North Lincolnshire residents and businesses offered opportunity to undertake free training courses

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North Lincolnshire residents and businesses offered opportunity to undertake free training courses
North Lincolnshire residents and businesses are being offered the opportunity to undertake a variety of training courses that are fully funded through a brand-new program. 1000 Futures is a skills program designed to empower people and businesses in North Lincolnshire with the opportunity to retrain, upskill, and unlock their full potential. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Whether you’re a resident in search of new qualifications or a business looking to enhance the skills of your workforce, these courses are a great opportunity to assist people in their career journey. “This is a program that has been designed to provide vital skills and qualifications that are in high demand across a variety of industries. They can boost business productivity, enhance staff skills, increase employability, and help individuals obtain new qualifications. “I would urge local people and businesses to take full advantage of this offer and secure their place before it is too late.” Some of the courses on offer include wind turbine training, bespoke electrical, scaffolding and industrial, Forklift licence, welding, mechanical and electrical engineering, painting and decorating and more. These fully funded courses, delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), are offered free of charge to both employed and unemployed participants. To be eligible for this program, you must be 19 years or older, live or work in North Lincolnshire, and be eligible to work in the UK.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pressmaster

Community orchard set for Market Rasen

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Community orchard set for Market Rasen
The Rasen Area Environment Group’s bid to establish a community orchard has been approved as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s Coronation Community Orchard Project, funded by Defra’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund. This development marks a significant step forward in creating a vibrant, multi-functional green space, that will benefit both the local environment and the community. The Market Rasen Community Orchard project aims to plant a diverse array of 84 fruit trees across two key locations in Market Rasen. Most trees will be planted at Mill Road Park, creating a substantial community orchard space, including apples, pears, plums, medlars, and mulberry, while a select number of mature specimen trees will be planted in the front area of De Aston field, enhancing the existing recreational space near the benches. With a focus on Lincolnshire varieties, the orchard will not only promote biodiversity and support wildlife but also provide a source of fresh, locally grown, produce for residents. Cllr Stephen Bunney, Chair of both the Environment and Sustainability Member Working Group at West Lindsey District Council and of the Rasen Area Environment Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He said: “This community orchard represents a fantastic opportunity for Market Rasen. “It will enhance our local environment, provide educational opportunities, and create a beautiful space for residents to enjoy. We’re grateful for the support of the Coronation Community Orchard Grant in making this vision a reality.” Key features of the Market Rasen Community Orchard project include:
  • Planting of 84 fruit trees, with a preference for Lincolnshire varieties
  • Creation of habitats for pollinators and other wildlife
  • Community involvement in planting, maintaining, and enjoying the orchard
  • Educational opportunities for sustainable horticultural practices
  • An ongoing maintenance commitment from dedicated volunteers
The project will come to life through a series of community planting days from February 6-8, 2025. Local schools and community groups, including Market Rasen Pre-school, Town & Country Pre-school, the Old Station Group, and Market Rasen Primary School, will be participating in the planting activities. The group welcomes community volunteers to join the planting effort on Saturday, February 8. Yvonne Horrocks of the Rasen Area Environment Group said: “We’re excited to bring this project to fruition. “The community orchard will not only provide environmental benefits but also serve as a gathering place that promotes social interaction, physical activity, and mental well-being.” To volunteer for the community planting day on February 8, please contact: Yvonne Horrocks, Secretary and Coordinator, Rasen Area Environment Group:  Rasenarea.eg@gmail.com   Image credit: West Lindsey District Council

Skegness theatre transformation gets under way

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Skegness theatre transformation gets under way
Alliance Leisure has begun the transformation of the historic Embassy Theatre in Skegness to turn it into one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture houses’ by the end of April this year. This redevelopment supports East Lindsey District Council’s vision to enhance local engagement with the arts, celebrate diversity, and create a venue with year-round appeal. Works on this project are being delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, bringing together a proven team of leisure development specialist including Universal Construction and LK2 Architects. Axiom is overseeing day to day project management, with Alliance Leisure responsible for the overall project delivery. The project incorporates two new single-storey extensions, adding to the venue’s current footprint. Works will include significant upgrades to seating within the auditorium, enhanced backstage access and facilities, the creation of a new feature entrance and a multi-purpose space to the rear of the building. Andy Newman, Director at LK2 Architects, said: “The Embassy improvements are based on the founding design principles of the Scandinavian ‘culture house’. The development will provide larger areas for multi-use operations for Arts, Culture and Theatre use. “The design provides a visible and attractive frontage with light airy arrival spaces offering maximum functionality and appeal to encourage the public to engage with the arts whilst providing new and refurbished staff and theatre areas to improve existing operations.” These latest works, funded through the Towns Fund, Arts Council England and East Lindsey District Council capital, form part of the Skegness Connected Coast Town Deal and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund project. Councillor Steve Kirk, the council’s champion for the project, says: “I am delighted to see another of our transformational Towns Fund projects getting underway in Skegness, and cannot wait to enjoy the cultural offer and opportunities it brings first-hand. “This project will help to allow residents and holiday-goers alike access to the highest quality of performances, workshops and more, and provide a platform for new creative businesses to develop and grow in East Lindsey and attract more visitors throughout the year. “Working with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, gives us confidence that the project will be delivered on time and on budget. The timing of this project is absolutely critical. We need to be able to welcome visitors back into the main auditorium at the beginning of March because from that point on the theatre has a full schedule of shows booked.”

