North East Lincolnshire Carelink is warning customers to be aware of a telephone scam currently targeting users in the region, which involves companies calling vulnerable people in the North East Lincolnshire and advising them that their equipment will not work due to digital changes.
“This is not true,” says Vickie Fisher, CEO of North East Lincolnshire Carelink. “They are also asking for payments over the phone, which is not Carelink’s policy as, in most cases, payments have already been set up.
“The scam is particularly despicable as it is targeting people who are already in vulnerable situations due to ill health, and who rely on the Carelink service for vital support.”
Her advice to Carelink users is, if in doubt, hang up and press their Carelink pendant to check who is ringing you. “We will answer your call 24/7 or call 01472 312312,” she added.
NEL Carelink is a charity based in Grimsby, covering North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas, and supporting more than 3,000 people to remain in their homes and retain their independence. NELC and partners formed the charity in 1995 to provide telecare equipment and a monitoring centre to support them.
Carelink has private customers who pay directly for their alarms, as well as specific contracts with NELC, health and housing providers to support people in the area.
Cllr Stan Shreeve, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said Carelink users should be on their guard,
“The Carelink service provides invaluable support to people who are suffering from ill health and who want to remain in their own homes. It provides peace of mind to residents and their loved ones that if anything was to happen then help is closely at hand.
“These appalling scams are targeting some of our most vulnerable residents and we urge everyone to be on their guard and to follow Carelink’s advice and guidance if they receive any of these calls.”
Lincolnshire County Council celebrates Foster Care Fortnight 2024 with #fosteringmoments initiative
Lincolnshire County Council is participating in Foster Care Fortnight 2024, taking place from May 13th to May 26th. As part of this national campaign launched by the Fostering Network, the Council is championing the incredible work of foster carers and encouraging people to consider becoming a carer under the theme of Fostering Moments.
A series of podcasts will be broadcast featuring heartfelt discussions and stories from foster carers, showcasing the meaningful moments that have shaped their fostering experiences. The fortnight will also see a Foster Walk, a social media campaign and an online information event where people can find out more about becoming a foster carer.
“Foster Care Fortnight is an opportunity for us to highlight the incredible work of our foster carers and encourage more individuals, couples and families to consider becoming foster carers,” said Deborah Crawford, Head of Lincolnshire Fostering Service.
In Lincolnshire, there are over 300 children in foster care, supported by 214 fostering households throughout the county.
Foster carer Paula Doyle who stars in the podcast said: “By sharing my own unique stories, I hope to reflect on the life-changing difference foster carers can make to Lincolnshire children.”
For those wanting to find out more, the online ‘You can foster’ Information Event takes place on Thursday 16th May at 12:30pm, book your place by visiting their Facebook page – Lincolnshire Fostering.
Learn how to be environmentally friendly at fun Eco Activity Day
If you are looking for a fun way in which to learn how to be environmentally friendly, why not join the South Holland District Council Communities Team for a day of activities in the great outdoors?
The Eco Activity Day will take place on Thursday, May 30 in Sutton Bridge – and there will be something for everyone to try out while also learning about how to be an environmental champion.
Between 11am and 3pm, Sutton Bridge Memorial Park Playing Field will host a plethora of exciting and educational fun, including street theatre, crafting and even some minibeast hunting.
Rhubarb Theatre, which is dedicated to providing children and their families the opportunity to learn and play through access to arts, will perform ‘Collection Day’.
The performance, which has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is a fun, family friendly street theatre piece with themes of waste, recycling, reusing and the impact pollution has on our wildlife and waterways.
The entertainment doesn’t end there. Visitors will be able to get crafty in the Enviro Craft gazebo, enjoy activities and learn more from community groups, create some environmental art or go minibeast hunting in the Nature Lab.
Councillor Tracey Carter, South Holland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “This is going to be such a fantastic event with a really important theme to it.
“We’re hopeful that families will be able to come down and enjoy the free activities while also learning something that perhaps they didn’t know before.
“It promises to be a great day, rain or shine.”
Projekt Renewable wins community award
Projekt Renewable was named the winner of the Engaging the Community | Community Project Award, in partnership with Blackrow Wind, at the Offshore Wind Connections Humber Renewable Awards that took place in early May at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull.
Projekt Director Rich was there on the night, saying: “I honestly didn’t think we’d stand a chance given the other projects that had been shortlisted.
“The win is for everybody that was in the room on the night – PRG (Projekt Renewable, Grimsby) is one of several projects working to bridge the gap between community and industry. And in an industry that is moving as rapidly as renewables, that conduit and channel of communication is vital.
