News :Waltham

More teenagers in Scunthorpe are getting active, building confidence and improving their mental wellbeing thanks to a council-funded fitness programme that is rapidly expanding across the town.

The MoveMENt New Beginnings, based on East Common Lane in Scunthorpe, has used a £3,800 grant from North Lincolnshire Council to grow its popular Teen Gym programme – creating more free sessions, more specialist support and more safe spaces for young people who might not otherwise access fitness activities.

From girls-only sessions, support groups to dads-and-kids workouts and culturally sensitive fitness sessions, the programme is designed around the real lives and experiences of local young people.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Too many young people face pressures around confidence, mental health and feeling like they belong.

“Programmes like this matter because they give teenagers somewhere positive to go, supportive adults around them and the chance to build confidence through fitness and friendship.

“This is exactly the kind of grassroots community activity we want to support – local organisations stepping up to create opportunities that genuinely change lives.

“It’s not just about exercise. It’s about helping young people feel healthier, happier, more connected and more confident about themselves and their future.”

The programme now runs seven free sessions every week, with up to 15 places available at each class. Every 45-minute session combines physical activity with wellbeing support, peer encouragement and confidence building in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Young people taking part can:

• learn new exercises and healthy habits
• improve fitness in a structured, supportive setting
• access wellbeing support tailored to their needs
• build confidence through peer coaching and group activity
• try different gym equipment and techniques safely

Weekly sessions include:

• Teen girls – Mondays, 4.15pm to 5pm and Wednesdays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
• Teen boys – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
• LGBTQIA+ teens – Fridays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
• Dads and kids – Saturdays, 9.30am to 10.15am
• Teen girls health and hijabs – Saturdays, 12pm to 1pm

The funding forms part of North Lincolnshire Council’s wider £50,000 investment into youth activities across the area, helping community organisations provide free activities, trusted adult support and positive opportunities for young people outside school hours.

Sessions are already running throughout the year, with organisers continuing to shape future activities alongside young people and local communities.

For more information email sgnewbeginning@outlook.com.

The post Teen fitness programme grows as council backing helps more young people get active appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

North Lincolnshire’s mobile library is back on the road after extensive repairs and refurbishment work – keeping the much-loved service running safely and reliably for rural communities.

The loved vehicle has undergone a major overhaul, with extensive structural repairs – including a brand new floor – making sure it can continue delivering books, learning and support to residents.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Libraries matter and that includes making sure rural communities are not left behind.

“We continue to invest in libraries in North Lincolnshire at a time when many councils are cutting them back or closing them altogether – we do things differently here because we focus on the what is best for residents.

“We have promised to keep libraries open – and this mobile library is an important part of that wider commitment – bringing books, learning and services directly into communities in villages and market towns.”

The council has committed to buy a new electric mobile library however this refurbishment ensures residents continue to have access to books, learning and library services while the new one is built.

Every three weeks the mobile library visits dozens of communities, schools and neighbourhood stops across North Lincolnshire.

This includes Alkborough, Althorpe, Appleby, Barnetby, Barrow upon Humber, Belton, Bonby, Burringham, Burton upon Stather, Coleby, Dragonby, East Halton, East Lound, Eastoft, Flixborough, Garthorpe, Greetwell, Gunness, Gunthorpe, Hibaldstow, Holme, Howsham, Keadby, Kirmington, Luddington, New Holland, Normanby, North Killingholme, Risby, Roxby, Scawby, South Ferriby, South Killingholme, Thealby, Thornton Curtis, Ulceby, West Butterwick, West Halton, Westwoodside, Whitton, Winteringham, Wootton, Worlaby, Wrawby and Wroot,

It also calls at schools, mobile home parks and rural villages where access to services can be more limited. Routes operate across Mondays to Fridays on rotating three-weekly schedules.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for rural communities and market towns, said: “For many residents the mobile library is far more than a van delivering books. It is a regular community service that helps people stay connected, keeps children engaged with reading and learning, and supports residents who may struggle to travel further afield.

“It reaches communities right across North Lincolnshire every week and we know how valued it is by the people who use it.”

Libraries across North Lincolnshire now support residents with everything from borrowing books and accessing computers to community activities, study space and digital inclusion support, alongside initiatives such as the Imagination Library scheme which has gifted more than one million books to young children across the area.

Full mobile library route timetables and stopping points are available on the council’s website.

