Magna Vitae’s ground-breaking Skill Builder programme has been awarded a further £15,000 by Coastal Communities for Magna Vitae to continue to develop and improve individuals’ careers across the East Coast.
The Skills Builder Programme was developed by Magna Vitae to bolster access to skills-based learning and enhance employability for residents post covid.
Like many employers, Magna Vitae faced a significant recruitment challenge as the UK returned from lockdown. The anxieties surrounding returning to work were felt by many, a shift in routine, a reluctance to change habits, and mass redundancies having an unprecedented impact on the physical and mental well-being of the workforce.
Magna Vitae, a Charitable Trust for Leisure & Culture, employs 175 team members across its cultural, leisure and health-related community facilities. However, post covid this number plummeted to just 65.
Funded by the Coastal Communities Fund, Magna Vitae worked alongside local training providers to develop a 12-week ‘Skills Builder’ programme. The programme benefited Magna Vitae’s workforce’s return to work whilst also increasing access to employment opportunities for local people out of work and living on the coast.
The Covid-19 pandemic affected everyone differently, and for those who hadn’t worked for six months, it was essential to deliver a programme adapted to their needs and delivered at their pace.
The programme allowed participants to access high-quality training in skills that are in high demand across several industries. Skills such as customer service and manual handling.
“The employability programme has been a massive source of confidence for me, starting out I was unsure of how I’d fit in with a work environment such as this. However, after a couple of weeks I became part of a team that was all working together to help us all achieve our goals, it’s taught me skills that are transferable in any work environment and has prepped me for work later in life,” said programme participant Lilly Darcy.
Twelve individuals completed the programme; eight went on to full-time employment, and the others are actively progressing in their careers. Magna Vitae now employs five participants, and three are actively employed in local organisations.
Aeneas Richardson, Executive Director, Magna Vitae, Community Trust for Leisure and Culture, said: “I am delighted to announce the Skills Builder Programme has been awarded coastal communities funding for a second time. As the cost-of-living crisis ensues, workplace well-being is critical, and we are keen to improve the lives of our community in whatever way we can.
“We have taken learnings from the programme, which have informed improvements in our staff training and communications, and we are committed to supporting our team and enhancing the well-being of our workforce as we go together into 2023.”
If you would benefit from support or help from Magna Vitae, please email info@mvtlc.org or contact your local coastal leisure venues directly – Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite on 01754 610675 or Station Sports Centre in Mablethorpe on 01507 472129.
Construction to bring the pioneering health and education facility The Campus for Future Living has officially started in Mablethorpe.
Contractors Lindum Group cut the first piece of turf for East Lindsey District Council’s flagship Town Deal project at a celebration event on Wednesday, 8 February.
The £8.6m project, supported by the Connected Coast board, is the first council-led Town Deal project to start being delivered to level up the district and transform communities.
The programme of works is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.
Cutting the first piece of ground was Victoria Atkins MP for Louth and Horncastle, watched by Cllr William Gray, Campus Political Lead for East Lindsey District Council; Chris Baron, chairman of Connected Coast; Professor Mark Gussy from the University of Lincoln and local and national partners including representatives from the Marisco Medical Practice, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea Town Council, Health Education England, Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Linkage Trust and NHS Lincolnshire ICB.
The Campus for Future Living on Stanley Avenue offers significant potential to improve the health and wellbeing for residents in Mablethorpe, the Lincolnshire coast and wider East Lindsey. For the first time, Mablethorpe will be at the forefront of medical innovation, training, research and development.
The main Campus building will include the following facilities:
• Two large consultation rooms
• Seminar and teaching rooms
• An event space including a coffee hub
• Pathology laboratory and additional laboratory space
The campus site also includes an accommodation block, a children’s play area, a 35-space car park including eight disabled bays and electric vehicle charging points.
Cllr William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing and Political Lead for the Campus for Future Living, said: “This is an exciting day for Mablethorpe and for everyone involved in making the Campus of Future Living a reality.
“Through the backing of the Government through the Town Deal, we are enabling millions of pounds to be invested in Mablethorpe to help improve the lives of residents, bring them new health opportunities and attract inward investment to the Lincolnshire coast. The benefits will be long lasting for our communities.
