We've tried to list as many groups and associations in the Lancaster & Morecambe Bay Area as we can find. We'll add more groups/details here as the information becomes available.

The categories are a bit arbitrary - if you think your group is wrongly classified, just let us know and we'll change it!

(Disclaimer)

ANIMAL WELFARE	SOCIAL +/or PHILANTHROPIC GROUPS
ART & DRAMA
CULTURAL
DISABILTY	SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
HEALTH	SPIRIT / RELIGION / MEDITATION
HERITAGE
OVERSEAS AID	SPORT / ACTIVITY (see our sports page)
	SUPPORT GROUPS (for illness related - see health)
LESBIAN / GAY / BISEXUAL
MUSIC (bands, choirs, classes, promoters etc)	SUSTAINABILITY & CONSERVATION
POLITICAL PARTIES	TRADES UNIONS
PRESSURE GROUPS	YOUTH ORGANISATIONS
SENIORS' ORGANISATIONS

Animal Care
Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 0RD
(Between 11am-3pm)
Animal Care takes in, cares for, and finds new homes for a large number of dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals, large and small, as well as undertaking a conservation programme with their land involving tree planting and care. The organisation promotes respect for all forms of life.
The Blea Tarn Kennels are usually open 365 days each year from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, focussing on finding new homes for stray dogs and cats and miscellaneous small animals. They are always looking to recruit dog walkers and volunteers - get fit and make some four legged friends who will never laugh at your clothes or chat up your best friend (unless your best friend is an attractive Labrador)

Animal Rights Group (Lancaster & S. Lakes)
Email: lancasteranimalrights[at]hotmail.co.uk
Postal address: c/o Larc, The Basement, 78a Penny Street
Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1XN
Tel: 07928488610
LARG are a group of concerned people who are campaigning towards a better world for animals. They argue that animal exploitation is unecessary for sustainable human existance, and are taking a pro-active approach to creating a society where cruelty is no longer commonplace. They do this through peaceful activities such as letter writing, educating, signature collecting and attending demonstrations. They meet informally once a month to plan activities, contemplate the state of the world and socialise with like-minded people. Newcomers are always welcome!

Birdwatching Society (Lancaster & District)
The prevalence of wild birds and other wildlife is a key indicator of environmental sustainability. The society rganises indoor meetings and field trips, collecting records of birds seen, and organising surveys with the BTO and others.

Cats' Protection League (Lancaster & Morecambe)
P.O. Box 179, Morecambe, LA3 1WL
The Cats Protection League houses cats and welcomes volunteers.

Charity Dog Obedience Group
Dog Obedience Training Sundays 11am
We raise money for Greyhound Rescue and one of the ways is offering dog training and display classes. Please look at our myspace for further details on how you can help and or take part.www.myspace.com/greysdogdisplayteam
Contact Janet for further details on: 0771 7023339 or charitydogobedience@hotmail.co.uk

RSPB (Lancashire Local Group)
The group's aim is to support actively the work of the RSPB in the local community and to involve RSPB members and the wider public in the Society's conservation, public affairs, education, fundraising and other activities. Regular field outings are held in a variety of locations in the Lancaster area, some jointly with the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society. So, if you would like to have fun and meet like minded people contact us and help make a difference for birds and wildlife. tel: Tel: 015395 63280
See also Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve in Silverdale.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester & N. Merseyside.
Local group is the North Lancashire Naturalists' Group. Contact: John Holding (Secretary). Tel: 01524 852482.
Activites include indoor evening meetings at the Unitarian Church Hall, Scotforth, Lancaster and Outdoor Meetings, and Working parties (weather permitting).

ARTS & DRAMA

See our gallery for all arts and performance listings.

CULTURAL

Jewish Society
see below

Lancaster International Twinning Society
Lancaster's Twin Towns are: Aalborg (Denmark), Lublin (Poland), Perpignan (France), Rendsburg (Germany) and Vaxjo (Sweden). Lancaster also has contacts with Viano Do Castelo (Portugal) and Almere (Holland). These links create contacts between businesses, schools, sports clubs, choirs, bands and other organisations. To find out about meeting visitors from our twin towns or more info on related activities tel: 01524 67889 or 69948

Lancaster Islamic Society
Fenton Street, Lancaster LA1 1LA.
Tel: 01524 64131

Lancaster & Morecambe Bay
Chinese Community Association
18 Highgrove Rd, Highgrove, Lancaster LA1 5FS
Tel: 0786 165 5006 Email: lmbcca@f2s.com

Hua Xian Society
First Floor, 58 Queen Street, Morecambe LA4 5EP
Tel: 01524 400161
Aims to provide opportunities for the Chinese community in and around the Lancaster District, to get involved in the wider community and positively contribute to local life.
A volunteer led group encouraging people from all backgrounds to engage in voluntary work and community activities.

