New-look day-services in Lincolnshire are providing improved opportunities for a wide range of people.
Day services across the county are being transformed thanks to a range of key improvements and new facilities.
The significant refurbishments are helping Lincolnshire County Council’s day services support a growing number of people, including those with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism and other long-term health conditions.
Key improvements are being made to existing buildings in Lincoln (Ancaster Day Service, now known as Boundary Street Hub) and Spalding, while new sites are being sought for Grantham and Skegness.
Councillor Wendy Bowkett, executive councillor for Adult Care and Public Health, said: “This is about making our day centres and services fit for purpose, not only for people who have used them before but as valuable community assets that a wider range of local people and groups can access and enjoy.
“We are committed to modern facilities where staff and visitors feel proud of the warm, open and welcoming spaces. Our buildings sit in the heart of many communities across the county and we extend a warm welcome to everyone.
“We’re working together to provide welcoming spaces in our communities where people can come together, places like our community cafes that offer the chance to try something new, meet new people, make friends and find support.”
Ancaster Day Service has been rebranded as Boundary Street Hub to reflect its important role in the community. Here, the transformation is already taking place with a completely remodelled reception area for the people who go there and their families.
Toilets have been modernised, along with a hygiene suite and other enhanced options.
Most importantly, our Day Services are creating skills and training opportunities for the wide range of people who use them.
Some examples include: the Quad restaurant in Lincoln where people enjoy supported work experience opportunities and develop hospitality skills, preparing and serving food, while the Spout Yard Park Kiosk in Louth serves the community in providing catering and maintaining garden areas.
In Boston, there are a range of opportunities for supported volunteering, including at a farm, horse centre, and charity shop, as well as creating and selling concrete items at fairs as part of a microenterprise.
And, in Market Rasen, people who access day services have developed their gardening skills, making improvements to the garden of a local nursing home, while squash and accessible sailing opportunities in Grantham and Stamford support people to live healthier, more active lives.
Drop-in and join-in opportunities vary from location to location and include:
- Knit and Natter – share skills, meet new people and produce high quality items for homeless people and premature babies
- Warm Welcome – public living rooms, safe space and a cuppa or homemade food for free or a small donation
- Community café’s – developing skills, volunteering and providing food for all
- Stronger Together – support groups with a dementia friendly focus
- Come and Craft – wreath making, flower arrangements, greetings cards
- Night Light Café & Memory Café – partnering with others to increase access to wellbeing services
- Support and information – letting you know what else is in the area.
A vital part of the work in these communities is the growing band of volunteers around the county, who share their skills and talents.
We welcome adults of all ages and partner with lots of different agencies, including Age UK, Carers First, local schools, church groups and other organisations.