Council throws its weight behind farmers’ objections to inheritance tax

Stuart Pearcey
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Council throws its weight behind farmers’ objections to inheritance tax
West Lindsey District has thrown its weight behind opposition to the Government’s changes to inheritance tax, which it says will have devastating impacts on rural communities, food security, and environmental conservation. The council is to write to Chancellor Rachel Reeves deploring the decision to scrap Agricultural Property Relief, which has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship. It is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000. It forces many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership and lifestyle buyers over family ownership. Cllr John Barrett put forward a motion to full council in which he said: “This Council believes this inheritance tax will have severe impacts on food security. Selling off land or closing farms will risk our national food independence when global stability is already fragile. British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food.” He added: “This is something that is close to my heart. About 60 years ago I had a number of relatives who had small farms up in West Yorkshire. A similar thing happened and they now have no farms and they had to sell up to developers.”

North Lincolnshire’s Imagination Library delivers millionth book

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North Lincolnshire’s Imagination Library delivers millionth book
The Imagination Library scheme in North Lincolnshire has reached a major milestone, delivering its millionth book. This achievement was celebrated with a special event at Live Well Isle of Axholme, where families, schools and Imagination Library author and illustrator Neil Clark gathered to mark the success of the initiative. The child who received the millionth book was presented with a raft of prizes at the event including a family ticket to see Pirates Love Underpants at the Baths Hall in June donated by Norwell Lapley Productions. Since its launch in 2013 more than one million free books have now been delivered to over 27,000 local children, with North Lincolnshire delivering a sixth of all Imagination Library books in the whole of the UK. The scheme has made a profound impact on young readers and their families in North Lincolnshire, helping to ensure every child has access to quality literature and the opportunity to develop essential reading skills before they start school. North Lincolnshire Council will continue to fund the scheme, which delivers a free book each month to every child under five, supporting them to develop a love of books and reading for pleasure. For many children, the Imagination Library books are their first introduction to the joys of reading, helping to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Imagination Library has become a crucial part of our efforts to support families and children in North Lincolnshire and this milestone reflects the dedication of everyone involved. “We are committed to ensuring that every child in our area has the opportunity to thrive, and reading is a key part of that journey.” Data shows that children in North Lincolnshire who are registered with the Imagination Library perform better at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage, in the phonics screening check and in assessments at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families, and communities, added: “This is a proud moment for North Lincolnshire, it’s fantastic to see the joy that the Imagination Library brings to families. Every book delivered is a step forward in helping to nurture a love of reading, which is vital for a child’s development. “We’re so pleased to be part of such a positive initiative, and we look forward to continuing to support our young readers and their families.” The event at Live Well Isle of Axholme brought together families who have benefitted from the scheme – including those who received the very first books delivered in 2013, along with local schools and organisations who have supported its success. Helen Hastle, regional director for the Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “I would like to congratulate staff and volunteers at North Lincolnshire Council at all levels for their commitment, enthusiasm and vision to reach the one million Imagination Library books mailed milestone. “What an achievement, bringing the joy of books and reading to so many children, with many building a fabulous home library from birth. You are our first programme partner to reach this milestone in the UK.” It is completely free to join North Lincolnshire’s Imagination library and siblings can register individually to each receive their own age appropriate book every month. Every child receives The Tale of Peter Rabbit as a welcome book with a special message from Dolly Parton in the front.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com

Small business owners in Lincolnshire speak to council decision-makers

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Small business owners in Lincolnshire speak to council decision-makers

Small business owners in Lincolnshire have been able to speak directly to council decision-makers on a range of issues that are affecting them.