OVERSEAS AID

Double Joy
Double Joy is a home and school for children orphaned by Aids in Kenya.
It is supported by a UK charity, Friends of Double Joy, which has strong connections to Lancaster, and holds regular events in the city.

Stepping Stones Nigeria
Educational charity founded by two local teachers which has created and maintains a school focussing on the needs of destitute children in Nigeria.

HERITAGE

Friends of Carnforth Station

Friends of Real Lancashire
1 Belvidere Park, Great Crosby, Lancashire L23 0SP
Tel. 0151 928 2770 Email: csd@forl.co.uk
"The Friends of Real Lancashire are concerned to promote the true identity of our county which has been extremely confused in the minds of some people, especially those working in the broadcasting and newspaper industries, since the local government reorganisation of 1974."

Friends of The Victoria Pavilion /
aka Morecambe Winter Gardens

Lancaster Archaeological & Historical Society
The LAHS is over 25 years old. During the winter the society runs a lecture programme at St. Paul's Hala Hall in Scotforth, Lancaster. See our events section for information. Tel. 01524 412445

Lancaster Civic Society
The Civic Society plays a major part in preserving Lancaster's old buildings. Through the Lancaster Design Award scheme it promotes public awareness of good design. The Society offers a lecture program (2nd Weds of the month from Oct - April 7.30pm Lancaster Town Hall), summer outing to a North-west town and Country House, evening guided walks around local villages, regular newsletter, "Good" and "Ugly" Walks and is involved in the National Heritage Open Days scheme every September (see what's on).
Membership secretary tel: 01524 781096

Lancaster Family History Group
Strong local organisation founded in 1990. Aims to promote family history research, compile indexes of local monumental inscriptions in gratitude for all the other splendid indexes that we use and to develop resources, so members can benefit by using them at the regular Group meetings.

Mourholme Local History Group
Covers the area of the old parish of Warton, which included Warton-with-Lindeth, Borwick, Carnforth, Priest Hutton, Silverdale, Yealand Conyers and Yealand Redmayne.
Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from September to April at 7.30pm in the meeting room at Carnforth Railway Station. There is usually a talk by a guest speaker.
Info tel: 015395 64514

Slyne with Hest Local History Group
Meets regularly during the Autumn and Winter to hear talks and have discussions on all matters relevant to the history of the village and the district. The group also organizes guided walks around the village to visit places and buildings of historical interest. They currently curate the Hest Bank Wharf Exhibition

MUSIC
Links to our Music Gallery
(Bands, choirs, classes, promoters etc)

LOCAL POLITICAL PARTIES

Lancaster Anarchists Group

Conservatives
• Lancaster and Wyre Conservative Association

The Green Party
• Green Party (Lancaster)

Liberal Democrats
• Lancaster & Fleetwood Liberal Democrats

Labour Party
• Lancaster Labour Party
branch meeting, 3rd Weds of month, 7.30pm, Dolly Blue Tavern, West Road, Lancaster. (NB No meeting in August 03) All party members and supporters welcome.
Tel: 01524 849488. Email: h.moyes@lancaster.ac.uk

LOCAL PRESSURE GROUPS

See our sustainability page for environmental, transport and animal welfare organisations.

Amnesty International - Lancaster
The local Amnesty International group in Lancaster has relauched in early 2008. It meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the upstairs meeting room in the Gregson Arts & Community Centre on Moorgate, Lancaster.
Annual membership is £10 (£5 unwaged). The group is currently focusing its campaigning on the human rights situation in China.
Contact lancaster.amnesty[AT]googlemail.com for more details, or visit http://www.amnesty.org.uk/lancaster

It's Our City
Campaign group formed in response the city council's decision to deal exclusively on the Canal Corridor Development with clone town developers Centros Miller, without any tendering process and in opposition to the results of the consultation by the Real Planning for Lancaster team.

