ALFORD HUB Supporting and Connecting Communities in Lincolnshire Alford Hub Annual Report 2023/2024 Alford Hub Trustee Annual Report 2023 12024 Charity Numbei: 1193992 Chairman's Statement By Dr Lynnette Pryke Alford Hub is a registered charity dedicated to assisting individuals in Lincolnshire. In 202312024, there has been a noticeable rise in the demand for all services provided by Alford, with over 120,000 help requests fvlfilled since its launch on March 15, 2020. The level of poverty has significantly escalated in the post-pandemic era, particularly among the working poor and pensioners. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing cost of living, and through our engagement with the community, we have discovered a notable lack of basic knowledge in budgeting, home economics, and essential life skills. In response lo this challenge. Alford Hub has introduced the Aspiration Hub, designed to empower individuals wilh skills that promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on state support. This initiative will play a crucial role in Alford Hub's future efforts, with slrong partnerships already established with the Department of Work and Pensions and the local educational authority, Through our various programs and initiatives, we aim to provide not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions that foster independence and resilience among those we serve. Our community workshops and training sessions focus on equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills Ihey need to manage their resources effectively, make informed decisions. and improve their overall quality of life. Moreover, we are dedicated to expanding our outreach efforts to ensure that more people in need can access our seNices. By collaborating with local businesses, educational institutions, and other charities, we strive to create a supportive network that enhances our impact and reaches a wider audience. As we move fonNard, Alford Hub will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our approach remains relevant and effective in the face of evolving social challenges. We are grateful for the support of our volunteers, donors, and partners, whose contributions are invaluable to our mission, and we remain committed to building a brighter future for the communities of Lincolnshire. Memberships Baby Bank Alliance Our collaboration with the Baby Bank Alliance allows u5 to provide essential items such as clothing, nappies, and baby equipment to lamilies in need, ensuring that every child has a fair start in life. This partnership also facilitates educational workshops for new parents, covering topics like child nutrition, safety, and early childhood development, empowering them with the knowledge to nurture their children effectively, Furthermore, Alford Hub actively participates in regional forums and advocacy groups to influence policies that affect young families. By lending our voice to these discussions, we aim to drive systemic changes that address root causes of poverty and inequality. Our commitment to this cause is unwaveiing, as we believe that investing in a child's early years lays the foundation for their future success and well-being, Looking ahead, we plan to expand our support network by engaging more community volunteers and fostering connections with healthcare providers and local councils. Through these efforts, we hope to create a holistic support system that not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes long- term stability and growth for families across Lincolnshire. The Befriending Network Alford Hub has been part of The Befriending Network since 2020, and the Befriending Team takes full advantage of the membership benefits, including industry training. Fundraising Regulator Alford Hub is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. Training 202312024 has seen the volunleers undertake a number of courses to enhance their skills and the services that Alford Hub offers. These include but are not limiled to: Mental Health First Aid Fire Marshall First Aid Suicide Prevention Domestic Abuse Champion NHS Pain Cafe Training Active Listening Bereavement Councilling Premises Jan 2024 saw Alford Hub take over the whole building of the former Mechanics Institute. The buildingw as renamed as Alford Hub HQ and has provided the charity with the space to offer a wider range of seNices and increase the operational hours. Thanks must be given to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that each room was functioning as it should prior to the public opening. Projects In the upcoming pages, you will find information and impact eports related to