Care workers in danger of becoming ‘unrewarded Cinderellas’ of health and care
Lincolnshire’s key workers in adult social care in Lincolnshire risk being forgotten as the world returns to normal following the Covid pandemic, says Melanie Weatherley, Chair of the Lincolnshire Care Association.
She expressed the opinion at the association’s annual conference in Lincoln, where the theme was ‘Coming out of the shadows of Covid: What could social care look like in the next decade?’
At the event Ms Weatherley called for care workers to be paid more to recognise the importance of the work they do.
She said: “At the height of the Covid pandemic, care workers were recognised as key players in the health and care system – they were included in the applause on the doorstep and really seemed to be valued for the skilled work that they d.
“As life has returned to normal, we are at risk of becoming once again the unrecognised and unrewarded Cinderellas of health and care.
“The dedicated workers who support the most vulnerable members of our society with amazing skill and patience are often seen as being just there to support discharges from hospital. But they do much, much more than that.
“The loving way in which they encourage and support individuals to maintain their independence and enable them to continue with their interests and try out new ones is about living life to the full, not just staying alive.
“It is a wonderfully fulfilling job to do, but that does not mean that it should not be well paid.”
Delegates at the conference reflected on the past year and looked towards the future, in particular looking for ways to improve recognition for the contribution that the care sector makes to the local economy, as well as the critical role that it plays as a support to the NHS.
Discussions also took place on the increased use of digital technologies in care and record keeping, research-based practice, and integration with local NHS colleagues to support them with discharge and other challenges.
Greater Lincolnshire gains Defence Cluster status
Greater Lincolnshire is now recognised by the Government as a Regional Defence and Security Cluster.
The cluster was officially launched at an event in Lincoln on Friday (28 July), following approval by the Government’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).
DASA was created by the Government to accelerate innovation in defence and security in order to keep the UK safe and prosperous.
Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine, was joined at the event at the Usher Gallery by senior figures from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), foreign defence attachés, business leaders from the defence sector and representatives from the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park.
The launch of the Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence & Security Cluster was combined with the International Bomber Command Centre’s National Bomber Command Day and supported by Lincolnshire County Council.
Established by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the cluster will support innovation in the field of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.
The ambition is to establish Greater Lincolnshire as a national defence and security innovation, production and service hub and to promote the area’s ability to develop and support vital defence and security programmes.
Speakers at the launch included Sir John Peace, who spoke about the history of the armed forces in Lincolnshire and why the defence and security sector is so important to the region.
John Ridge CBE, director of defence innovation at the MOD, said: “I am especially delighted to see the launch of the Greater Lincolnshire RDSC today as the third of the regional clusters.
“Lincolnshire has a long history of manufacturing, research, development, and innovation expertise to generate military capability for the UK and a solid link to innovation and collaboration between MOD and industry.
“The Greater Lincolnshire RDSC lands in the middle of that rich Lincolnshire innovation environment with a key focus on technologies supporting the ISTAR force at RAF Waddington and data science and has positioned itself well to extend that regional contribution.
“It is the MOD’s aspiration that as well as supporting the development of defence and security capabilities for the UK, RDSCs will to promote our ability to develop and support programmes to increase regional wealth through greater public and private inward investment and the creation of high-value, better paid jobs.”
Anita Friend, head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, said: “I’m very pleased to support today’s launch of the Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence and Security Cluster and I congratulate the Defence and Security Board of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership on their achievement.
“In supporting the creation of Regional Defence and Security Clusters in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, the MOD and especially my team within DASA recognised that collaboration between the established industry suppliers, SMEs and academia, supported by regional partnerships, was key to increasing the diversity in the regions to develop, exploit and commercialise advanced innovation for defence and security.
“The Greater Lincolnshire Defence & Security Cluster will have a vital central role in fostering that collaboration for Lincolnshire and as part of the growing network of regional clusters.”
Major General Julian Free CBE, deputy vice chancellor at the University of Lincoln and chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Defence and Security Board, said: “Today marks an important milestone for the region as the culmination of a lot of work to connect the regional defence and security sector SME, prime contractor and supply chain community, to raise the profile of the tremendous innovation they are driving to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, and to promote the opportunities for other companies to locate or expand here as part of the cluster.
“It also provides a springboard for individuals to pursue exciting and rewarding high-tech, high-value careers in Greater Lincolnshire.”
The other two existing clusters are the South West RDSC and the Three Counties RDSC in the West Midlands.