Lancaster & District Coalition Against the War
Tel: 07919 587485

Lancaster and Morecambe Trades Union Council
(L&M TUC)
Umbrella group for trade union branches to discuss and campaign on political and employment issues. Also operates resource centre for trade unions and public groups.
178A Lancaster Road, Morecambe LA4 5QP.
tel: (01524) 413600

Lancaster District Access Group
Tel: 01524 410571
Charity campaigning for dropped kerbs, wheelchair accessible toilets, etc etc etc. Meets 1st Thurs of month from 12-2pm at the Queen Victoria Centre, Morecambe. New members welcome.

Lancaster District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
Aims: As a member group of National CND, we work for nuclear disarmament worldwide, by promoting and organising campaign activity, by issuing regular newsletters, and by building relationships with like-minded organisations.
Activities: We organise events to inform ourselves and the public on issues related to nuclear weapons. We also participate in local, regional and national campaigning activities and demonstrations. We hold regular committee meetings to discuss and prepare campaign activities. These are announced in the newsletter and on the Virtual-Lancaster website and are open to all members.
Membership: Local membership is £3pa, or £1 (unwaged)
Email Membership Secretary for more details at andreaking[at]uk2.net
Info email: joan[at]lancaster.demon.co.uk or r.allwright[at]virgin.net
Affiliations: National Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
North Lancs. and Cumbria CND (Tel: 01228 524351)

Lancaster Resource Centre
LaRC is a collectively run resource centre and meeting space in the Basement of 78a Penny Street, Lancaster (below Single Step and the Whale Tail - enter through door on right and go downstairs). Open every Wednesday from 4-7pm. Meetings on 1st Weds of month at 7pm - all interested in participating / contributing welcome.

Lancaster United Against Fascism (UAF)
Coalition of local trades unions and other groups against fascism.
Email: lancaster.uaf@zen.co.uk
Tel: 01524 34296 or 840074

NO2ID
A National campaign opposing proposals for compulsory imposition of ID cards in the UK.
Lancaster branch contact email: lancaster@no2id.net

Stop the Masts
Campaign for safe siting of mobile phone masts in Lancaster and Morecambe

SENIORS' ORGANISATIONS
See our seniors' page

SOCIAL +/or PHILANTHROPIC GROUPS

Heysham Townswomen's Guild
Tel: 01524 850015
Meets regularly to hear speakers and other activities.

HOPPA (Help Overton's Play Park Association)
Tel: 07932453042

Hua Xian Society
First Floor, 58 Queen Street, Morecambe LA4 5EP
Tel: 01524 400161
Aims to provide opportunities for the Chinese community in and around the Lancaster District, to get involved in the wider community and positively contribute to local life.
A volunteer led group encouraging people from all backgrounds to engage in voluntary work and community activities.

Lancaster Muslim Welfare Society
71 Blades Street, Lancaster LA1 1TS
Tel: 01524 35124

Lancaster And Morecambe Bay Solos (LAMBS)
LAMBS is a group of friends, 40+, who meet regularly in the Lancaster & Morecambe area. It is the ideal local group for those on their own, for whatever reason, or who want an active social life outside their normal circle of friends. The group meet for a variety of activities including quiz nights, theatre, cinema, meals out, house parties, walks etc. To find out more text 'LAMBS' and your first name to Brenda on 07967813662 or Pete on 07960 942698, or e-mail join_lambs@hotmail.co.uk.

Lancaster & Morecambe Lions Club
Prime aim is fundraising for local charities and community projects, including helping individuals. The club also has a strong social side.

Lancaster Round Table
Fundraising for community projects - organises the annual Beer Festival in March among many other events. Email: Table@wyresoft.co.uk

Morecambe Bay Credit Union Ltd
Credit Union Information Centre, 38 Poulton Rd, Morecambe.
Tel: 01524 411240
Saving together for a better future. Member benefits include: flexible savings, low-cost loans, no hidden charges, free life insurance. Save for 13 weeks and you can apply for a loan. Loans are low-cost, have no hidden charges, hassle-free and ther is no penalty charge for early repayment. All services are regulated & authorised by the Financial Services Authority. Collection points are located at local community centres throughout Lancaster & Morecambe. New volunteers are welcome.