“The judges summed it up for me, ‘It’s very easy for big companies to pledge some money to a community project, but it’s really hard to do it the other way around and build something of substance from the ground up’.”
Conceived 2021, designed 2022, delivered 2023 – PRG exists because Projekt Director, Richard Askam, was tasked with creating something in the centre of Grimsby to inspire the next generation.
The world knows Grimsby for its fishing heritage but its flourishing renewable energy sector and the opportunities that lie within it, exist and operate largely out of sight.
An educational and cultural hub, Projekt Renewable, Grimsby has been created to inspire the next generation of renewable energy experts through a ‘destination’ full of energy and immersive experiences.
Creating a better environment for the future of our planet and the generations to come, with homegrown talent at its core – this is what Projekt Renewable embodies.
Designed and built from shipping containers, re-purposed to house a podcast and YouTube studio along with visitor experiences from the likes of RWE, The Crown Estate, NSPCC, myenergi and others – Projekt Renewable has quickly gained national notoriety as Government and industry seek to bring the public on the journey to Net Zero.
New wildlife watching facilities offer a bird’s eye view at Barton’s Waterside
Hidden cameras are to be installed in bird boxes at Waters’ Edge Country Park in Barton will mean visitors can see local wildlife without any disturbance.
The boxes, to be installed in a £30,000 project over the next few weeks, will be linked to monitors inside the viewing area so visitors can see the birds up close.
The funding will also be used to help wildlife by introducing floating tern rafts on some ponds, which will help birds breed on site in order to maintain the local tern population.
Encouraging people to interact with their local environment has a positive effect on physical and mental health and improves overall wellbeing.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment, said: “We have so much precious wildlife right on our doorstep, but it is difficult to see it and connect with it without disturbing it.
“This welcome funding will give us – literally – a bird’s eye view. In addition, the new tern rafts will hopefully mean not only will we be able to maintain the tern population at Waters’ Edge but increase it as well.”
Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show makes history as exhibitor spaces sell out in record time
The inaugural Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show has set a remarkable precedent in the industry by selling out all available exhibition spaces for the county’s first and only B2B-focused hospitality event.
Organisers of the event, Globella and Stokes Tea and Coffee, are thrilled to announce this unprecedented success, marking a significant milestone in the region’s hospitality sector.
Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Harlaxton Manor on Wednesday 15 May 2024, the first-of-its-kind event is poised to revolutionise the way businesses in the hospitality industry connect, network, and thrive.
With a comprehensive lineup of over seventy exhibitors, speakers, and interactive sessions, the event promises to offer unparalleled opportunities for professionals to explore cutting-edge trends, forge valuable partnerships and discover innovative solutions to propel their businesses forward.
“We are ecstatic to witness such an overwhelming response to our inaugural event,” said Event Organiser, Hannah Tomlinson of Globella. “The fact that the exhibition spaces sold out in record time underscores the immense enthusiasm and anticipation within the industry for a platform that fosters growth, creativity, and excellence.
“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support from exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees and cannot wait to open the doors next week to deliver an exceptional experience that exceeds all expectations.”
From culinary demonstrations from local eateries to leading suppliers presenting the latest innovations in hospitality technology and services, the Lincolnshire Hospitality Trade Show is set to be a dynamic hub of inspiration, education, and collaboration for all attendees.
For more information about the event and to book your tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolnshire-hospitality-trade-show-tickets-667722504987
Government offers support for Lincolnshire’s efforts to create special school
The Department for Education has approved the county council’s bid for a new 154-place special free school providing support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
The project is currently in the very early stages, with the council exploring potential locations in the centre of the county. Design work will be progressed over the coming months, in partnership with the DfE.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services, said: “This new school has been a long-term aspiration for the council, and we’re very grateful to the DfE for making it possible.
“Over the last few years, the council has invested around £100m in improving and expanding special schools across the county, meaning more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can now attend a local school instead of having to travel large distances for their education.
“This new project will continue that good work, ensuring that all pupils can get a good start in life, with any additional support they might require. I’m sure the school will bring lasting benefits for children and their families, and I look forward to seeing the work move forward.”
The council will be working with the DfE and partner organisations to find a preferred operator for the new free school in the months ahead, after which the DfE will select a multi-academy trust to run it.
Maroon tulips bloom to honour airborne forces
Eye-catching maroon tulips are blooming to honour South Kesteven’s WW2 links with the Parachute Regiment for the 80th anniversary of Arnhem.