Hosted by the Lincolnshire Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), representatives from businesses across the county took part in a round table discussion with county councillors and officers. The event was also attended by the National FSB chair, Martin McTague OBE, who provided context about issues affecting small businesses countywide. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Lincolnshire economy and we have been working with the FSB in Lincolnshire for some time now to make sure we create the right conditions for them to survive, thrive and grow. “Hearing first hand from small businesses on trading conditions, how the rurality of our county affects them and what further support they need is incredibly valuable to us as a council. “I know everyone who took part got a lot out of the session where we could talk honestly and openly about our shared ambitions. The views from the FSB members will also help to shape the future services delivered by our Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub.” Katrina Pierce, business development manager for the Lincolnshire FSB, said: “In a county that is home to over 40,000 small and medium sized businesses, it is critically important that the county council is open to listening to the challenges and opportunities the precious businesses face. “But listening is one thing; responding to the needs raised with targeted support, campaigns and events that directly benefit SMEs is what really shows the council cares, and I’m delighted that we have such a positive relationship with the authority that results in great outcomes for local firms. “Our members represented themselves, their locations and their sectors with care, passion and pride and I look forward to hosting more of these sessions in the future.” Cllr Ian Carrington was also in attendance at the meeting. Cllr Carrington chairs the county council’s Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, which recently endorsed Lincolnshire FSB’s ‘Future of the High Street’ report. He said: “The committee felt very strongly that given the challenges facing small businesses in Lincolnshire, liaising with organisations such as the FSB is absolutely crucial so that as a council, we can offer whatever support we can. “Hearing from small businesses at this event really helped bring to life the realities of the challenges they face, but also the excellent work being done across the county.”
  Image shows: Cllr Colin Davie, Katrina Pierce, Martin McTague and Cllr Ian Carrington. Credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Lincoln nurse named Haemophilia Society’s Nurse of the Year

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Lincoln nurse named Haemophilia Society’s Nurse of the Year
A Lincoln nurse has been crowned Nurse of the Year at The Haemophilia Society’s Recognition Awards. Alison Dawson-Meadows, Haemophilia Nurse Specialist at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is part of the team which supports approximately 600 patients across the county who are living with a range of bleeding disorders, including haemophilia and von Willebrand disorder. The national Recognition Awards were introduced by The Haemophilia Society this year, as a result of a suggestion by their Youth Ambassadors. Nominations were received from both clinicians and society members in each of the categories. One patient who nominated Alison said: “I know from speaking with Alison that she often works longer hours than contracted and has given up annual leave to ensure patients are treated, including responding to enquires I have made while on her annual leave and day off. For me, Alison exemplified everything that is good about nursing.” Alison received her award at the Haemophilia Society’s Big Get-Together conference in Leicester. Alison, who has been a nurse for more than 20 years, said: “This award was so unexpected and I feel truly honoured to have been recognised by my patients and The Haemophilia Society. “The nature of our role and the long-term conditions our patients live with means that we have the privilege to get to know our patients and their whole family really well. I work closely with other services in Lincolnshire, and also specialist centres outside of the county, to make sure patients have everything they need to manage their care, no matter what their age or how long they have been diagnosed.” Alison added: “Being at the conference and listening to so many amazing and emotional stories really made me think about how vital our service is for our patients in Lincolnshire. It’s a vital component in the NHS.” Kate Burt, Chief Executive of The Haemophilia Society, said: “Alison’s patients clearly think the world of her. She cares deeply about the support they need and, despite facing testing circumstances, goes the extra mile to ensure her patients get the best care possible. Alison’s compassion and outstanding commitment to her patients make her a very worthy winner of our first Nurse of the Year award.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pauchi

Council staff to raise money for homelessness charity in Great Grimsby Sleep Out

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Council staff to raise money for homelessness charity in Great Grimsby Sleep Out
The annual Great Grimsby Sleep Out is set to take place on 7 February 2025, to raise vital funds for homelessness charity, Harbour Place. Every year groups of volunteers gather across several levels of the West Wing car park at Freshney Place in Grimsby, and spend the night sleeping rough to raise money for the charity. Volunteers enter the Sleep Out in teams who will work together using cardboard to build themselves shelters to sleep in overnight. This year, North East Lincolnshire Council have a team of ten taking part in the sleep out. The team includes senior leaders Sharon Wroot, Executive Director of Place and Resources, Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, and Katie Brown, Director of Adult’s Services. Katie said: “At the recent Harbour Place fundraising dinner, we had the opportunity to sign up…so we did! Over the following week, more of our colleagues decided to join us. “We felt it was really important to raise awareness of homelessness and rough sleeping, and also to promote the role of the council in the delivery of housing in our community.” North East Lincolnshire Council works closely with Harbour Place to support people who are rough sleeping in the area. Harbour Place provides a day centre with short-stay rooms for people who have been rough sleeping in North East Lincolnshire. They also provide support for those rough sleeping and outreach support. Every person who attends Harbour Place is able to have a shower, a hot meal, and get clean clothes. Jessica Burnette, Harbour Place’s Community Engagement Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have members of North East Lincolnshire Council joining us in our Great Grimsby Sleep Out event on the 7th February 2025. This annual event aims to raise awareness and resources to support people who are experiencing homelessness in our community. “All the money raised will go directly towards Harbour Place services and will support us to accomplish our mission, which ultimately is to end homelessness. “Our event is hosted in the West wing car park located at Freshney Place, who have hosted this event for Harbour Place for many years. We are extremely grateful for all the support and hard work from Freshney Place and its employees. “We put on several activities throughout the evening, including our competition for the best shelter design. Teams will use cardboard to build their own shelters to sleep under for the evening. It is fantastic to see local businesses and members of our community getting involved in the activities, it gives a real sense of community. “The event starts at 7pm through to 6am the following morning. We have different activities and entertainment scheduled until later in the evening, then at approximately 10pm is when we usually start to see our fundraisers getting ready for some rest. “This year, we are set to have over 80 participants. It is great to see so many new and regular people getting involved in this significant event.” Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure, and Transport, added: “It’s great to see that senior leaders from the council are taking part in the sleep out, raising money and awareness for such a great cause! “Harbour Place do such great work supporting people who rough sleep in our area, but it is important that people who find themselves facing homelessness to seek support as early as possible. “As soon as you find out that you may be facing eviction or the loss of your home, contact the Council’s Home Options team. This will give them some time to start to consider your case and search for alternative accommodation or get in touch with your landlord to arrange an extension to your contract.” To donate to the council team for the Harbour Place Sleep Out, please visit Katie Brown is fundraising for Harbour Place Grimsby.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/2B

