Thursday, February 26, 2026
“I have never been to a more inviting place”
January 2026 saw the launch of the Welcome Table, a referral-based initiative set up to support families in need across Fleetwood.
Funded by THRIVE Network, the Welcome Table was set up by Volunteer Centre Wyre in close partnership with the Fleetwood Neighbourhood Policing Team, supported by volunteers and partners. To date, the Welcome Table have opened its doors to over 30 families. Running every Thursday evening at the Heart of the Hub Café in Fleetwood, the initiative sees families in the area invited into a safe space to enjoy a warm meal, entertainment, and receive advice from support services, if needed.
One attendee of the service said: “I have been to the Welcome Table twice now, and it is the highlight of my kids’ weeks. I have never in my life been to a more inviting place than the Welcome Table. […] You have the opportunity to speak to a PCSO about anything police-related, and I plucked up the courage to speak to Lizzy about something very personal and she was amazing. I left with a serious weight lifted off my shoulders. […] I couldn’t recommend this service enough.”
The Welcome Table have been supported by Lancashire County Council, Wyre Council, Regenda Housing, Fleetwood Rotary and mental health therapists from Mountview Practice.
So far, families have enjoyed meals such as beef tacos and sausage pasta, whilst having the chance to participate in quizzes, bingo, and family team building activities to win prizes such as a family ticket to Blackpool’s best tourism attractions.
In addition to providing meals for families who attend the Welcome Table, volunteers make extra servings of the evening’s meal to take to the Level Up Community; a drop-in session supporting those who are struggling with addiction, homelessness, mental health and/ or re-offending.
Police Community Support Officer, Lizzy Bradley, attends and supports each Welcome Table: “Creating a safe space for families to feel supported and heard is so important here in Fleetwood, and that’s exactly what the Welcome Table does.
“Knowing families can check their stress at the door and just enjoy quality time with their loved ones is key, but also having the chance to share any worries or concerns to a professional could offer a lifeline to some in need.
"For policing, being able to build trust and break down barriers between us and our local community is a brilliant thing, and the Welcome Table allows us to do just that.”
Courtney, Project Lead, from the Volunteer Centre Wyre added: “The Welcome Table began as an idea in a team meeting. The team recognised that there were local families falling through the gaps that needed support and so we wanted to create a relaxed, safe and inviting environment for families to connect, have fun and leave their worries at the door.
“With local partners we were able to put together The Welcome Table and have multi-agency support available every week along with a home cooked meal. The atmosphere during the event is unmatched and it is heartwarming to see families connect and spend quality time together for what may be their only chance that week.
“Families are getting picked up by the right services without the pressure of having to reach out to professionals and I predict this will continue to be a huge success across the town with great sustainability”.
A Senior Family support worker from Lancashire County Council stated “The Welcome Table is a huge asset to the community as it enables families to unite, establish connections with like-minded people and access support from various services within the community. It provides a space for children to come together to build stronger friendships and improves independence and resilience for all by accessing support at the right time”
Regenda Housing attend each session, to offer housing advice. A spokesperson said: “The welcome table is such an important initiative for our community. It creates a safe, welcoming space where families can come together, share a meal and access support in a relaxed and informal setting. As a Housing Officer it is incredibly positive to see partners working together to make this happen, opportunities like this help build trust, strengthen relationships and ensure residents feel connected and supported.”
If you would like to enquire about a spot at the Welcome Table, speak to your child’s school or email [email protected].