The clusters, which may be physical or virtual, allow industry and Government to share ideas, promoting collaboration and commercialisation.
They are intended to develop innovative regional industrial capabilities to contribute to UK military capability by creating collaborative pathways for SMEs as a route into the defence supply chain.
The MOD says it would welcome RDSCs in all regions and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2023.
Image: VIPs at the launch of the Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence & Security Cluster (left to right): Jim Pennycook from the Defence and Security Accelerator; Professor Deeph Chana, Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA); Alison Ballard, head of Audit at BAE Systems and deputy chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Defence and Security Board; Major General Julian Free CBE, deputy vice chancellor at the University of Lincoln and chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Defence and Security Board; and Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine. Photo: Alan Fletcher / A Shot in the Dark.
Funding to help make properties warmer available in Boston and South Holland
Homeowners and landlords in Boston and South Holland have the opportunity to make their properties warmer, more energy efficient and save money on their bills.
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has funding available to assist with the retrofitting of off-gas properties (those with no mains gas connection) in Boston and South Holland, through the Home Upgrade Grant funding (HUG 2) from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Grants from the first round of funding, HUG 1, have assisted homes with energy efficiency measures such as solar panels and insulation as well as low carbon heating methods such as air source heat pumps.
The first round saw £3.16m awarded in grants since April 2022, improving 173 properties across the South and East Lincolnshire sub-region.
Sheryl Deakin, from Spalding, applied for a grant in September last year and the improvements to her home were completed in June. Her home was cold, damp and had an unreliable boiler.
Improvements included air source heat pump, solar panels and external wall insulation. Her home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) improved from an E to a B rating as well as the Carbon from this property reducing from 7.2 to 1.7 tonnes per year, saving 5.5 tonnes.
She said: “I love my home again. My daughters are happy and content, my youngest especially feels safer knowing we have a reliable heating source for next winter.
“My oil boiler was so much noisier than the new Air Source Heating Pump that’s been installed.”
Cllr Nick Worth, Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “The lives of our residents are being changed for the better thanks to the Partnership successfully securing government funding to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce carbon emissions.
“Homes which are difficult and expensive to heat can be made warmer, more comfortable and cost you less in your utility bills. There is still money available to improve homes in South Holland and I urge homeowners and landlords across the district to get in touch with the Partnership’s Sustainable Warmth team and find out what measures you could be eligible for.
“The money is there in South Holland – now’s your chance to access it.”
Cllr Callum Butler, Environmental Portfolio Holder at Boston Borough Council, said: “Improving your properties EPC rating by heating your home in a low carbon way will help to reduce your energy and utility bills resulting in a warmer home for less in the winter.
“This money is available now across Boston and the surrounding villages to all properties that are not on mains gas. All homeowners and landlords need to do to start the journey to being more energy efficient is to call the Partnership’s Sustainable Warmth team. The knowledgeable and understanding team will link successful applicants with their own case officer who will see you through the entire process right up to the works being completed.
“There was a fantastic response to the first phase and I would love to see more homeowners access grants they could be entitled to.”
Grants range between £8,000 and £38,000 per home, depending on the property’s wall type, EPC rating and current fuel type.
To be eligible, your property must have an EPC Rating of D, E, F or G and a total household income of less than £31k of which Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) will be deducted if you are in receipt of these.
There are still spaces available in Boston and South Holland for anyone wanting to apply for funding in 2023/24.
HUG 2 is for off gas properties only, however there may be other funding available for those who do not meet the criteria.
For more information, contact the Partnership’s Sustainable Warmth Team at greenhomesgrants@e-lindsey.gov.uk or by calling 01507 613573.
The Wragby Show returns
Featuring Dangerous Steve, Fire & Chainsaw Juggling, Giant Unicycle, Ladder Balancing, Blindfold Motorcycle Riding and Tom Longton Sheepdogs, the Wragby Show returns on Sunday 3 September 2023 for its 39th edition.
A fantastic family day out with a friendly atmosphere for people to socialise and enjoy the open air, there is a full programme of main ring entertainment!
The Wragby Show, open at 9:00am, brings together animals, food and drink, top class entertainment, exquisite rural crafts and competition to provide an unmissable day.
From Trade Stands to Children’s Entertainment, Food Stalls & Bar, Classic Cars, Tractors & Stationary Engines, Grand Draw, Carriage Driving, Horse Show inc. Show Jumping & Heavy Horses, Sheep & Cattle Show, Fun Dog Show, Horticulture Classes, Egg Show & Live Music, there is something for everyone.
