## **THE POIRIER FOUNDATION Registered Charity No 1160090** ## **ANNUAL REPORT 1/4/2021 to 31/3/2022** This year we have at last begun to return to what is so often called the new normal; 8 years on since we began, we’ve got through Covid at last. Seems to be permanently on its way down, though we remain alert and do what we can to avoid transmission. A brief reminder of our constitution: _To relieve the needs of elderly people and people with disabilities residing permanently or temporarily in Winterton, North Lincolnshire and surrounding communities by the provision of equipment, facilities and support services designed to relieve their needs, including but not by way of limitation, day care services, lunch club and activities to maintain good health._ There is much need out there, and as the NHS, Social Services and Council keep cutting services we are well aware that there are numerous additional activities we could take on given money and volunteers. We foresee a cost of living crisis which will affect everyone with limited income. Challenges lie ahead. ## What have we achieved in the last year? Last year’s report included significant temporary activities established during the pandemic. Here is an excerpt from the last report: _the Winter Support Scheme was turned into Coronavirus Support Scheme and we published our own Emergency Plan. Winterton is divided into 4 zones and as soon as lockdown came into effect... we could deploy our volunteers on providing the same support as during snowfalls: calling all the people registered with us to establish their immediate needs, finding out who needed shopping and prescriptions delivery, who would welcome a regular chat._ This (amongst other activities) continued well into this year. Our core activities fully resumed during the year: 1. Our long standing and successful Lunch & Linger, fortnightly on a Wednesday, began at Trinity Methodist Church Winterton (instead of the Winterton Pavilion) in September 2021, with social distancing, masks and hand sanitiser as we tentatively gathered. Numbers were reduced to achieve distancing, and eventually we began to add a few folk as and when enquiries came. We welcome older people or anyone feeling isolated in the Winterton area to socialise, as well as enjoy a good nutritious meal with us. The Linger part before the lunch has been a bit of a challenge since speakers were reluctant to come to us in the early months… except our good friend Steve Stubbins who has done more than his fair share. More recently we’ve been able to get the ‘Linger’ slot filled to good effect. ...for example: Steve Stubbins. Down Memory Lane in Winterton, Ashby & Scunthorpe Distribution of food items donated by the School after Harvest Festival. Citizens Advice Bureau Bill Barrowcliff, sign writer Trinity Band at Christmas Party Funny stories from around the world Scams awareness Update on Covid risk assessment and transport service Winterton 2022 Sheila's Craft Stall Winterton Lions Mike Joyce: Psalm 23 garden at the Chelsea Flower Show Our sincere thanks to all speakers and presenters. We are most grateful to Mick & Kathy from The Shopping Village Phoenix Café for supplying an excellent Christmas Lunch despite great personal difficulties at the time and also to Kathy and Kowsilla for a superb selection of desserts. Nicki Mumby not only oversees L&L and organises speakers but also agrees the menu with Stuart Marritt our volunteer chef..… Stuart took over at quite short notice when our former chef Lisa damaged her Achilles tendon and couldn’t walk for some time. We are most grateful to Lisa and her team of volunteer helpers for their past services over several years. Stuart has produced excellent menus and we are so glad that he willingly continues to delight us each fortnight. He has been assisted by Carole ...and Mike serving, with Cindy deputising for Carole a couple of times. We’re glad to have Roger with us now as a volunteer driver. We're something of a family... a miniature community supporting one another with good opportunity to fellowship around the table. Although we only make small profit we can still keep the cost of the meal at £5 and are able to cover the cost of hiring the Chapel Hall and travel costs to bring some of our guests to lunches. Generous support was received from the Soil Association and Blakemore Foundation. 2. Our Taxi Voucher scheme enables a taxi to be provided for folk who may have mobility issues and need transport … especially for visits for medical attention and other very necessary trips. This has enjoyed another successful year. We find ourselves increasingly stretched with the Taxi vouchers but do our best to help. The taxi service has been provided by Paul of Winterton Taxis. Paul continues to provide a very good service, giving the necessary time and going beyond the call of duty to help those with mobility issues. We’re grateful for support from Asda, donations and the ongoing Co-op Community Fund. We encourage folk to keep buying from the Co-op. A new round starts in October and we’re hoping again to be one of the Co-op’s chosen charities. 3. Our Winter Support Scheme continues. During the 2021-2 winter we got off lightly, but who knows what will be coming, and we are ready as always. Stuart Maw is not as mobile as he would like, but, as the last time it snowed, several helpers are on hand. The trailer will for next winter have Poirier livery with a sign on the back warning that gritting is taking place. Winterton is divided into 4 zones and we have over 120 households on our lists and we would like to thank Kathy, Nicky, Stuart and Kerrie for their willingness to be in touch with all concerned if severe weather arrives These three remain our core activities, but we can't miss out Hugo's Foot Care services.. holding regular clinics here between 1pm and 4pm on L&L Wednesdays. As TPF we are simply facilitating footcare here, it's all down to Hugo. But what a help it is having him here. Anyone can make an appointment and discuss their needs by contacting Hugo direct on his land-line number. Sadly our Volunteer Recruitment Campaign didn’t bring in any new recruits. We always need volunteers, and we can provide tasks for lots of other kinds of helpers. We want to share the work out so that we have someone able to help at any time, so the more, the merrier!. On the plus side we have added to our supply of disability aids available to be loaned out thanks to various folk who have given them. We are always looking for further ways of serving those in need within our remit and an issue that will affect a lot of people next winter is keeping warm. How can we address this issue amongst vulnerable folk in our community? We have some folk living with dementia… a new initiative called the Herbert Protocol looks useful for them. Finally, I want to say a big thankyou to my fellow trustees ….Nicki Mumby, Chris Pick and Jim Harding and to all volunteers whatever your role. We greatly value you, and are most grateful for your part in our success. M. Joyce (Chair of Trustees) THE POIRIER FOUNDATION Reg Charity No 1160090 8 King Street Winterton North Lincs DN15 9RN The Poirier Foundation Our Community OUT Care ACCOUNTS 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 Signed: Mike Joyce Chair Dated; 20 t