The tulips are at locations linked to WW2 paratroopers as part of a growing international trail of Airborne Tulip Memorials.
South Kesteven District Council funded 1,000 tulips from Holland to commemorate a unique chapter in the district’s military heritage.
The trail honours men of the British 1st Airborne Division, many of whom were billeted and trained locally before flying from airfields at Barkston Heath and Saltby for Operation Market Garden – the battle of Arnhem – in September 1944.
Tulips colour-matching the distinctive beret worn by British airborne forces are SKDC’s tribute to the bravery of thousands of troops engaged in the battle for the bridges in the Netherlands.
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “We have a unique local heritage of hosting and training airborne forces here for the biggest ever wartime airlift of troops and equipment to Arnhem.
“Seeing these tulips bloom in their honour is our tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.”
Cheshire man Darren Key, whose grandfather fought at Arnhem, worked with gardener Caroline Frost, Col Frost’s daughter, to choose the maroon Attila Graffiti tulip variety for its colour. He started the memorial trail in the Netherlands last year at sites around Arnhem.
Tulips are blooming at:
- St Vincent’s Church, Caythorpe: a shrine to airborne forces
- Easton Walled Gardens: Easton Hall housed 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment troops under Lt Col John Frost
- Harlaxton Manor: Airborne forces links are commemorated with a large courtyard plaque of the 1st Airborne Division
- RAF Saltby: the WW2 departure airfield for thousands of allied troops
- St Andrew and Mary’s Church, Stoke Rochford: place of worship for 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
- Fulbeck Manor: accommodation for British 1st Airborne Division Commander Maj Gen Roy Urquhart
- Fulbeck Craft Workshops: former workshops for British 1st Airborne Division
- Grimsthorpe Castle: HQ for the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment
Dinosaur descends on Gainsborough
Prehistoric times are upon us as dinosaur Pete is back stomping around Gainsborough Farmers’ and Craft Market.
On Saturday 11 May, meet Pete on his scheduled walkabouts at 10am, 11am and 1pm.
Walkabouts will last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes as Pete is still only an adolescent and needs to snooze to get his energy back! Meet Pete’s baby dino friends whilst he is napping.
Regular market traders will be there offering the best in local, fresh, homemade and handmade produce, as well as the antiques fair to dive into a treasure trove of collectables and more.
Nicola Marshall, Towns Manager at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Dinosaur Pete was such a big hit last time he stomped his way to town and I’m so pleased that he is returning for the children and adults!
“It’s events like these that bring the whole community together and thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we are able to put on extra activities for local residents that are free.”
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
Hospice offers time to reflect with unique feather display at Aubourn Hall
The largest awareness and fundraising campaign being staged this year by St Barnabas Hospice is currently taking place at Aubourn Hall just south of Lincoln.
It’s a art installation called ‘Feathers from Above’, which displays 1,000 hand-made ironwork feathers, which the Hospice says represent a unique way to remember a loved one.
Says Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at the Hospice: “The spectacular display will be available for members of the public to visit during day displays or smaller evening displays.
“The bespoke and unique ironwork feathers have been designed, created, and displayed in support of St Barnabas and all money raised will provide more people in Lincolnshire with free, vital end of life care.”
The displays will run from now until 17th May, and are open for members of the public to visit and reflect during this period.
St Barnabas Hospice not only offers care in its own premises in Lincoln and Grantham, but also takes care ‘on the road’ through its Hospice at Home service. The hospice story began more than 40 years ago, when a group of people with just £270 formed a charitable trust with a view to developing a hospice. Three years later the trust had gathered enough money to buy a nursing home on Lindum Terrace at Lincoln, which opened as a four-bed unit.
Says Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at the Hospice: “The spectacular display will be available for members of the public to visit during day displays or smaller evening displays.
“The bespoke and unique ironwork feathers have been designed, created, and displayed in support of St Barnabas and all money raised will provide more people in Lincolnshire with free, vital end of life care.”
The displays will run from now until 17th May, and are open for members of the public to visit and reflect during this period.
St Barnabas Hospice not only offers care in its own premises in Lincoln and Grantham, but also takes care ‘on the road’ through its Hospice at Home service. The hospice story began more than 40 years ago, when a group of people with just £270 formed a charitable trust with a view to developing a hospice. Three years later the trust had gathered enough money to buy a nursing home on Lindum Terrace at Lincoln, which opened as a four-bed unit. 