“We will, of course, be keeping residents and stakeholders updated on the progress of the construction works as the Campus for Future Living takes shape. I look forward to seeing it progress over the coming year.”
Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, said: “The start on site is a significant milestone that takes us a step closer to realising the exciting vision for the Campus for Future Living.
“The Campus is the flagship Town Deal project in Mablethorpe and through this project we have a huge opportunity to create a national exemplar in medical technology and innovation in the area.
“The beginning of work on the ground is the culmination of partnership working to translate the ambition for the campus into reality, and I look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming year.”
A new grant scheme will enable businesses to supercharge digital growth and become more sustainable – fuelling the local economy and safeguarding jobs.
The cash is from the first round of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with grants of up to £5,000 available for companies to invest in new technologies or cut their carbon footprint.
The grants were announced by North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham at a business breakfast held at the Baths Hall, Scunthorpe.
He said: “This Government cash will enable many businesses leaders across North Lincolnshire to future-proof their companies by investing in the technology they need to create and secure jobs.
“Digitalisation is critical – adapting to and harnessing new technologies enables businesses to grow and expand at pace.
“And, or course, we are all working towards a greener, cleaner future so we’ve created another cash pot that businesses can tap into to make the transition that little bit easier.
“Simple things for some small businesses can make a big difference, just replacing light bulbs with LEDs or buying the newest appliances can slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.”
The Sustainability Business Grant can be used to invest in energy production infrastructure such as solar panels or biomass boilers and building improvements including insulation and heat pumps.
It can also be used to buy energy efficient products including LED lighting and low energy equipment such as fridges and dishwashers.
The Digital and Marketing Grant is aimed at companies looking to invest in new technology.
This can be everything from cutting-edge hardware and software, upgrading internet connections, buying e-commerce equipment, and paying for marketing campaigns or consultancy costs.
Businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply for the grants, with the minimum award being £500.
Image: Business leaders, including Cllr Waltham (front row) hear details about the new grants
Seven men are now in custody following investigations into the murder of Ian Staves in Wootton, North Lincolnshire, on Monday 12 September 2022.
All seven men were arrested on Wednesday (8 February) on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remain in custody at this time.
Ian, 44, was discovered dead at his home address on Monday 12 September 2022.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Alan Curtis said: “The investigation into the tragic murder of Ian has been long and complex, and I would like to thank members of the public who have come forward with information following our appeals.
“Ian’s family have been informed of the arrests and we are continuing to support them at this difficult time.
“Our enquiries to identify the circumstances around Ian’s murder continue and we would ask anyone with further information to come forward.”
Information can also be passed directly to the investigation team and will be dealt with in the strictest confidence through the Major Incident Public Portal or you can call on 101, quoting log 210 of 12 September 2022.
Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.
North Kesteven’s aspiring athletes and competitive sportspeople can apply for funding and training support to help them keep their dreams alive.
GLL Sports Foundation – an arm of the not-for-profit charitable firm that runs North Kesteven’s sports facilities under the name ‘Better’ was set up after the company became aware of young talented athletes having to give up on their dreams because of the high costs of training, travel, and competitions. The Foundation is currently open to applications, from now until February 20.
Applicants will be notified in April 2023 the outcome of their application.
Last year, eight sports people from NK received funding and free access to training facilities at the North Hykeham and Sleaford sports centres, which helped them in achieving their goals. This included world ranked Para-cyclist and World Champion Hand cycling Triathlete Liz McTernan.
Liz said the GLL Sport Foundation has helped her through her sporting career: “The sports foundation supports athletes local to Better facilities to access training which supports their achievements in sport. For me personally, I use ONE NK for both swim training and gym twice a week. I’m able to use the pool for recovery sessions and the gym to build fitness to improve in my sport of wheelchair racing. I work part time, so am on a low income and would not be able to afford a monthly fee to access the centre. I predominantly use my upper body for my sport and injury prevention is extremely important to be able to continue in my sport as I age.