Morecambe + Heysham Rotoract Club
Meets alt. Weds at the Hest Bank Hotel.
Develop new interests, sports or activities, help others, make friends.
Tel: 01524 847350 or 07790 676373 or 01524 736900 or E-mail: morecambe@rotaract.org

Preston Money Line - Community Loan Agency
c/o YMCA, Heart of the City, Fleet Square, Lancaster, LA1 1HA
Tel: 0844 5611292 local rate
Preston MoneyLine is a socially responsible, community business, providing affordable, accessible and flexible loans to local people who are unable to borrow from mainstream banks and building societies. Following the success of its Preston office it has now secured funding to make loans available in the North of the County including Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lune Valley and has opened an outreach office at the YMCA on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
A typical interest rate is 19% APR with no hidden charges or penalties. A personal service is offered to all clients and we take time to sit with you and talk over your circumstances and ensure any agreed loan repayments are affordable and that a loan is in your best interest. Loans are available for such purposes as decorating, electrical goods, school uniforms and training and can be from as little as £100.
If you would like to find out more about the ways we can provide financial help, just call us on 0844 5611292 (local rate).

Proud Youth aRe Out (PYRO)
This group for lesbian, gay and bisexual young people in the Lancaster & Morecambe area, meets weekly at a confidential venue. Activities include discussing relevant issues, nights out as a group, trips to other youth groups, arts projects, video making and more. For further information telephone or text Lenny on 07717 301821 between 7.00 and 9.00 pm on Tuesdays.

Signposts
Signposts is a service charity set up in 1994 with a commitment ‘to relieve the poverty and promote the benefits of the inhabitants of Lancashire and Cumbria with particular reference to those in the area known as the West End of Morecambe'. Operates many local projects and activities and also expert information and advice in various fields.

Soroptimist International of Lancaster
Professional women's organisation which works towards the advancement of human rights and the status of women and supports many local charitable projects. Meets twice monthly at Lancaster High School with a business meeting and a guest speaker meeting on alt. Thursdays.
Info tel: 01524 32838.

Lancaster & District YMCA
Heart of the City", Fleet Square, Lancaster LA1 1HA
Tel: 01524 32737
Information Shop: 01524 389696
Email: ymcalancaster@btconnect.com
Online shopping portal: http://www.buy.at/lancasterymca
Young Peoples Nightclub; Y Information Shop for young people; Healthy Lifestyles Education project; "United" Anti-racist Football Project; Floating Tenancy/Housing Support for Young people inc Deposit Guarantee Scheme; Family Mediation Service; Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme; Yz Up Young offenders Project; plus the Heart of the City Project which will incorporate a number of community schemes, including Community Radio Lancaster.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

The Arcane
Lancaster + Morecambe-based Goth society + promoters.

Campaign for Real Ale - Lunesdale branch
CAMRA exists to promote and preserve full flavoured and distinctive beers and decent pub, and there are plenty of those in Lancaster!

Lancaster & Morecambe Computer Club
Started in 2000. Fortnightly meetings alt Weds eves at the Lancaster Moor Social . Small friendly club with a good mix of experience.
Info tel: 01524 421621 or 855166 or
email: davidhayleyhaigh@hotmail.com

Equi-Talk
Online equestrian community for horse riders and lovers of horses in the Lancashire area. The site includes a full events listing for the area, equi-directory, messageboard, free classifieds and more.

Eurodance
Sessions at Gregson Centre, Lancaster(see whatson for session dates). I hour of teaching (mainly French dances but also Breton and other European dances e.g. Swedish, Basque...) then general practice. £1. Musicians welcome. tel : 01524 383940 or email: j.abrahams@lancaster.ac.uk

Lancaster Chess Club

Lancaster & Morecambe Fuchsia Society
Meets monthly at Lansil Sports & Social Club with a speaker on topical fuchsia-related issues. Also organises an Annual Show and other activities. Info tel: 01524 65940

Lancaster & Morecambe RC Lasers
11am (nearly) every Sunday. Lakeland Leisure Village, Nr Carnforth. Free.
Quarter scale Laser sailing boats do battle around an Olympic style course. New participants very welcome.
Model boats restricted to RC Lasers only.

Lancaster Linux Users Group.
meets primarily at 7pm, on the first Tuesday of the month at the Lancaster Resource Centre (LaRC) and is also currently meeting on the third Tuesday of the month in the Yorkshire House also beginning arround 7-8pm. See site to subscribe to the mail list (also any updated meeting arrangements).

