Annual Report 2022
‘Movin Forward’ g
Connexions has emerged from a very difficult couple of years, during the pandemic, with a more positive outlook going forward. Taking the opportunity to begin again. With a genuine desire to do much more within our communities. This year there has been a renewed sense of enthusiasm and support for local projects, and the wider community.
Embracing this renewed enthusiasm we have developed many more partnerships, working together, through Connexions, to give much more back to the community. This has included warm spaces, mindfulness and meditation sessions, drop in sessions, gaming sessions and Mental health support through the Night Life Café, Disability Social Network and within our own qualified volunteers and trustees.
This year we have also spend time completely refurbishing a second property further along Church Street; a former charity shop that had been neglected for many years, a labour of love for almost a year, now in use, providing a single floor, welcoming and more intimate space for drop ins, support groups, meetings and community learning.
None of this would have been possible without the sheer dedications of volunteers, young people from the college, trustees and partner organisations. So a huge shout out to all that have made things possible this year.
Community Learning Initiative Connexions
Through our learning programmes it is hoped that we help learners regain confidence, and encourage people, individually and collectively, to make positive changes in their lives and their communities through learning.
Our current group of learners are in the process of completing Youth Work Level 3, the AET Course (formerly PTLLS), Gold Arts Award, First Aid and Food Safety.
New learning programmes now include; First Aid training, Level 2 Food Safety, and, at Level 3, the Gold Arts Award. With more courses becoming available later on which will include History and Heritage, PSHE, Personal Finance and Level 4 CPD modules in Youth Work and Social Work
To find out more about what we can offer contact us at the Hub, or email mylincs@outlook.com, where someone will be in touch to answer any questions.
| Inside this issue: | Special points of interest: ·Community Learning Programmes ·Working with other organisations ·Supporting Young People ·Parent Toddler Group ·How we are moving forward 2 2 3 3 3 4 |
|---|---|
| This Virtual World | 2 |
| Partnership Working | 2 |
| Performing Arts Club. | 3 |
| Youth Committee | 3 |
| Parent Toddler Group | 3 |
| Annual Accounts. | 4 |
Social Media and Web Presence...
Social Media and the Virtual World became part of daily life for everyone during the previous year and continues to be used by many people all around the world. For Connexions, the use of social media not only allows us to share stories and posts via our Facebook page. During this year it has also meant we have been considering POD Casts and online Media platforms to develop much more of an online presence.
We still maintain a presence on social media and through our websites which are constantly being updated, Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with everything we do. Find us on Facebook…@connect0516
Partnership Working
LCVYS (Lincolnshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services) Continues to be key partner and support to the Community Hub and we are pleased to be the north Lincolnshire community development supplier and partner for LCVYS. Over the year we want to work with as many groups as possible to bring them into LCVYS membership and add to the service to young people that is going on.
LCVYS working together with the Young Lincolnshire Partnership has presented some amazing opportunities for our own young people this years, including attendance at the National Association of Boys and Girls Club Conference in Bristol, where one of our young people won young person of the year. Please take the opportunity to have a look at the www.lcvys.co.uk
.Dr Charles Shaw, Director and Chair of LCVYS said "We are really proud of our involvement with Connexions Community Hub having seen it grow so well through grassroots community involvement " If you would like details of the opportunities available through LYA/BGC please contact our Lead Youth Worker james.walker@cvys.org.uk Tues/Thurs.
Other partnerships established this year have included, Lincoln College as an approved provider of Apprenticeships, with the college supporting our refurbishment project, and Connexions themselves hosting a Property Maintenance Apprentice.
As our new property at 100 Church Street opened its doors, the Nite Life Café now host evening Mental Health Support Sessions, whilst we also work closely with the Gainsborough’s Disability Social Network in providing support and activity clubs for adults with disabilities.
To find out more call us at Connexions on Tuesdays and Fridays on 01427 678695
COMMUNITY NEWS
Page 2
Performin Arts Club...What Next? g
It has also been fantastic to see many newer, younger members joining the club since we returned, and we’re really looking forward to live performance's and events over the coming months. Which will include a Disney concert and our 15th Anniversary celebration show in 2023.
The club continues to plan and present some great shows for the community and beyond 2023 we have great things planned which include Winter Tales and Christmas Stories, and our own musical adaptation of the Nutcracker.
In the past year we have also established a group of live musicians supporting our shows, and a PACS Band, performing gigs locally.
To keep up to date with all our activities, check out:pacs2018 on Facebook.
Connexions 4 Youth
Youth Socials, fund raising and Community days have been on the cards for our youth committee this year.
Working in Partnership with the North Notts and Lincs Community Rail Partnership , our young people worked with a Graffiti artist to produce an amazing collage of images at the Lea Road Train Station in our Town, celebrating the history , heritage and wonderful building found around our town. With plans for much more with the partnership going forward.
The Connexions 4 Youth project is a fantastic group of young people from all backgrounds who want to make a difference and get involved with community projects across town. C4Y have also worked closely with Gainsborough in Bloom this year to help them achieve a Silver Award. If you would like to learn more about the committee and how you can get involved, simply contact Casey on: 07940 402644.
Parent, Toddler Group
Having all the children and parents back to play, chat and discuss the reality of having or looking after children is incredible! We have some fun ideas for the group, and we can’t wait to meet some new parents, guardians and children.
Our school holidays this year have included arts and craft sessions with our young Kickstart helpers, with a mix of sensory play and messy discovery play through food, painting and building.
At Connexions we know how important it is for families to learn and explore together. Not only will it help with a child’s development but also can create a fun bonding environment for all involved. So why not join us at our new venue at 100 Church Street on Mondays?
Simply contact Bryony via email at: b.hughes@connexionshub.co.uk or drop us a message via our Facebook Page @connect0516
ANNUAL REPORT AUTUMN
Page 3
– Our Annual Accounts 2021 2022
| Connexions Community Hub | Phone: 01427 678695/612906 |
|---|---|
| 6-8 Church Street | Administrator:01427 372170 |
| Gainsborough | E-mail: mylincs@outlook.com |
| Lincolnshire | Registered Charity no:1172174 |
| ‘Better Together’ |
Our Annual Accounts 2020 -2021