“The support of the GLL Sports Foundation is pivotal in providing enhancements to my training as a wheelchair athlete, for both recovery sessions and Strength & Conditioning which is crucial for me to avoid injury. I hope to be able to represent GB on the world stage in the Marathon Majors as a wheelchair racer and am looking forward to racing in the London Marathon in April and gaining a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon in the U.S. The fact that GLL is a charitable social enterprise and supports athletes in the local community is important to me, as it gives me confidence to pursue my goals.”
Cllr Steve Clegg, North Kesteven District Councillor with special Executive Board interest in leisure, said: “We are delighted that through the ongoing contract we entered into with GLL in 2018 to run our leisure centres and community sports outreach, we are able to support aspiring athletes through the GLL Sport Foundation.
“As a charitable social enterprise with which we are partnered, GLL commits to invest in the development of sportsmen and women and we would really like to see local athletes apply and be successful in the receipt of training funds and wider support.
“As a Council we are committed in providing opportunities for everyone to be more active more often and I would encourage everyone, however fit and active they consider themselves to be at present, to look into the provision offered by GLL Better at our gyms, pools and sports halls as well as in the community; the dance classes for all ages and abilities at The Hub; and programmes for guided and self-led walking through the Countryside NK services run by Hill Holt Wood – as well as other opportunities wherever they live.”
Applications for the programme are open until February 20, 2023 and athletes from the North Kesteven area are encouraged to apply at: https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/application-form or email GLLSportFoundation@GLL.ORGImage shows: World ranked Para-cyclist and World Champion Hand cycling Triathlete Liz McTernan.
Thousands of trees and shrubs are to be planted to create a new woodland area in Lincoln thanks to cash from the Government’s Levelling Up Parks Fund, support from the Woodland Trust and City of Lincoln Council, and backing from businesses in the area..
Last year the city councillors approved the creation of Hope Wood on council-owned land between Simon’s Hill allotments and the River Witham.
Working with partners and advisors, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust, the aim has been to take a field previously let for grazing and to enhance the existing biodiversity through thoughtful planting of thousands of trees and shrubs.
For the first phase of the project, the Woodland Trust will be supplying the city council with 1,500 trees and 500 shrubs, which will be planted in coming months.
Work is also under way to gain expressions of interest from businesses keen to be involved in volunteering to be a part of this new woodland area.
Organisations including Fenner Precision & James Dawson, University of Lincoln, Lincoln City Foundation, Wyman Gordon, Delta Simons, National Grid, Lindum Group, Loveday Financial and Investors in Lincoln have visited the site for a briefing discussing plans for the future of Hope Wood.
Organisations interested in being a part of the Hope Wood project can find out more by emailing aaron.wilson@lincoln.gov.uk.
Cllr Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council said: “Hope Wood will create a higher quality green space that should generate even greater pride in the city’s green spaces by local people.
“We have already had expressions of interest from a number of businesses in the city, and we continue to invite volunteers who would like to help in any way, including in planting and surveying, to come forward. We are keen to have engagement from as many people as possible from right across the city, so they can all stake a claim in being responsible and watch this important piece of land flourish over the years ahead.
“Although the site will take a few years to establish fully, we are hopeful that some results will be seen over the coming months as the wildflowers begin to blossom.
“Our special thanks go to all those who have provided advice and assistance so far, including the Environment Agency, Upper Witham IDB, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and our sponsor for many of the trees, the Woodland Trust.”
This half term equine welfare charity Bransby Horses is running a ‘Do You Know Your Donkeys’ activity aimed at young children, taking them around the pathways where they will meet rescued horses, ponies, mules and of course donkeys.
Donkeys are very much in the spotlight right now thanks to their role in two of the most celebrated films released this year: British-Irish director Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin and Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski’s EO.
Bransby Horses press officer Maria Thompson said: “Donkeys, it seems, are having a moment right now. Sadly, we continue to see neglected and unwanted ones on a regular basis and we hope a visit to Bransby Horses will help raise awareness of their needs.
“Donkeys’ needs are quite different to those of horses and ponies and visitors can find out more on a visit this half term. We are always on the end of the phone to offer advice and guidance to owners and for anyone interested in seeing the ones we care for; we would encourage them to come and visit – you might even get a Hee Haw.”