The post Back on the road: mobile library returns to rural communities appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

A newly opened play park in Barton-upon-Humber has been damaged by fire and vandalism less than a week after opening, leaving the community deeply disappointed.

The £150,000 upgrade at Baysgarth Park, delivered by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with the Friends of Barton Parks and local organisations, had only just opened to families when the inclusive roundabout was set on fire and graffiti appeared on several new play items.

Thanks to a successful grant, a new CCTV system will be installed at Baysgarth Park and is expected to be live by the end of the month, helping to protect the area moving forward.

While the equipment at Baysgarth Park has been cleaned and is now operational, these incidents are not isolated. Similar acts of vandalism have also been reported at parks in Parkwood and Asterby Road, as well as in Riddings, where a roundabout has been damaged beyond repair.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is completely unacceptable and frankly infuriating. Significant public money has been invested here to create something positive for families, and a small minority have chosen to damage it almost immediately.

“It’s selfish, destructive behaviour and it will not be tolerated. We will do everything we can to support the police in identifying those responsible and ensuring they are held to account.”

Cllr Paul Vickers, ward councillor for Barton and chair of the Friends of Barton Parks, said: “This is really upsetting for everyone involved, but especially for the families and children who were already enjoying the new play area.

“A lot of time, care and community effort went into creating this space. To see it damaged so quickly is a real blow and will be disappointing for many local residents who were looking forward to using it over the coming weeks.”

The council is working with the Friends of Barton Parks, local businesses and nearby CCTV operators to gather evidence, which will be shared with Humberside Police to support any potential prosecution.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Humberside Police.

The post New play park vandalised within days of opening in blow to Barton families appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham says he looks forward to seeing the Government’s detailed plan after the Prime Minister announced moves to enable British Steel’s nationalisation

Original Source .

Hundreds of children and young people across North Lincolnshire are benefiting from an exciting range of new creative activities at The Dancing Tiger Scrapstore.

The Brigg-based group got a £5,000 cash boost from North Lincolnshire Council.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about investing in young people where they live, giving them the tools to be creative, confident and connected.

“These sessions offer young people more than just something to do – they help them find their voice, discover new talents and work together in a fun, safe and supportive environment.”

The funding, from the council’s Positive Activities grants scheme, will support a series of innovative workshops combining cosplay, textiles, and puppet making – giving young people the chance to develop hands-on skills, express their creativity, and take part in performance-based storytelling projects.

The workshops include:

• Cosplay sessions that blend fashion, craft and character design.
• Textile workshops that explore both hand and machine sewing techniques including embroidery, applique, and upcycling.
• Puppet making activities, where participants will build their own puppets using materials like fabric, foam and wire, learning about movement, articulation, and character development.

This programme is part of a wider investment of almost £50,000 in youth activities across North Lincolnshire – helping local organisations provide inclusive, open-access sessions that build confidence, foster friendships and ensure young people have trusted adults they can turn to.

You can find out more about the workshops at The Dancing Tiger Scrapstore by emailing: thedancingtigerscrapstore@outlook.com.

The post Cash boost for creative youth activities at The Dancing Tiger Scrapstore appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Organisers behind this year’s new Armed Forces Festival at Normanby Hall are calling on community groups, clubs and volunteers to help make the event a success.

From welcoming visitors and supporting family activities to helping keep the site clean and tidy throughout the day, there are a range of ways local people can get involved in one of the area’s biggest community events of the summer.

There is also an opportunity for groups to support the Veterans Hub during the festival by helping serve refreshments and providing a friendly face for veterans and visitors throughout the day.

To get involved email events@northlincs.gov.uk.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “North Lincolnshire has an incredible community spirit and we are lucky to have so many groups and volunteers who already make a huge contribution to life across our area.

“Events like this simply would not be possible without that support. Whether it’s helping visitors, supporting veterans or just lending a hand for a few hours, every contribution helps create something special for the whole community.”

The new-look festival will see Armed Forces Day at its heart, with parades, military displays, drill demonstrations, live music, living history performances, mini tank rides and family activities taking place across the grounds of Normanby Hall on Saturday 20 June.

The event will also highlight the Hall’s wartime history and the role rural communities played in supporting the war effort. Free entry, free parking and a free park and ride service from Scunthorpe Bus Station will be available throughout the day.

