http://www.connectiverse.co.uk/

Connectiverse, Thornton (2025)

19/12/2025

As Christmas approaches, it’s a good time to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all Christmas 🎄

The pressure of musts and shoulds can be let go. Christmas can be done your way, whether that means skipping the traditional dinner, changing routines, or doing something completely different.

As schools and businesses wrap up, many people are exhausted and ready for a break, yet still feel pressure to use that time to catch up rather than rest. Wellbeing at Christmas is so important, especially as it can be a season full of mixed emotions.

For neurodivergent individuals and those navigating allergies, Christmas can bring added challenges, from sensory overload and disrupted routines to food-related anxieties. With understanding, flexibility, and compassion, Christmas time can be a positive time.

This festive season, let’s remember:
✨ Christmas doesn’t have to meet expectations
✨ Rest is valid and necessary
✨ Inclusion means making space for different needs
✨ Your wellbeing matters

You can read more in the current issue of Connectiverse Magazine FREE Via our website

Enjoy Christmas, your way 🎄

17/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Cheer with Our Partners 🎄

This week, we were delighted to bring our partners together for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and festive cheer. It was a valuable moment to look back on what we’ve achieved together and to look ahead with excitement for the year to come.

The afternoon was all about spending time together connecting, having fun, and cheering one another on. A big congratulations to Team Santa’s Ladies for winning our dingbats challenge! 👏
Well done to Amy and Tray C May, The Blackpool Sixth Form College, Rachel Couple, and Sarah Robson of Forbes Solicitors.

Looking ahead, we heard from Adam Kirkby from Wyre Council, who shared an overview of the newly awarded Adult Social Care Hubs across Wyre, alongside early insight into how our hub will develop.

We also shared how placements with partners including, LFRS - King’s Trust and Blackpool Sixth Form College are supporting young people, and how strong collaboration continues to make a real difference.

Updates included the upcoming weekly sessions at The Manor Community Hub with Fylde & Wyre CYPMH, Blackpool PMHW and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Shine, supporting children’s mental health and parent signposting, as well as the continued growth of Connect Carers. We also highlighted the vital expertise and ongoing support from The Lancashire Carers Service, Aiming Higher Charity, Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers, NHS Primary Health Care Teams and Torentum Primary Care Network.

We were excited to announce the launch of our new monthly podcast, Connectiverse Perspectives, in collaboration with Darran Wilson from Tuneabillity, One Fylde 🎙️ — with everyone getting involved in recording on the day.

With so much on the horizon, it was important to come together to share impact, explore solutions, and celebrate progress. Thank you to all our partners for your time, energy, and continued support.

We look forward to the year ahead and continuing to work alongside you. ✨

15/12/2025

In the current issue of Connectiverse Magazine We’re proud to introduce Forbes Solicitors as the official sponsor of the Family & Parenting section in the November/December 2025 issue of Connectiverse Magazine.

This edition brings vital conversations to the forefront from legal insights to lived experiences. The section is packed with thought-provoking and practical articles including:

🟪 Child Trust Fund
🟪 Behind Closed Doors
🟪 White Ribbon Day
🟪 Carers Rights Day
🟪 Barnardo’s Young Carers
🟪 Connect Carers
🟪 To Prenup or Not to Prenup? (by Forbes Solicitors’ own Grace Henley)

Whether you’re navigating parenthood, supporting young carers, or exploring legal protections for your family’s future, there’s something here for you.

A big thank you to Forbes Solicitors for their continued support in empowering families and highlighting important family law matters.

📰 Read more in the latest issue of Connectiverse!

07/12/2025

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on In Living Colour, How I See the World, a heartfelt article by Thomas Barratt in our November 2025 issue of Connectiverse Magazine.

Tom joined Connectiverse through the King’s Trust Programme LFRS - King’s Trust, for his placement. With a passion for writing we were keen to support his dream, and this is his very first published piece, an achievement we are overjoyed to celebrate. Tom has now joined Connectiverse as a regular columnist, and we can say his next article is another fantastic read.

In this article, Tom shares his personal journey growing up autistic, candidly discussing social challenges and bullying he has faced, and highlighting the power of acceptance, kindness, and open conversation. His honest, thoughtful reflections remind us how much we can learn when we listen to each other.

Join the conversation and read Tom’s story in full and share your thoughts. We're sure Tom will appreciate your time and feedback.

Let’s support one another and keep the dialogue going, because understanding starts with empathy and community.