the projects that Alford Hub has undertaken in the past year. This information plays a crucial role in guiding the hub's future initiatives and guarantees that the charity continues to adapt and respond to the needs of the community we serve. Ir THE MULTIPLY PROJECT 2023/2024 act Report RIGHT INTO THE HEART OF COMMUNITY. Alford Hub has seamlessly Incorporated the Multlply project across all its servlces, owing to its unique support for the most underserved individuals in communltles across Llncolnshire. Thls integration has allowed Alford Hub to collect data and evaluate the success of the Multiply project in a manner that is not accessible to other organlsations. thanks to the dlverse range of referrals from partner organlsatlons and our own engagement efforts. IMPACT SNAPSHOT A YEAR WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES In 202312024, Alford Hub has surpassed 100,000 help requests across all of the services since its establlshment in March 2020. Addltionally, we have launched and developed the Alford Hub AspSration Hub, which aids Individuals in upskllllng, retrainlng, entering the workforce. or achieving self-employment. Alford Hub Goody Bas contalnlno Multlpty Inlomiatlon gSven out at Pub11cenoagement ev8nlngssuch as East Coast Pfld&, Llncoln Prlde, ASfordsWe8kend, Bathlng be8u118s, Carnlv8lsand malor8v&nts across the county. //0 People engaged through Mulllply on Tourl Coffee Mornlngs. We have observed a growing trend of in-work poverty across the County, alongside a helghtened interest in enhancing Maths skllls, as offered through the Multiply project. 50 Partlclp3nlsbooked Into the Alrlryarcoursesln co5laborallonwllhJust B9gln. ALFORD HUB Menopause Mertors Supportlng ènd C•nnqctlng C•mmunltl•s In Uncoln5hlr• Altor'd Hub is a registered chari Charity number: 1193992 PEER TO PEER SUPPORT GROUP GUEST SPEAKERS WELLBEING FRIENDSHIP - FREE REFRESHMENT Alford Hub HQ 15 South Market Place, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9AE (Opposite Alford Hub Office and Library) 6pm - 8pm Mon 5th February 2024 Mon 4th March Mon 1st April Mon 6th May Mon 3rd June Mon 1st July Mon 5th August Mon 2nd September Mon 7th October Mon 4th November Mon 2nd December platform Lincolnshire COUNTV £OVIICIL East Lindsey COMMVNITY FUND Home Energy Advice & Retrofit Team ALFORD HUB In Partnership with Alford Hub Connecting Communities across Lincolnshire Come along to speak to the HEART team and see what Grants are available to make your home m re energy efficient. Free Refreshments Free Advice Free Goody Bag Friday 19th January Friday 26th January Friday 2nd February Friday 1st March Friday 5th April Friday 3rd May Friday 7th June Friday 5th July 10am - 2pm Alford Hub HQ - 15 South Market Place, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9AE Tel. 01507 464901 for further information East Lindsey ALFORD HUB Men Matters! Supporting•ndCviliirttlrtg ctsmmunltl•sln Llncolnshlwp Friendship - Debate - Projects Free Refreshments Monday 22nd January Monday 26th February Monday 25th March 6pm- 8pm Alford Hub HQ Monday 22nd April Monday 27th May 15 South Market Place, Alford, Monday 24th June Lincolnshire Monday22nd July (Opposite the Library and Alford Monday 26th August Monday 23rd September Hub Office) Monday 28th October Alford Hub is a registered Charity: Monday 25th November Charity Number1193992 Monday 23rd December SKILLS FOR LIFE Lincolnshirefj East Lindsey COMMUNITY FUND COVNTY COUIICIL Multlply ALFORD HUB Alford Hub's Ladies Loungyi 5upwtiny•ndC¢M•£tlng Communiti¢&aÈm£&ilncolnJhiio Re e friends and help straighten each other's crowns. All welcome REE to attend & FREE Refrbshments Every Wednesday Ipm - 3pm Alford Hub HQ 15 South Market Place, Alford, Lincolnshlre, LN13 9A (Opposite the Alford Hub office and Library) HS E¥iii)tsvJ POUCE Llncolnshlre T.E.D. Vn¢A SKILLS FOR LIFE l-ToyTrust platfonn UNIVEASITY OF 4LINCOLN b)L *%_ o) 7J J tFJ O LL uf£ > ALFORD HUB platform •• •• Siousiw grour DIGITAL INCLUSION What do the people actuallywant? Analysis Report Compiled by Dr Lynnette Pryke - Chair &nd founder of Alford Hub voi In urvivors ias wi In As technology becomes increasingly essential in our daily lives, access to digital resources and tools is crucial for participating in education, employment, and social activities. However, survivorship biases can create barriers to digital inclusion, resulting in disparities regarding who benefits from technological progress. The goal of digital inclusion is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to technology and the internet. Unfortunately, marginalised groups often encounter challenges such as limited access to high-speed