Throughout the pandemic YMCA Lincolnshire has continued to deliver our wide range of services to individuals and communities across Lincolnshire. Our nursery settings in Gainsborough and Lincoln have continued to operate, offering high-quality care for families, many of whom have vulnerable children. We go the extra mile, for example providing activity kits and food parcels to ensure families feel as supported as possible in uncertain times.

Our Housing team housed and supported over 400 people in the Nomad Emergency Accomodation in Lincoln, at our Hostel and throughout our range of supported housing. We’ve offered one to one mentoring and support through Building Better Opportunities funding, and have supported vulnerable young people with multiple complex needs through a project with 6 other Midlands based YMCA’s called SHINE.

Our Community Development team has continued it’s incredible work. Talk Eat Drink (TED) East Lindsey supports Ageing Better amongst the over 50’s across the district.  One of fourteen Ageing Better Programmes 537 volunteers have given over 13000 hours of support to their communities. Over 100 businesses have been supported to achieve ‘Age Friendly Awards’ and in total over 1400 people have been referred through the project. To find out more visit the TED website: https://tedineastlindsey.co.uk/

Bench installed by Good Neighbourhood Scheme

Our Good Neighbour Scheme (GNS) project grew massively through lockdown. At their essence a GNS is about three things – connecting neighbours, building expertise and enhancing communities. 

There are 22 live schemes operating in our programme across Lincolnshire with more due to ‘go live’ over the next 18 months.  The schemes have an incredible impact on their communities, supporting 500 volunteers and reaching over 3000 residents in nearly 50 communities. They carry out everything from befriending, home visits, accessing IT, collecting prescriptions, form filling andhousehold tasks.

The services of these local groups has never been more needed. In a recent survey 75% had set up as a direct response to Covid 19. Those schemes in place prior to the first lockdown reported a 34% increase in residents supported as a result of the pandemic.

"It is the best thing to happen in this area for many a year. It gives me peace of mind that there is always someone to help…and I really enjoy the regular visits from my befriender. Little things such as making telephone calls on my behalf make such a difference."

Here's a link to an introductory flyer: https://communitylincs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Good-Neighbour-Scheme-Flyer-9.20.pdf

Both TED East Lindsey and GNS are funded through The National Lottery.

Through incredible support from Barclays we’re able to offer a Hardship Fund to provide small amounts of support to those in our communities most in need.  More information here: https://www.lincsymca.co.uk/barclays-hardship-fund/

We have an exciting suite of youth development social action projects in development on the East Coast and in Lincoln, our activity programme at The Showroom, comprising everything from Climbing to Parkour, Drama to Music is returning.

We aspire to be at the heart of Lincolnshire’s Covid recovery, having a positive impact on the Mind, Body and Spirit of all those we reach.