06/12/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲?
Join our free evening workshop and learn how to recognise the signs and start life-saving conversations.
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
• Su***de First Aid Lite
• Wednesday 17th December
• 6pm - 9pm
• Free places & fully funded
• Virtual delivery 3 hours
𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
👉 https://ow.ly/iF9W50W8VFB
If you have any questions please comment, message or email [email protected]
***dePrevention ***deSupport ***deFirstAid SFA: Su***de First-Aid UK Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board Selnet (Social Enterprise Lancashire Network)

03/12/2025

This month in Connectiverse Magazine, we're spotlighting two incredible books that shine a light on ADHD in completely different, yet equally powerful ways. Whether you're a parent, educator, young reader, or simply someone eager to understand neurodiversity better, these reads offer something truly special. 💛📚

🌈 1. The Boy with the Butterfly Mind by Victoria Williamson
A moving and heartfelt novel that pulls you into the whirlwind world of Jamie, a boy with ADHD whose thoughts flit like a butterfly. Through alternating chapters between Jamie and Elin, a perfectionist longing for order, Williamson beautifully explores misunderstanding, friendship, and acceptance from both sides.

This story doesn't try to “fix” neurodiversity; it celebrates it. With warm, accessible writing, it’s a perfect pick for classrooms, book clubs, or anyone who loves stories about family, resilience, and embracing differences. 💫

🎧 2. ADHD Rapped Up by Jamie Gilbert ( mrgteacher )
Vibrant, visual, and packed with personality, this Sunday Times bestseller breaks ADHD down with clarity, empathy, and serious style. From notebook-style pages to cartoons and thoughtful layouts, the book is designed with accessibility at its core, you can even scan a QR code for the FREE audiobook!

Mr G blends science-based facts with real-life wisdom, guiding readers with tips on emotional regulation, movement breaks, and self-understanding. It feels like sitting with your favourite teacher encouraging, empowering, and honest. He ends on a high, celebrating ADHD achievers and reminding readers to embrace who they are. 🌟

🎉 Why We Love This Duo
Both books highlight ADHD with compassion, but in totally different ways:
✨ Butterfly Mind draws you in emotionally through storytelling and character perspective.
✨ ADHD Rapped Up equips you with knowledge, tools, and inspiration in a fun, accessible format.

Together, they offer both heart and help, exactly what our community values most.

📰 Dive deeper in the full reviews in the latest issue of ConnectiVerse Magazine!
📖💛

29/11/2025

✨ Christmas is landing loud and bright this weekend! While many are putting up trees and finding their festive sparkle, others are planning the festive period and looking for inclusive ways to enjoy a magical Santa visit.

🎅✨ Affinity Lancashire Outlet Shopping is hosting its FIRST EVER SEND Santa Grotto!
Created with accessibility in mind, the dedicated SEND weekend offers:
• Low visual noise
• A calm, quiet environment
• Appointment bookings to avoid queues
• Limited spaces — book early!

🦌 And for those who’d prefer to skip the grotto? Reindeer will be available to meet in a separate outdoor area!

The elves tell us Santa is very excited and ready to welcome every child and young person for a relaxed, joyful Christmas experience.

🎄 Inclusive. Magical. Made for everyone.

25/11/2025

White Ribbon Day, we stand together to say: violence against women has no place in our homes, workplaces, or communities.
Change begins when we call out harmful behaviour, challenge sexist attitudes, and support survivors.

This issue we feature Domestic Abuse Support Hub- Behind Closed Doors and their insights to cohesive control for both women and men, and their work to help womento navigate leaving situations safely and supported.

You can read their feature article FREE via our website or the link in the comments below.

25/11/2025

Woohoo!!! It's the Christmas Edition of Connectiverse! 🎉🎉

This is a cracker! 💥

And it's White Ribbon Day today so take a look at the double page spread brought to us by Behind Closed Doors (you can find them on Facebook) 🤍

Packed with so much value! Some of the stand outs for me:
❤️Kristen Cunliffe DipPFS CeFC MBit ToM Certified with that reminder about Child Trust Funds (forgot about that and my girl is 18 in Feb)!
🩷Andrea Sandiford Coaching, whose particularly interested in working with men, asking us whether we are hiding behind a mask?
🧡Jane Dunstan on when parents learn, future's change!
💛Alice Potter - AJP Social Studio sharing her business journey and how she has gone from invisible to unstoppable!
💚Mens Health Month and Michael Shepherd growing his moustache (have you shared a pic yet Mike?)
💙Fleetwood Town Community Trust on their Impact Report and what's behind the numbers!
🩵The Community Space with an update on what's going on and key contact numbers!