Lancaster and Morecambe Model Aircraft Club

Lancaster & Morecambe Rail Users Group
Tel: 01524 33077
Pressure group that meets regularly and represents users' concerns to rail service providers.

Lancaster Recorded Music Society
This society closed down in 2007.

Morecambe Bay Naturists

Morecambe Bay Speakeasy Speakers' Club
New friends are like silver, old friends are like gold. That is not just the theme of the first autumn 2006 meeting of the Bay Speakeasy Speakers’ Club, but is also very much the philosophy of the Club.
There are two meetings most months from September to May. Meetings are usually the first and third Mondays in the month at the Elms Hotel, Bare at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start, but please check as dates and times may vary.
Contact is Secretary Katherine Robinson on 01524 846465.

Morecambe Grammar School Former Pupils.
MGS1970 is a site dedicated to tracing former pupils
Email: mgs1970@mail.com

Morecambe Paranormal Investigations
Registered with the Society for Psychical Research

Sanctuary
Social group for people with alternative lifestyles - predominantly Goth / Alt rock - but Sanctuary isn't just Goths, Punks or Moshers, its about having a good time in a family friendly environment with like minded people. The group was formed to provide a social base for people who live lifestyles that do not conform to widely accepted norms. We meet at the Morecambe hotel and provide a safe and non-judgemental environment to relax and share experiences in. Very much a family Sanctuary runs many social events throughout the year and our members run specific interest groups including music, gaming, and spirituality. Associated with alt rock nights Hydra + The Dark Place. Sanctuary membership info email: admin@sanctuaryuk.org

Shares R Us Investment Club
Enjoy a dabble on the stock exchange? Why not do it in the company of friendly and like minded people who meet every month at the Hest Bank Hotel. We have been going for 6 years but not quite made our first million. The monthly investment can vary with a recommended £30 per month together with a small joining fee (credited to your account). Members bring share tips to each meeting and these are discussed and a vote is taken as to which one to purchase.
E-mail: ph.lord@tesco.net

St John Ambulance Lancaster City Unit
Meets every Tuesday in St Peters Cathedral Community Centre between 7:30 and 9:30 pm. The members carry out first aid cover at community  and sporting events. If you are interested in joining us, come along to one of our meetings and see if St John Ambulance is for you.

The War Den
Meets Sunday (6-10pm) for Games Workshop players; and Thursdays from 7-10pm for roleplayers and board gamers, at the Gregson Centre, Lancaster

Uncanny League of Astonishing Amazers
(Lancaster Comic-Readers Group).
Meets every third Wednesday of the month in the Gregson Bar (Moorgate, Lancaster) at 8pm (usually until about
10.30pm). "We discuss comics, movies, social issues and
a whole load of other things. We also act as a kind of
comics-lending library. And we are always open to new
members.
"We're fairly informal bunch, and so there's no membership fees or any of that nonsense."
Email: civalysis@o2.co.uk

Lancaster & Morecambe University of the 3rd Age (U3A)
The Lancaster & Morecambe U3A is a thriving organisation, currently with over 500 members. Membership is open to all those no longer in full-time employment, and people of all backgrounds, ethnicity or beliefs are equally welcome to join. Although affiliated to the national Third Age Trust, the Lancaster & Morecambe U3A is run on an entirely independent basis with a Committee drawn from within the membership itself.
While the aim of the U3A is to provide a learning experience for those in the “Third Age” of life, this is done in a very relaxed setting. There are over 60 groups meeting regularly (mostly at the Friends Meeting House), covering a wide variety of interests, including history, music, science, languages, art – and there are a number of walking groups, too.
There is a low annual subscription (at present £15 for a single person, £28 for a couple) with a charge of 50p being made for each indoor group meeting, and £1 for the monthly meeting held at the Dukes Theatre (and the prices include refreshments!).
Want to know more? Then visit: www.lancasterandmorecambeu3a.org.uk.
Or contact: Tina Harrup, Membership Secretary
(tel: 0794 793 5225), e-mail: tharrup[AT]btinternet.com.

