Our project support officer Katy has recently been busy visiting funded projects across the county. Seeing the brilliant community work being done has been interesting and Katy has really enjoyed being able to do this and wants to say a big thank you to all the projects she has visited for such a warm welcome!

She has been all over the county, so could fill an entire newsletter with information on all the projects she has visited, but here are just a few:

The LRSN Health Hut was at The Lincolnshire Show providing mobile health screenings. LRSN are volunteer-led and aims to provide support for farmers and rural communities.

Hill Holt Wood focuses on getting outside in nature to improve emotional, cognitive and physical health. Their projects are progressing in their beautiful ancient woodland and the ‘Rebuild with Nature’ project had almost completed the new outdoor wooden structure, while ‘Coppice Crafts’ have been busy making spoons and wooden storage pots.

The ‘Horses for Health’ programme run by Foxdale Equine Assisted Learning is for individuals who are experiencing mental and/or emotional health needs that worsened due to the pandemic. The programme gives people the chance to be in a peaceful, natural setting away from everyday stress. During Katy’s visit, there was an art session taking place where people were collecting leaves and other natural materials to paint with. Unfortunately, Foxdale has closed its doors, we will miss their wonderful community offer but wish them luck in their future.

Active Arena runs the ‘Raising Together’ group which provides support for mums who gave birth during lockdown. Sessions include sensory baby play whilst giving the opportunity to give mums a space to talk and make new connections. There is also a monthly session dedicated to parent wellbeing. The ‘Raising Together’ group was being held in the new role play area which was very much enjoyed by adults and children.

The ’Chatter Cake’ project run by Carers First provides informal peer support to female carers. Katy attended a pottery painting event held at Fiddley Diddley The Little Shop of Lovely Things and the session was enjoyed by all.

Inspired Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) aims to improve confidence and self-esteem, enhance communication, relationship skills and reduce social isolation. There was no session during Katy’s visit, but she was kindly shown around by Mike and the work they’re doing looks really valuable.

Katy attended a Rock School Bus session in Pinchbeck, where she got to see their fully kitted out musical double-decker bus in action. It was great to see how much the community enjoyed the session.

Continuing further south, Katy and Jenny popped to The Long Sutton Men’s Shed to see the progress of their quiet room – keep an eye out as this is opening soon!

Finally, Katy attended the NW Counselling Hub Open day and birthday, it was great to hear about all the fantastic work they are doing.