And I'm on page 17 with a few nuggets! 🔥

Get a brew, step away from the work tasks and give this a read. You'll love it! 🫶

L1nk in c0mments! 🔗

And do share your comments as to what you think. I've tagged Connectiverse, so that they'll get your feedback too! 🤩

PS well done on getting through this year and bringing this to us Denise. You've produced something very special here! 😍

20/11/2025

🧡 Carers Support & Carers Rights Day 🧡

Today is Carers Rights Day, a vital moment to shine a light on unpaid carers and ensure they know, understand, and use their rights.

🟧 Did you know?
Around 12,000 people in the UK become unpaid carers every single day.

According to the 2021 Census, there are 5 million unpaid carers in England and Wales, and UK wide estimates suggest 5.7 million people care without pay.

Research by Carers UK shows that number could actually be as high as 10.6 million; because many people don’t even identify themselves as carers.

Over 1.9 million people who started caring between 2010–2020 were also in paid employment.

🟧 In the latest issue of Connectiverse Magazine, we dive into how carers can access vital support, from health and workplace rights to Carers Assessments. We also spotlight ConnectCarers, our dedicated arm at The Manor & Community Hub. Whether you’re caring for a friend, family member, or a child and whether you’re based in Wyre, Fylde, or Blackpool our aim is to support, signpost, and refer you to organisations across the Fylde Coast.

🌟 Why this matters:
Many carers don’t immediately recognise themselves in that role and missing out on identification can mean missing out on support.

New legislation is helping: the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, for example, gives carers the right to take up to 5 days of unpaid leave for caring responsibilities.

But financial strain is real: a significant number of carers face poverty, especially when trying to balance paid work.

🗣️ To all unpaid carers reading this you are seen, you are valued, and you do have rights. There is support available, both nationaly and locally.

Highlighted this issue from ConnectCarers are:
The Lancashire Carers Service
Blackpool Carers Centre
Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers
Aiming Higher Charity
Kinship

You can read the full article in the current issue of Connectiverse Magazine FREE Online via the link or go to our website www.connectiverse.co.uk

For organisations wishing to join our Connect Carers arm please email [email protected].

19/11/2025

Today marks International Men's Day and Movember!

This issue we highlight a selection of initiatives, information events and fundraising being carried out locally in support of Movember and key awareness points.

Rossall School is holding a campaign to change the face of men's health and is led by inspiring senior teacher, David Clark. Sharing his journey and experiences to inform and guide students awareness.

Michael Shepherd of Solice, Empowerment Charity, is taking on a double challenge. Pledging to grow a moustache and run 50km to raise £500 for Elliot's Place.

Oliver Gooch, has teamed up with Bowl & Beck and took on a 24hr run around the track at Stanley Park to raise funds for men's mental health.

United Youth Alliance held an insightful conference, 'All About The Boys' today. Discussing key themes and trends amongst professionals, and voicing thoughts from local youth.

The Phoenix Within - Transformational Coaching for You podcast is freely available every month, and dives into a diverse array of topics in conversation which impact men.

With many more events, fundraising and awareness efforts taking place across the Fylde Coast today and this week ahead, we'd like to thank and celebrate their dedication and challenges which will have a positive ripple effect locally.

You can read more about the individual challenges in the current Issue of Connectiverse Magazine. It's free and accessible via our website or the link below.

18/11/2025

The latest issue of Connectiverse Magazine is available online and from our community partners.

This issue we look at;
Carers Rights Day with Carers Trust and what maybe available from local services and organisations such as The Lancashire Carers Service, Blackpool Carers Centre and Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers. White Ribbon Day and the voices of Domestic Abuse Support Hub- Behind Closed Doors

RR Legal explores Rights at work and how businesses and organisations can support their staff. From invisible to unstoppable, Alice From AJP Social Studio shares her inspiring and motivational journey to personal and business success.

Developments, achievements and insights to education and Coastal Social Action with United Youth Alliance.

The current information and understanding around 'The Right to Choose' Pathway with Aiming Higher Charity. Navigating Christmas with neurodiversity and Santa's etiquette.

Locally we highlight a wealth of services and organisations across the Fylde Coast and hear from our regular columists and lived experience throughout the sections of the magazine.

We hope you enjoy this issue, whilst finding it informative and supportive.

Pop the kettle on, grab a blanket and dive in to what's current in Connectiverse this issue!

https://online.fliphtml5.com/fodzc/thlx/

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