SPIRIT / RELIGION / MEDITATION

5 Rhythms
This group meets about once a month to dance to the 5 Rhythms (flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical + stillness), a kind of dance therapy / insight experience devised by Gabrielle Roth. Basically, you dance continuously, in your own way, for 1-2 hours (you can sit / lie quietly if that feels right). More often than not, there is excellent live music from the band. All welcome, cost depends on number turning up divided into room booking expenses. usually about £5. Tel: 01524 389345

Jewish Society
There's a small Jewish community in Lancaster, and the University Jewish Society is very keen to open its doors, and events, to Jewish (and Jew-'ish'!) people in the local community. Our mailing list gives out the latest info on forthcoming Friday night meals, Weds or Thurs aft classes, talks and discussions, bagel brunches, pub crawls (well, it's a student society!), visits from speakers from various different Jewish communities (reform and orthodox), trips out with other J-socs around the NW, and other activities. And, if any organisations out there are organising any Jewish-related activities and events (Klezmer music, films with a Jewish theme, etc) we'll publicise it among Jewish students and staff at the University! Email: jsoc@lancaster.ac.uk

Lancaster Priory (Church of England)

Lancaster Baptist Church

Lancaster University Jewish Society

Lancaster Roman Catholic Diocese

Lancaster Serene Reflection Buddhist Meditation Group
The group provides a focus where we can meditate with others, draw encouragement and learn from them, and examine how Buddhist insights can help us practically in living from a deeper perspective. Newcomers are very welcome and meditation instruction is available.
The groups meets on Mondays at 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Lancaster (next to the railway station).
No charge for meetings - costs covered by donations. We are affiliated to the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and following the Serene Reflection Meditation (Soto Zen) tradition, and have connections with Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, in Northumberland.
Contact details: Kate Shirra-Gibb 01524 39918, or Paul Taylor (daytime) on 01524 593621

Rigpa Meditation Study and Practice Group
"There are many ways that people have connected with Sogyal Rinpoche's teachings. Often a first point of contact has been through reading 'The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying (TBLD)' and many have found this of benefit in their lives. Local Study Groups provide the inspiration and support of studying and practising with others following the same spiritual path. These groups meet in areas where no Rigpa courses are offered. Lancaster Study Groups is a small informal group that gathers on a weekly basis to stay in touch with the teachings, practise meditation together and share their experience. The Group works with Rigpalink
audio and video tapes as a basis for study and practice."
Info Tel: 07811 157102. To join our e-mailing list, write to: lancs_sfg@yahoo.co.uk
For further information about Rigpa, visit: www.rigpa.org or http://raq625.uk2net.com

SPORT/ACTIVITY
See our sports associations page

SUPPORT GROUPS

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
PO Box 1576, London SW3 1AZ
Tel: 01524 762249
A confidential and anonymous programme for adults who were children in an alcoholic, addicted or dysfunctional family who meet regularly to re-parent themselves with gentleness, humour, love and respect.
Unfortunately this group no longer runs locally due to lack of interest - there are not enough members. It may start it up again if there was more interest in future.

Galloway's Society for the Blind
NW Lancs charity supporting blind and partially-sighted people. Est. 1867. Equipment, centres (Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, Preston etc), weekly social activities, classes, talking newsletter, holidays, outings. Galloway's Society for the Blind, Howick House, Howick Park Ave, Preston PR1 0LS Tel: 01772 744148

Lancaster District Children's Integration Group
Supporting families of children with educational, behavioural and physical special needs. Speciality: assisted support during school holiday periods, accessing activities and organising outings.
Contact: secretary Ian Birkill, 29, Longlands Avenue, Heysham, Lancs. LA3 2NU.
Tel: 01524 859725
Email: ldcig@hotmail.co.uk

Lancaster & District Council for Voluntary Services
Have a big database of local self-help and support groups and services.
E-mail: vic@lancastervb.fsnet.co.uk

Lancaster & District Women's Aid
PO Box 669, Lancaster LA1 1ZP
Email: ldwa.outreach@lineone.net Helpline: tel: 01524 383636 staffed 11am - 1pm Mon - Fri. (Answering machine at all other times)
Organisation run by women for women (and their children) and girls who are suffering from domestic violence and abuse. All contacts are kept totally confidential. Women's choices are always respected + supported.

Lancaster, Morecambe + Dist. Homebound + Disabled Fellowship
Weekly meetings, speakers, entertainment and trips out.
tel: 01524 67581 Transport can be arranged.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Committee
"LGBT Committee exists to provide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people with a legitimate vocal point within University. We strive to make Lancaster University a better place for all and actively support the Students' Union Equal Opportunities Policy. " Also has info on local venues and events.