Cllr Elaine Marper, North Lincolnshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We want this year’s Armed Forces Festival to be a huge success and a real community event that people feel proud to be part of.

“It will be a fantastic day celebrating our Armed Forces community while bringing together families, residents, veterans and visitors from across North Lincolnshire. Any group or volunteer who can help on the day will play an important part in making that happen.”

The post Armed Forces Festival needs you – community volunteers wanted for landmark event appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Children and families in Keadby can now enjoy improved play facilities and a more welcoming community space thanks to new investment in the village play park.

The improvements have been made possible through a £3,000 Community Grant from North Lincolnshire Council, alongside a £1,500 contribution from Keadby with Althorpe Parish Council, which also secured additional funding to support the project.

The investment will help create safer, more inclusive and enjoyable play opportunities for local children, while improving an important outdoor space for the wider community.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is great to see Keadby with Althorpe Parish Council working hard to secure funding and invest in facilities that will benefit local children and families for years to come.

“The Community Grant Fund is here to support these kinds of community-led projects, and I’m delighted to see this funding put to good use.”

The upgraded equipment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen community spaces across North Lincolnshire, encouraging outdoor activity, healthier lifestyles and opportunities for people to spend time together locally.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families – children, said: “I’m delighted that Keadby Play Park is receiving this support. Good play facilities make a real difference in how children, parents and carers use local outdoor spaces.

“This investment will help ensure the park remains a welcoming and fun place for families to enjoy.”

Since launching, North Lincolnshire Council’s Community Grant Fund has invested millions of pounds into local projects, supporting everything from youth groups and sports clubs to parish councils and community organisations.

For more information about the Community Grant Fund and how to apply, visit North Lincolnshire Council’s website.

The post New play equipment brings fresh life to Keadby park appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Hear from the leader of the council, Cllr Rob Waltham and Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families – children on the latest outstanding success.

Cllr Rob Waltham says: “For 14 years, four times in a row, outstanding!”

#Outstanding #Ofsted #children #families

Video

Original Source .

Independent inspectors Ofsted have once again rated North Lincolnshire Council’s support for children and families as Outstanding – marking a fourth consecutive top rating and 14 years of the highest possible rating.

Children and families’ lives are being changed for the better every day in North Lincolnshire, with inspectors praising the council as “inspirational” and “exceptional”, driven by a “relentless” focus on improvement and “robust political” backing.

Inspectors found that leaders have “further strengthened practice, delivering clear and positive impact” – with children across North Lincolnshire continuing to benefit from high-quality support at every stage of their journey.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “No other council in the country has achieved what we have. The difference that is being made to children’s lives day in, day out has been recognised by independent inspectors at Ofsted.

“I know sometimes we miss bins, and sometimes the roads could be better, but people are the priority – especially those who do not get the help nor support from anywhere else.

“There is no greater responsibility we have than the care and support we provide – and that simply wouldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of the teams in children’s social care and across every part of the council.

“This is not a one-off. This is many years of consistently outstanding support for children and families in North Lincolnshire. That doesn’t happen by accident.”

The report highlights a system that is not standing still, describing “inspirational senior leaders, exceptional managers and staff” working together with partners to drive continuous improvement and better outcomes for families.

North Lincolnshire’s ‘one family’ approach was singled out as a key strength, with inspectors noting it is “deeply embedded and delivers consistently high-quality practice”, supported by a wide range of services that are improving children’s lives.

Across the board, inspectors found children are safer, better supported and making strong progress, underpinned by exceptionally strong partnerships, a stable workforce and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families – children, said: “This is about families feeling safe, being listened to and knowing there are people who care about them and will stand by them.

“There will be children leaving school and embarking on their careers in the coming weeks who have only had outstanding, giving them the best start in life – and that consistency matters.

“Behind every line of this report is a real story – a child now safe when they might not have been, a young person who has been heard when they felt invisible and families who have someone alongside them when things were at their hardest.”

Rachel Smith, director of children’s services, said: “We are incredibly proud of the people who work here in North Lincolnshire and we are really pleased that Ofsted have recognised the practice that we see day in and day out.

“Our staff and our partners have continued to raise standards through innovation and a shared commitment to learning and improvement with a clear focus on always doing the right thing.

“The report published today is a testament to our workforce who show real commitment and care every day, always keeping children and families at the heart of everything that they do.”

The post Four-in-a-row: 14 years of outstanding support for children and families in North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .