Fleetwood YMCA centre on The Esplanade, provide access for individuals with varying disabilities to participate in fun games, activities and challenges that incorporate and promote the use of fundamental sport skills, such as sending, receiving and travelling.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in traditional sports and activities, in addition to new ‘alternative’ sports such as Dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee and Handball. Paralympic sports such as Sitting Volleyball, Goalball and Boccia will be included in the programme of activities.

The new programme builds on the success of a previous multi-sport session which was delivered at the Broadway Rooms in Fleetwood by Julie Martin from Wyre Day Services. Partnership working between Wyre Council and Fylde Coast YMCA has facilitated this new opportunity and guarantees the positive momentum of the previous session is carried forward and sustained into the future.

Dave Parker, Manager of Fleetwood YMCA said: “We are looking forward to launching these new sessions as an integral part of the activity programme at the centre and across Wyre. The original sessions at the Broadway Rooms were well attended and we are striving to build on their success and offer more exciting opportunities through the introduction of the new Paralympic Sports.”

Funding has been secured from Sport England via the ‘Sportivate’ programme. This national programme aims to provide access for more 14-25 year olds to engage in sport and physical activity. Sportivate will support the initial 8 weeks of the programme, after this time, staff from Fylde Coast YMCA will lead the delivery and organisation of weekly sessions.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Cabinet member with responsibility for sport at Wyre Council, said: “This fantastic programme offers so many benefits to disabled people in Wyre.

“Apart from the obvious health and fitness gains that come with taking part in a variety of traditional and alternative sports, it offers social opportunities and helps build self-esteem and confidence in those taking part.

“There has also been a natural progression for some of our participants to then become volunteers at the previous sessions, which is something we encourage.”

The new Multi-Sport sessions take place every Wednesday at Fleetwood YMCA Leisure Centre in the sports hall, 10:15am – 11:15am at a cost of £3 per person.

We are constantly seeking to recruit sports volunteers to help and assist at weekly sessions. If you would like to become a volunteer we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information on the multi-sports programme contact Fleetwood YMCA on 01253 771505 or Ronan McMahon, Community Sports Officer, Wyre Council on 01253 887369 or ronan.mcmahon@wyre.gov.uk

For more activities for people with disabilities in Wyre and Fylde visit the Y:Active website via: Children and Adults with a Disability

Read on for more info about the campaign and how to take part below.

“The good news is that more of us are surviving heart attacks. The bad news is that increasing numbers of us are then left with badly damaged hearts and heart failure. Living with heart failure can be terrifying and currently there is no cure. Sufferers can face a difficult battle that’s deeply distressing for them and their families. In severe cases their life expectancy is less than that of many cancer patients.” The British Heart Foundation.

The Mending Broken Hearts Challenges

There are 5 individual challenges and you can do one or all of them!

• Gold: to cover 60km over the month on any or all of the cardio equipment such as rower, treadmill and bike.

• Silver: to cover 45km over the month on any or all of the cardio equipment such as rower, treadmill and bike.

• Bronze: to cover 30km over the month on any or all of the cardio equipment such as rower, treadmill and bike.

• Swimming: to cover 10km over the month.

• Classes: to take part in 20 classes over the month.

How to get Involved?

There are 2 ways in which you can take part in the challenge. You can pick up a sponsorship pack from your YMCA or, make a donation and keep track of your progress on the tracking sheets which will be displayed in and around the gyms.

We will be raising money for this great cause in a number of ways:

• Sponsorship – you can pick up a sponsorship pack and raise money through sponsors. Gaining as much backing and support as you can.
• Donation – you can donate a set amount in order to take part in the challenge. This will be set at £5.
• Collection Tins – these will be placed on receptions and around the gyms so that you can donate as little or as much as you like. This way you don’t have to take part in the challenge but can still make a contribution. Every little helps.
• Buy a Badge – The Bristish Heart Foundation will be supplying us with appeal badges which can be bought for £1 each in gyms and at receptions.

If you fancy taking part in a challenge and becoming part of your YMCA team, then this could be the thing for you. There will be a bit of inter-site competition, as each gym will assemble a team to try and get as many people as possible taking part in the challenge. Not to mention you will be helping us raise awareness of a wonderful cause – The Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.
To get involved in the challenge and for more information, simply visit or call your YMCA. Alternatively go to British Heart Foundation – Mending Broken Hearts.

More about the Mending Broken Hearts Campaign

When you have a heart attack, a part of your heart muscle dies. This damage is irreversible and can lead to heart failure, a condition that can cause patients and their families prolonged and distressing suffering.

With your help, heart failure patients and their families have real hope for a cure. By supporting our Mending Broken Hearts Appeal, you’ll be helping to fund a groundbreaking research programme that could end the suffering caused by severe heart failure, forever.

Help us raise the funds we need to continue this amazing research at this critical stage.