I’m always on the lookout for good news about our local communities. One of the many reasons that the Northish Lass was started is because I know that there is so much good going on around here, and I wanted to shout about it, and highligh some of the incredible things those in our communities are up to. I recently reached out via social media to ask for good news stories from around Lancaster and Morecambe in the first half of 2026, and below are just some of the wonderful responses I received.
A Community Run “Library of Things” has opened in Lancaster
Thank you to Stephen for submitting this one. A Library of Things is exactly what it says on the tin – a library of equipment and tools that people can borrow, rather than buying for perhaps only one or two uses. It’s a brilliant idea! The full retail cost of many of these one-off use items can be completely prohibitive to some, so it’s fantastic to see Lancaster and Morecambe Makers opening this site on the White Cross Business Park. This is all part of a growing movement, both locally and globally around share and repair (something I am very keen on), in order to reduce waste, clutter, and unnecessary expense.
Tactical Street Angels Event on August 2nd
Tactical Street Angels is a local charity who help the unhoused and those in crisis in our local community. The August Angelfest is a free music event taking place in Lancaster City Centre outside the City Museum on August 2nd to raise money for this essential local charity. The charity has been helping the community of Lancaster and Morecambe for fifteen years! Thank you to Pamela for sending this one across.
BaccyJ and Folio Productions holding Free Festival
Yes, you read that right; there is a free festival taking place at Lancaster Castle across two weekends (8th/9th and 15th/16th), and it looks like it’s going to be amazing! There are loads of local bands and musicians playing, as well as plenty that aren’t so local (according to their posts, there’s a band coming all the way from Mexico!), and it’s shaping up to be a great weekend(s). Did I mention that it’s free? Head on down to catch some great live music and soak up the summer.
Call For Volunteers for George’s Forget-Me-Not Garden
The Forgot-Me-Not Garden on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham is underway, with the ground cleared and garden construction ready to go. The memorial garden for George, who died in a gas explosion at his home, is being managed by Kev Wilson Builders Ltd. They’re now looking for fencers, pavers, and other garden helpers, to make the garden a reality. If you think you can help out, even for just a couple of hours, get in touch with Kev Wilson, or visit George’s Forget-Me-Not Garden Facebook page for more information.
The SEND Den Opens in Morecambe
The SEND Den in Morecambe opened in early 2026 and has since been going from strength to strength ever since, with lots of events for families and children. The space is especially designed for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). By providing a new indoor space, there is now somewhere for parents and families to go in the colder months (and other times of course!) where their children can learn and thrive.
“The amount of lives [Kelly] has changed because of it, is actually amazing, the SenDen is going from strength to strength, offering new things weekly, and has now become a hub of help and support…”
The SEND Den can be found on Euston Road in Morecambe. Thank you to Maria for submitting this!
Alongside these there have also been other amazing efforts in local community, by both individuals and charities/groups.
- – Liam Birkett is travelling down Lancaster Canal in an inflatable yellow duck (27th-31st July) for Healthier Heroes CIC.
- – Galloway’s Morecambe (and Fiona Alexander’s mum!) is providing tech and lifestyle support to partial sighted and those with sight loss.
- – Positive Futures is a wonderful charity in Lancaster that helps those in crisis, with mental health, and helps the elderly at home, in our region
- – Morecambe and District Boxing Academy are offering free weekly sessions for veterans to help boost their fitness and give them a community space to connect.
- – Shrimps vs Cancer are a community cancer support group for those living with the disease or recovering from treatment. The group recently completed the Big Hike for Cancer Research and raised £6k and counting!
- – Wise Up CIC is an inclusive theatre group welcoming all ages and abilities, and have recently staged a successful production in mid-July. You can find more about their upcoming workshops on their Facebook page (linked).
- – Matilda’s Mission has been providing support for families experiencing child-loss and bereavement in the Morecambe area.
- – Diane Howe, a local Lancastrian, won Mastermind earlier in the year – which is so so impressive – and she used the airtime to draw attention to Animal Care Lancaster, a fantastic local charity that have been struggling for funds in these difficult times. Please check out their appeals for more information as to how you can help.
- – The Marsh Community Centre have been supporting their local community and running fantastic events. Their volunteers have been working their socks off and could really use local support. If you’re a Marshian, go down and check out the centre.
I love doing these Good News round-ups because there is so much happening to help our communities and I want to keep hearing about the wonderful work going on. If you have a good news story, please email me at bryony@thenorthishlass.co.uk and let me know!