Beneficiaries for 2023 are Lincoln NHS Rehab Team, Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society, Wragby Primary School, Wragby Community Hub and Wragby Reload Centre.
For more information visit https://www.wragbyshow.co.uk/
The Wragby Show, open at 9:00am, brings together animals, food and drink, top class entertainment, exquisite rural crafts and competition to provide an unmissable day.
From Trade Stands to Children’s Entertainment, Food Stalls & Bar, Classic Cars, Tractors & Stationary Engines, Grand Draw, Carriage Driving, Horse Show inc. Show Jumping & Heavy Horses, Sheep & Cattle Show, Fun Dog Show, Horticulture Classes, Egg Show & Live Music, there is something for everyone.
Beneficiaries for 2023 are Lincoln NHS Rehab Team, Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society, Wragby Primary School, Wragby Community Hub and Wragby Reload Centre.
For more information visit https://www.wragbyshow.co.uk/ Lincolnshire market towns to be given the dino-roar treatment
Some of East Lindsey’s market towns are going to get the dino-roar treatment this summer holidays, as a series of free prehistoric activities are planned alongside the usual roar-some offer from the District’s local traders.
Arranged as part of East Lindsey District Council’s Vital and Viable programme, dinosaur visits will be taking place at the following dates and markets:
• Tuesday 15 August – Alford
• Thursday 17 August – Horncastle
• Friday 18 August – Louth
• Saturday 19 August – Spilsby (as part of the Teenage Market)
• Friday 25 August – Wainfleet
As part of the events, residents and visitors will be able to interact with the dinosaurs for free, as well as have a walkabout with ‘Pete the T-Rex’ and meet his dinosaur babies along the way.
The scheduled walkabouts will take place at 11am, 12pm and 1pm across all five events, but please note that all times and dates are subject to change based on weather forecast and market footfall.
The Council’s Vital and Viable programme aims to work with local communities to protect, promote and preserve our market towns by keeping them thriving and clean centre which are attractive places to live, work and visit.
Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy, said: “I am delighted to have such a fantastic and free family event coming out of our Vital and Viable project this summer, that I’m sure will provide great fun for residents in the local area and our summer visitors to the District, as well as hopefully a boost in footfall for our brilliant local traders and businesses.
“I hope that lots of people get involved in this unique experience to take a literal walk on the wild side with dinosaurs and can help to showcase our vibrant market towns and some of the wonderful things they have to offer.”
County Council to plunge £1m into technology to help people live independently for longer
Lincolnshire County Council plans to invest £1m in digital technology to provide enhanced support to vulnerable residents and help them live independently for longer.
The technology enabled prevention and care approach has already shown that support staff can introduce care technology into conversations with people who need support.
This technology helps to keep them fit and healthy and prevent them needing other support, including hospital services. The council is pushing ahead with a £1m pilot to develop an enhanced service.
“Investment in technology support has shown it can have huge benefits for vulnerable people who want to live independently and it can also give their family and friends piece of mind,” said Councillor Mrs Wendy Bowkett, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Public Health.
“But there’s an opportunity to do much more and shift technology from marginal use to mainstream. Not only will this provide effective support in the home for residents who need it, but using technology can reduce or avoid the need for more costly and limited face-to-face care services.”
The enhanced service will be available to people with eligible care needs in homecare, residential care and supported living. It includes equipment, sensors and apps that can help put people in control of their own lives.
Technology can play a vital part in helping to avoid or reduce other care services. The following examples saw support staff sourcing suitable kit using the person’s direct payment:
- A young adult with multiple sclerosis (MS) living independently previously received four homecare visits every day for personal care and other tasks.Using a smart speaker and video calling device have allowed him to keep in touch with his family; enabled them to check on his wellbeing; and increased both his and their confidence in his ability to live on his own. This meant that the number of care visits reduced from four to three per day, saving the county council £2,800 per year.
- A recently widowed older man was living away from his family who were worried about his ability to cope on his own. Sensors were arranged for around his home and a video call device was able to give his family confidence in his independence and safety. This helped avoid residential care, saving the individual and his family £23,780 per year and the council, who pay a 50% contribution, £23,000 per year.
Levelling ‘Upp’ Louth with the arrival of ultrafast broadband!
Upp’s ‘Next Level Broadband’ is now live in Louth, bringing customers exceptional speeds, reliability, and leading levels of service.
Upp is a full-fibre broadband provider, expanding its independent, ultrafast network across Lincolnshire. The network is already up and running across the county – and the good news is that Louth is now live!
Upp has been rapidly expanding across the East of England, fast becoming the established alternative internet provider in Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Its very own network isn’t shared with other providers, guaranteeing its customers a faster, more reliable connection, reflected in its ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5.
Most ‘fibre’ broadband providers use fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), which relies on copper wiring to make the final connection to the property, while Upp is proud to be rolling out a true, full fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. This level of fibre connectivity has already swept through major cities and Upp is ensuring that the people and businesses of Louth don’t get left behind.
Whilst building its own full-fibre network in Louth, Upp has also supported grassroots organisations along the way, including Louth Hockey Club, a sports team with over 160 members. Lesley Ward, the club’s chairman, said: “We’re delighted to have Upp join the club as a sponsor for next season. It was great to be approached and we really appreciate the sponsorship, which is vital to help the club grow.” The club currently has two ladies and two men’s teams playing in competitive leagues, featuring players aged 13 and above.
Upp’s B2C Campaign Manager, Mary Freeland said: “It’s fantastic to be supporting local groups in the areas we serve as we expand our network, and to offer our ‘Next Level Broadband’ to an increasing number of homes and businesses across the county. For years now, far too many have struggled with poor and inadequate internet, but it’s great to see the difference that Upp’s network is already making.”
Upp is committed to ensuring that levelling up becomes a reality for the residents of Louth, and with remote working here to stay, the full-fibre network couldn’t come at a better time. Broadband from Upp starts at just £26 per month for residential customers and there are no set-up or installation charges, and those who join Upp before September 13th will pay £0 for the first 6 months on any home broadband plan.
Upp has also recently launched its new BusinessEssentials tariff, perfect for small businesses and micro-enterprises with moderate internet usage.
To find out more and to see if Upp is available on your street, head to www.upp.com. To learn more about Louth Hockey Club, visit their website at: www.louthhockeyclub.co.uk.
Classic Ibiza thrills largest-ever crowd at Burghley House
Classic Ibiza continued its eight-night summer tour at Burghley House on Saturday 29 July, with the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra leading a capacity Lincolnshire crowd on a magical journey of the very-best in Balearic-infused house music. Over 9,000 people of all ages attended the family-friendly show – Classic Ibiza’s largest-ever Burghley House audience.
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward comments: “What a way to mark our return to the absolutely stunning grounds of Burghley House. Our musicians and crew were immense, but the biggest shout-out goes to our incredible Lincolnshire audience.
“They are the ones that bring the unique Classic Ibiza vibe and make the show so special. We’re already thinking about how to take Classic Ibiza to new heights next year, so stay tuned. See you next summer, folks!”
The concert began at 5.30 pm with a new Chill-Out DJ Set, as the crowd settled into the laidback vibe over their picnics. Former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis then took control of the decks for his Latin House Set, which for the first time included a live jamming session with members of USO. Next up, USO and Miss Mavrik took centre stage for the Sundowner Set, performing these iconic tracks:
Poppiholla (Chicane), Inner City Life (Goldie), Touch Me (Rui Da Silva), Rhythm of The Night (Corona), What Is Love (Haddaway), Turn Around (Phats and Small), The Man With The Red Face (Laurent Garnier), For An Angel (Paul van Dyke), Blind Faith (Chase & Status), Sun Is Shining (Bob Marley vs. Funkstar De Luxe), Red Alert (Basement Jaxx), Blackwater (Octave One), Sky (Sonique) and Theme from S’Express (S’Express).
USO took a break during Miss Mavrik’s Deep House DJ Set, a mix of classic and fresh Ibiza floor-fillers. They were then reunited on stage for the Dance Set, packed with these house anthems, accompanied by a spectacular laser show:
Yeke Yeke (Hardfloor Mix) (Mory Kante), Pump Up The Jam (Technotronic), Everybody’s Free (Rozalla), Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Baby D), Castles in the Sky (Ian van Dahl), Better Off Alone (Alice Deejay), ResuRection (PPK), Seven Days and One Week (BBE), Sandstorm (Darude), Adagio for Strings (Tiësto), We Come 1, God Is a DJ, Insomnia (Faithless), (I Wanna Give You) Devotion (Nomad), Push The Feeling On (Nightcrawlers), Dreamer (Livin’ Joy), Toca’s Miracle (Fragma), Waiting All Night (Rudimental), Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) (C&C Music Factory), King Of My Castle (Wamdue Project), Need You 100% (Duke Dumont), On A Ragga Tip (SL2), Silence (Delerium, Tiësto), Heaven (DJ Sammy), Summer (Calvin Harris) and Freed From Desire (Gala).