The Bransby Horses ‘Do You Know Your Donkeys?’ activity will be on until the end of the month and for March, families can enjoy a new activity which will see a switch from donkeys to dragons. These activities are £3.50 and include a special prize at the end.
Bransby Horses near Lincoln is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm and during school holidays it is open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
A Belton-based showjumper, who defied the odds to represent Great Britain in both Para and able-bodied equestrian events, is hoping to share her passion for horses with others after successfully transforming five acres of unused wasteland into her dream riding school.
Sarah Cumberland launched the Avalon Mill Equestrian Centre in 2022 after securing loan funding from alternative lending provider Finance For Enterprise. Since securing the funds, Sarah has invested in over 400 tonnes of stone and 330 tonnes of sand to transform unused land into an all-weather surface, which she uses to help teach others how to ride.
Sarah began exploring the idea of launching her own riding school when her promising showjumping career was thrown into jeopardy after she experienced a life-changing accident, which left her with a broken back, fractured pelvis and a dislocated shoulder. As a result of the accident, she had one of her fingers amputated, and to make matters worse, during her recovery, Sarah was diagnosed with cancer.
Facing the very realistic prospect of never being able to ride competitively again, Sarah used her recuperation to explore ways of passing on her knowledge and experience to others. She began working towards completing her coaching qualifications, and then she spotted an opportunity to give a new lease of life to some unused farmland, which had fallen into a state of disrepair. With terms agreed with the landowner, Sarah approached Finance For Enterprise to help her secure the vital funds needed to put her plans into practice.
Working with experienced business lending manager Jane Cusse, Sarah was able to access the financial support her business needed, and as she started taking the steps towards her recovery, she began laying the foundations for her fledgling business.
Today, Sarah regularly finds herself back in the saddle, and after successfully entering three shows and securing three wins, she decided to name her new horse-riding school in honour of her horse, Avalon Mill.
Together, both Sarah and Avalon Mill have gone from strength to strength. The duo finished top of the table in last summer’s British national para showjumping league and have also represented Great Britain and British Showjumping on a number of occasions. On her return to competitive showjumping, Sarah was invited to compete against able-bodied riders in Munich, going on to finish in place overall. A year later Sarah and Avalon followed up their success in Bon Heiden, Belgium, where she went one step better to secure first place.
Although para showjumping is not currently an internationally recognised Paralympic event, Sarah still dreams of representing her country at the Olympic Games and is currently considering whether to compete in dressage events.
Since successfully launching her riding school, Sarah has continued to diversify her business. Today, she actively supports rescue horses and ponies, helping them to recover before being found foster homes, and she is hoping to expand her horse-riding school by launching Isle Ride to Recover, a dedicated charity aimed at helping children with hidden and visible disabilities to experience horse riding in a safe environment.
Sarah Cumberland, founder, Avalon Mill Equestrian Centre, said: “I’ve been horse riding for nearly as long as I could walk, but despite the injuries I experienced, it never crossed my mind to give up, and I could never have imagined a future where horses didn’t play a part in my life.
“The accident made me more determined than ever to be able to compete again, and although I was initially told it could take over a year before I could even think about horse riding again, I was back in the saddle within just eight months. During that time, I began thinking about my career to date and how I could use the knowledge I’ve built up during my lifetime to help inspire others. I would regularly ride past the land I’d identified and felt it would make a great place for a riding school, so I decided to approach the landowner.
“To my surprise, she listened to me and eventually agreed to let me use the land. I realised that to achieve what I wanted, I would need to raise additional funds, and when she allowed me to buy the land from her, I decided to approach Finance For Enterprise to help fund the improvements I wanted to make.
“As the business was a fairly new concept, I wasn’t sure whether I would be eligible to access a business loan, but my lending manager Jane listened to what I had to say. She helped to guide me through the application process, and when she called me to tell me my application had been successful, it felt like I’d won the tournament of my life!