Lonsdale District Carers Association
Support organisation for those caring for a sick or disabled person. They organise coffee mornings, outings and special events such as 'pampering days' where nice goodies such as aromatherapy etc are laid on and activity days with special tutors / organisers - all relevant, light-hearted. There are centres in Lancaster + Morecambe + special meetings for rural carers. You can also get different therapies (ie massage) for only £5.
Morecambe Carers' Centre, 4/6 Regent Rd, Morecambe.
Lancaster Carers' Centre, Lancaster Market Hall
Postal address: Lonsdale District Carers, 4/6 Regent Rd, Morecambe, LA3 1QG or
FREEPOST NW3320A, Morecambe LA3 1BR
24-hour Carer's Helpline: Freephone 0800 1696 529
Email: lonsdale@dcarers.freeserve.co.uk

Overeaters Anonymous
This group for people who have difficulty controlling their eating has meetings at various points around the area. It's not a dieting / weighing in kind of group. For more info from the local contact tel: 01524 35261.
Overeaters Anon. NW. Tel: 01745 0888127

TRADES UNIONS

Unison - Morecambe Bay Health Branch
We represent many Health workers in the Bay Area.
Email: contact@mbhb-unison.org.uk
We are very active in equality issues:
email: equality@mbhb-unison.org.uk

YOUTH ORGANISATIONS

Girlguiding Lancaster and Garstang.
For info on Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger Groups in and around Lancaster, for membership details and info please contact Julie Bell: 01995 603301
Rainbows are the youngest of the Guiding family aged 5-7, they get involved in all kinds of activities in their meeting places every week, in a safe and creative environment they are able to make new friends, meet new challenges and learn positive values for life – it can be the start of an exciting journey to Brownies, Guides, Rangers and beyond!
There are currently 4 Rainbow Groups in Lancaster that have lots of girls that like to have fun, investigate, try new things and take on new challenges, and they need more adult helpers to keep the fun going!
Could you help us out? Are you over 18 with a sense of fun? We can help you learn everything you need to know all you need to bring along is enthusiasm!
Contact Julie Bell: 01995 603301

Lancashire Association of Clubs for Young People
1 Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TQ.
Tel: 01524 65106.

Lancashire County Council - Child Protection in Education

Lancaster Boys Club
Dallas Rd, Lancaster (opp Dallas Rd Gardens)
Lancaster Boys Club has been providing activities for the young people of Lancaster for over 75 years. Open to boys and girls it provides activities including mountain biking, art, water sports, outdoor pursuits, football, boxing, table tennis, quizzes and much more. Part of the Lancashire Association of Clubs for Young People it is able to tap into a network of member clubs and provide real learning and rewarding opportunities for all young people.
Info Tel: 01524 32020.

Lonsdale Scouts
Boy + girl recruits welcome to take part in scouting activites such as camping, pioneering, badge work, abseiling, climbing, forestry and much, much more. Covers W. Lancs.
Info message line: 0870 197 8182

1st Morecambe and Heysham Boys' Brigade
A Christian uniformed youth group for boys aged between 5 and 18. Varied activities include camping, mountain biking, watersports, climbing, caving, football, table tennis, badminton, quizzes, interest classes, electronics, model making, pool, warhammer, basketball and much more.
Email: info@1stmorecambe.net

PYRO - Proud, Young + Out is a new local group for young lesbians, gays and bi-sexuals. It's backed by the Youth + Community Service.
Tel: 07717 301821. (7-9pm Tues or leave message.)
Email: pyro@ed.lancscc.gov.uk

UK Youth Parliament

Unique
Unique is a Social Group for young adults with disabilities aged between 18-25 and their friends, predominantly from Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham areas of Lancashire. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at The Cornerstone, Sulyard street Lancaster. We have just recently set this group up (Spring 08) and we hope it takes off. Please come along and join us. Admission is free.
For more information please contact 01524 382800.

YMCA - Lancaster
Contact info above
Yz Up Young offenders Project, "United" Anti Racist Football Project, Y Information Services for young people Y Fitness - gym with saunas, Healthy Lifestyles Education project, Floating Tenancy Support for Young people; Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme plus the Heart of the City project which incorporates training opportunities, Courses for priority groups - young people, the elderly, disabled people, people on low incomes, ex-offenders and Asian women. Services that allow single parents access to YMCA activities, learning opportunities and social interaction. Programmes that bring families together.

Find-our-community.net
lots of links to more useful community information, resources and search facilities