The University of Lincoln has launched the UK’s first dedicated institute to tackle health disparities in rural and coastal communities. The Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health (LIRCH), based in Mablethorpe at the newly developed Campus for Future Living, aims to address health inequalities affecting 85% of the UK’s landmass.

LIRCH is backed by a £10.9 million grant from the UKRI Research England – Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund. The initiative focuses on integrated, multi-disciplinary research to develop practical solutions tailored to the needs of these underserved areas. The Institute aims to improve access to healthcare and address the impact of factors like climate change and socio-economic deprivation, which contribute to higher rates of preventable illnesses and lower life expectancy in rural and coastal regions.

The launch event featured key speakers, including Professor Mark Gussy, Director of LIRCH, and Claire Woodward, Director of Community Investment at ACIS Group. The event was also supported by Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, who spoke remotely and underscored the significance of the new institute in improving health outcomes across rural and coastal communities.

The Campus for Future Living, which serves as the new home for the Institute, underscores LIRCH’s commitment to creating community-driven, place-based health solutions. Through collaboration with local councils, community organisations, and healthcare providers, LIRCH will develop research that aims to drive meaningful, long-term impact in these regions.

Image credit: University of Lincoln

Figures for 2024 have revealed the total value of the visitor economy for Greater Lincolnshire surpassed £3bn.

  Image: Lincoln Castle. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/chrisdorney

Thrill-seekers Lianne Clee and Donna Eaton are taking a leap of faith for the ultimate adrenaline rush at Larpool’s famous viaduct bungee jump, to raise vital funds for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. The event, on Sunday 27 July, will give Lianne and Donna an amazing opportunity to jump from a staggering height of 42 metres from England’s only bridge bungee jump, the iconic Larpool Viaduct near Whitby. Lianne, a Clinical Educator at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust explained why she is undertaking this mammoth challenge: “I did a skydive for my 30^th birthday and fancied doing something more extreme. “When I mentioned this to my work colleagues, they took the decision out of my hands and bought my place on the bungee jump as a birthday present! I am ready to embrace this challenge as I will be jumping for such a fantastic cause which I am passionate about.” When she realised she was the only participant, Lianne roped in her friend Donna who is a Professional Nurse Advocate Lead at Lincoln County Hospital. Both are passionate about their work at the hospital and are keen to support the activities of United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals Charity. Donna said: “We both must be crazy to do this, but it is for a good cause. The money we raise for the charity will help support the well-being of our staff and help improve patient care.” Charity Manager, Ben Petts gives thanks to the duo and said: “It is an incredible challenge which takes great courage to complete. It is with the support of such wonderful people like Lianne and Donna that we can fund innovative and exciting projects that make a real difference to the lives of our patients, their families and the staff that take care of them.” Any donations, small or large will be much appreciated by the duo and can be made on their fundraising page on United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity website. Fundraisers | United Lincolnshire Hospitals   Image shows: Donna Eaton (left) and Lianne Clee (right).

Lincolnshire County Council is moving ahead with plans to restore the worn stone surface of Bailgate, aiming to preserve the street’s heritage while improving durability.

Installed in 2010 to match the area’s historic character, the Yorkstone blocks have begun to shift, crack and loosen due to the failure of their original sand base. Council engineers now propose relaying most of the existing stones on a stronger mortar foundation to prevent further damage. Broken blocks would be replaced with new ones in the same style.

If approved, the project would begin in January 2026 and last up to three months, depending on weather. Around 65% of the original stones—approximately 32,000—could be salvaged and reused. The estimated cost for the work is just over £1.7 million.

While traffic plans are still being finalised, phased road closures will be necessary. Pedestrian access and entry to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Final dates and traffic details are expected to be announced later this year.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Bereaved parents will benefit from specialist counselling thanks to a hospital charity-funded partnership between United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) and Petals, the baby loss counselling charity. This vital specialist support that is so often needed by parents following pregnancy and baby loss is not routinely available through the NHS. The emotional impact of this type of loss can be devastating, leaving many parents struggling with day-to-day life, unable to return to work, and feeling isolated in their grief. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “It is a privilege to stand alongside our Specialist Bereavement Midwifery Team and provide £100,000 to secure this vital baby loss counselling service for the next two years. This partnership will ensure compassionate, specialist care is offered to those who need it most, when they need it most.” Petals provide specialist counselling to help parents navigate the trauma of baby loss. In the past year alone, the charity has delivered more than 6,759 counselling sessions across the country. Karen Burgess, Petals CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with ULTH to offer this vital support. Lincolnshire is one of the largest counties in England, and this new contract is a major step forward in reaching more families who need help after baby loss.” From July 2025, when a family cared for by ULTH experiences a pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby, they will be given the option of counselling. The Maternity Bereavement team will then ensure the most appropriate psychological support is offered. Alternatively, families can self-refer for counselling via the Petals website. Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH, said: “We are immensely proud to have secured funding from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to provide a much-needed service to support the bereaved families that we care for. “Echoing the words of Petals, we believe all families should have access to specialist bereavement counselling following the loss of a baby. We recognise the devastation that the loss of a baby has on families, regardless of gestation and hope that the provision of this service will make a positive difference to our families in their time of need.” You can find out more about the partnership at: ULTH NHS Trust – Petals Charity.   Image shows Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH

The final phase of restoration work on Grantham’s iconic Victorian clock tower is set to begin this Sunday, following delays caused by unexpected structural issues.

Perched above the town’s Guildhall arts centre, the bell turret has been under repair since October after heavy rain exposed damage to the ballroom ceiling. Initial fixes focused on the roof and timber frame, but further inspection revealed deeper problems with the bell tower itself.

South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that the entire turret will now be carefully lifted by crane and transported off-site for specialist restoration in a workshop. The four supporting columns will also be removed, with any exposed gaps sealed during the process.

As part of the final steps, the windows will be redecorated and the scaffolding taken down by August. The bell tower is expected to return to its home atop the Grade II listed building by spring next year.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

Roxby Community Centre is set to undergo a small but meaningful transformation, with improvements that promise to make the much-loved local spot warmer, brighter, and more energy-efficient.

North Lincolnshire Council has approved a £10,944 grant to help fund a new roof and upgraded blinds for the building. The total project, valued at just over £12,000, includes a contribution from the centre itself.

These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re designed to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and make the centre more sustainable long term. It’s a practical boost for a space that hosts everything from social gatherings to local events.

The Roxby upgrade is part of a broader wave of investment in community-led initiatives across North Lincolnshire. Through its Community Grant Fund, the council has supported a wide range of organisations and groups with millions of pounds in funding since 2011.

It’s a reminder that even small improvements can make a big difference in the everyday lives of residents, keeping neighbourhood hubs like Roxby’s active, inviting, and ready for the future.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council