“I decided to name my business after my horse, Avalon Mill. She’s a once in a lifetime horse, and I wanted to call the business after her to recognise everything that she’s made possible in my showjumping career. She must be something of a lucky charm for me, as I’ve not only continued to enjoy success in the events I’ve entered, but the business has also gone from strength-to-strength, and I’m hoping to launch a charitable arm to the business in the near future.”
Jane Cusse, business lending manager, Finance For Enterprise, said: “It was clear from our very first meeting that Sarah is an incredibly driven and motivated individual who won’t let anything hold her back. Sarah was very clear from the outset what she wanted to achieve, and since launching the Avalon Mill Equestrian Centre, the unloved and largely forgotten about land has been transformed beyond all recognition.”
Lincolnshire councillors propose to add £7m more for highways maintenance, identified as a priority by residents in a recent survey, increasing the highways budget for 2023/24 to around £93m.
But to help fund the additional spend, councillors propose council tax should rise by 4.99% (including a 2% rise for adult care). And even then, as well as extra government funding, the council will still need to use £9.5m from reserves to balance the books, based on current projections.
Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is a good budget for the people of Lincolnshire, protecting the frontline services residents rely on while living within our means.
“Like households across the country, the council is facing steeply rising costs because of inflation, particularly for school transport, and we also continue to see increasing demand for services, most notably adult care and children’s services.
“We continue to find smarter ways of working, which we estimate will save more than £23m over the next few years. In addition, the government has recognised the pressures faced by local councils, and is providing some extra funding, including around £19m for social care.
“Despite this additional money, we will need to draw on our reserves again this year. We’re able to do that because of our track record of strong financial management. We’ve not been afraid to take difficult decisions in the past, which means we are in a better position than some other councils to meet these latest challenges.
“As a result, we’re able to invest an extra £7m in highways maintenance and improvements this year. We know good roads are important to both residents and businesses, and this additional funding will help make up for the significant cuts in government funding for road repairs over the last few years.
“However, officers have recommended that we increase council tax by 5% to ensure the authority’s long-term financial stability.
“We’ll continue to push government for long-term solutions to the major issues facing local councils. It’s vital that we start to see progress on fairer funding, the resetting of business rates and plans for making adult care more sustainable. We will also continue to work towards a devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire, giving local authorities more control over funding.”
The proposals will be discussed by the full council at their meeting on Friday 17 February, at which the budget for 2023/24 will be agreed.
A new play area for youngsters aged nine and above has been officially opened at the Green Flag award-winning Wyndham Park.
The new play facilities are funded by a £54,500 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
The “senior play” area, one of two dedicated apparatus areas, is at the lower end of the open playing field and features equipment that the community told South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) it would like to see.
South Kesteven District Council Chairman Cllr Helen Crawford told guests at the opening: “This project offers a safe space, multiple activities, and health benefits for visitors to our park.
“It was made possible through partnership funding from the FCC Communities Foundation, confirming the drive and commitment of both the FCC and SKDC to provide inclusive spaces for the community to enjoy.
“We would like to thank the FCC for their incredible input into Wyndham Park and the wider community.
“The Council would also like to thank the team at play areas specialists Sutcliffe and EKM Ltd for completing the installation and further offer praise to the Wyndham Park Forum and SKDC staff members who have contributed to this wonderful project.”
Although the official opening was delayed from last year, the equipment has been in use for children since the autumn.
Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have supported the Council in bringing this project to fruition. This is an important facility for the local children, and we are pleased to see it open and available to use.”
Ian Simmons, Chair of the Wyndham Park Forum volunteer group, said: “We were delighted when we were given the opportunity to be involved with the application process last year, allowing us to contribute £500 in third party match funding – an important component of the grant application.
“The new playground has proved to be extremely popular, which shows how much it is enjoyed.”
The investment forms part of SKDC’s continued and wide-ranging programme of restoration and refurbishment in the park during the past five years.
Work included refurbishing an existing slide, removing remaining equipment, installation of safety surfacing and new play equipment including a 30m zipwire, double bay swing, a roundabout suitable for disability access, a climbing frame and an agility trail.
Image shows the Memorial Archway at the entrance to Wyndham Park.
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