North Lincolnshire Council looks to improve health and care through Community First transformation

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North Lincolnshire Council looks to improve health and care through Community First transformation
North Lincolnshire Council is set to establish a Joint Committee with Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). By working together, the ICB and the council aim to make the most effective use of resources and design the future blueprint of health and care services across the county. Cllr Richard Hannigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for adults and health, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “North Lincolnshire Council and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board have a strong track record of working together to deliver health and care services and this is a perfect opportunity for change and to improve the health and care of people living in North Lincolnshire. “Through greater integration and transformation comes further local accountability, influence and decision-making powers over local health and care services. “This will create the ideal conditions to achieve the best outcomes with, and for, people and will enable the health and care system in North Lincolnshire to use resources more effectively.” The North Lincolnshire Health and Care Integration Plan 2021-2024 initially set the scene for Place based integration. In June 2023 this plan was superseded by the Community First Strategy, which is North Lincolnshire’s plan for health and social care integration and transformation and has all health and social care organisations in North Lincolnshire onboard and in agreement. Cllr Richard Hannigan added: “There is a strong appetite to further develop our integrated working arrangement. This includes working better together so that health and care interventions are more person centred, health inequalities are addressed, and more work is done to improve people’s health and wellbeing through the wider determinants of health. “Pooling functions and resources enables closer collaboration, reduces duplication, encourages innovation and faster decision-making. “All of this is driven by our long-term goal that people of all ages are empowered and facilitated to self-care and have control over their lives. People are safe and can access the right health and care at the right time and we can continue to prioritise those most in need.” Detailed work is ongoing between the ICB and North Lincolnshire Council to determine the scope, structure, and content of an s75 agreement, with the terms of reference for the Joint Committee coming into force on 1 April 2025.
  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Kzenon

Grantham family speaks up in new film to help others avoid suicide

Stuart Pearcey
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Grantham family speaks up in new film to help others avoid suicide

A Grantham family takes centre stage in a poignant new film called Evelyn, released today, which tells the story of their daughter’s suicide just before her sixteenth birthday.

Narrated by her mum Jenni, the film explores the devastating impact of youth suicide on families. The film, created by charity CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) in partnership with ITV and the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation.

Jack and Jenni Swift, Evelyn’s parents, said: “Our daughter Evelyn took her own life when she was just 15 years old. A month before her sixteenth birthday. We miss her so much.

“We hope this film encourages parents and carers, teachers, coaches, health professionals – anyone really – to understand the sheer scale of this issue and how anyone can be affected. And we hope it encourages people to arm themselves with the skills and tools they need to properly support a young person.

“Parents and carers especially need skills and knowledge to support their young people. It’s really important people don’t shy away from using the word suicide. It can be really scary – but we need to use the word suicide confidently to enable more open conversations.”

A Missed Birthdays campaign last September was made possible by funding from the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation. Tarsem Dhaliwal, Group Chief Exec of Iceland Foods and Trustee of Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation said: “Youth suicide is an urgent crisis, and we’re proud to support CALM’s powerful campaign to raise awareness and provide practical tools that can save lives.

“At Iceland, we’re deeply committed to the communities we serve, and we believe it’s crucial to help trusted adults feel confident in having those vital conversations with young people. Talking about suicide can feel difficult, but it’s only by addressing it directly that we can start to make a difference. CALM’s C.A.R.E. Kit is an invaluable resource, and we encourage everyone to take the time to familiarise themselves with it. Together, we can help ensure young people feel supported and know they’re not alone​.”

The CALM C.A.R.E. Kit is available free at thecalmzone.net
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