With the crowd chanting for more, USO and Miss Mavrik returned for an encore of three Classic Ibiza favourites: Out Of Space (The Prodigy), Hey Boy Hey Girl and Galvanize (The Chemical Bothers). When the show came to a close at 11pm, USO had performed 15 completely new orchestrations in a set of over 40 house classics.
Classic Ibiza at Burghley House is proud to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. The show will return to the venue on Saturday 27 July 2024, with concertgoers able to register for tickets here before they go on general release in the Autumn.
Image credit: David Evans Photography
Tourism brings record £95m economic benefit to Boston
A new report by Global Tourism Solutions has highlighted the record-breaking benefits of tourism in Boston, with over £95m of economic impact in 2022 alone.
The findings showed the £95.13m of investment from tourists to be the highest since the data was first recorded in 2011, up from £70.96m in 2021.
In terms of visitors, the report found that 1.3m people visited Boston during 2022, up from 1.09m the previous year, with 210,000 staying in the Borough and over a million visiting for the day.
Shopping and enjoying the local hospitality were the two most popular activities, with almost £26m spent in the Borough’s shops and over £20m in its cafes, restaurants, and bars.
There were also 1,044 tourism-related jobs across Boston for the year, a 27% increase from 2021 and showing nearly a full recovery to the pre-pandemic levels of employment in the sector.
Councillor Sarah Sharpe, portfolio holder for Culture at Boston Borough Council, said: “It is great to see visitors coming back and enjoying what Boston has to offer again after the pandemic, especially enjoying some of the fantastic local independent shops, restaurants and traders we are lucky to have.
“We want to continue to highlight some of the unique heritage, recreation, shopping and hospitality attractions we have as a Borough, and to make sure we put Boston on the map as a great place to live, work and visit.”
Councillor Dale Broughton, deputy leader at Boston Borough Council, said: “This new report is really positive in showing an increasing interest in visiting Boston, and we want to use this as a foundation to continue to build on moving forwards.
“In the last few weeks alone we have seen great support for the May Fair, Classic Car Show, Teenage Market and Boston Bike Night, and with more large events planned, including around Christmas, I hope to see more and more people continue to come and enjoy.”
Teenage Market coming to Spalding and Crowland this August
The Teenage Market is coming to Spalding on Tuesday 15 August and Crowland on Friday 18 August (between the hours of 9am – 2pm and 9am – 1pm respectively), giving young traders and performers from the local area a unique opportunity to showcase their creative products and talents for free.
The Teenage Market is a fast-growing nationwide initiative set up by teenage brothers Joe and Tom Barratt in Stockport, aiming to transform town and city centres across the country, utilising the creativity of young people.
Supporters of The Teenage Market include businessman Theo Paphitis, designer Wayne Hemingway and retail guru Mary Portas, who have described the initiative as being “innovative and inspiring.”
The energy, diversity and vibrancy of the young people who take part in Teenage Markets is helping to breathe life back into high streets, town centres and market areas all across the country, with events now being run in over 25 locations.
Getting involved could not be simpler. Simply create your trader or performer profile on the Teenage Market website and then apply to take part in the Spalding and/or Crowland Teenage Market this August.
After you’ve applied to take part, the organisers will be in touch to let you know if you have been allocated a free stall or performance slot.
Councillor Tracey Carter, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing, said: “I am very pleased that as a Council we’re able to help bring this national initiative to South Holland, giving a boost to our existing market traders, while also crucially supporting the next generation of young, talented entrepreneurs from the local area by giving them a platform to showcase their products and talents for free.
“I’d like to personally encourage our local residents in Spalding, Crowland and elsewhere around the District to get out to the Teenage Markets next month and support what our fantastic entrepreneurs have to offer.”
Co-creator of The Teenage Market, Joe Barratt, said: “The Teenage Market really is the key to identifying a new generation of market traders by making young people an active part of our town centres.
“We are delighted that Spalding and Crowland will give young people a free platform to get their businesses off the ground and showcase their creative talents.
“I’d encourage any creative young person to get involved with The Teenage Market as there are so many positive opportunities that can come out of it.”