internet, a lack of digital literacy, and inadequate representation in technology development, These hurdles can reinforce existing inequalities and obstruct the full participation of all individuals in the digital landscape. To address survivorship bias in digital inclusion, Alford Hub recognises the importance of implementing strategies that not only promote equitable access but also clarify the specific needs and desires of clients regarding digital inclusion, rather than making assumptions of their digital needs. There are numerous barriers to digital inclusion, and it would be misleading to think that the absence of 'formal" training is the only issue. Self-taught skills are also valuable, and many individuals we support have effectively "mastered" skills such as sending emails, browsing the internet, and online shopping. They express a desire to enhance their digital inclusion by learning to identify scams, understand online safety, take courses, and engage with social media responsibly. These are all areas that Alford Hub will be addressing in the coming year. Similarly, Alford Hub may involve creatively investing in infrastructure in underserved areas by obtaining connectlV8 dongles alongside offering digital literacy training programs for the digital beginners. It is only by tackling these challenges, we can strlve toward a more inclusive digital future where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute to society. ALFOflD HUB platform •• •• housing grou[ DIGITAL INCLUSION What do the people actuallywant? DATE RANGE: July 2024 - September 2024 Analysis Report Key Metrics 14 166 Dsgllolincluslon Audience Demographics by age and gender. Percentage of attendees wlthin oge range. 35 30 25 20 15 10 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Gender Femole • Ma statlstl¢s ur• bus•d on166 peoph attondlng 14dropln s•sElon8. Th•s09slonsw•rtrdoslgnad tOaSC8rtulntho toplcs and ar•a6 of laarnlng tequlred bytho ¢llent$. Female 80% Minority Impact - Identltying the minorlty to enhance Incluslon of the project. Community minorities encompass a variety of groups that may include individuals with disabilities, the elderly, people of different races, and members of tha LGBTQ+ community. Recognising the challenges faced by these communities for digital inclusion is vital for promoting inclusivity and equality. For instance, individuals with disabilities may encounter barriers in access to services and opportunities, while the elderly moy face social isolation. Racial minorities often navigate systemic inequalities, and LGBTQ+ individuals may experience discrimination or lack of acceptance within community based learning. Understanding the needs and rights of these groups not only honours their contributions but also reinforces the importance of reprasentation in digital inclusion. Alford Hub aims to foster an environment where all voices are heard and valued, leading to o greater cohesion. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, feels empowered and supported by Alford Hub to embrace their needs of digital inclusion. 25% Identified as LGBTQ+ 15% Spoke English as their second language. )30/. Identified as living with a disability 20% Identified themselves as a Carer for someone else. Lgbtq Cohort- Digital Inclusion requirements. Grading scale: l Most Important- 5 Least important. Each ol tho Cohorts above identifled and rated tha18arnlng requirements dlfterently In order of Importance. So¢lal Interacilon Meetlng new frlends. Forming relatlonshlps. Acces8lng hospltal IGP Appolntm?nts. Acce851ng onllne mental heulth support. AGce8slng onllnewellbelng ro8ources and dlrectorles. Ilbè LGBTQ Cohort o￿nIng up and manuglng onllne bunklng Includlhg E slgnlng and uploadlng documont¥ as PDF'S & Jpegs in tho corrèetllle slze. Acce88lng onllne laarnlng and dlgltol skllls to goln quallficutions In ordarto get a pald lob and leavo the b•n•tii systèm orto increuse 9ornlng potentlul. Learn howto spol lake sltos, ¥¢am$ und staysate on tho Intern•t. English as a second language Cohort- Digital Inclusion requlraments. Grudlng scale: l Most important- 5 Least Important. Soclui Int•roctlon Meeting newfrl•nds. Formlng relatlonship8. Heu Aceesslng hospltal lop Appolnlments. Accessing online mental health support. ccesslng onllnewe1113elng re8ouice$ and dlr0ctor1￿. English as a second language Cohort. Opening up and managlng onllne banking including E signing and uplouding document5 os PDF's& Jpegs in the correct fila size. Accesslng onllneloarnlng and dlgltal skllls to galn quullflcatlons In ordgrto got u puld lob andlouvo tho benollt 8yStom or to In¢r•u$g 9ornlng pot&ntlal. Loarn how to spot lake sites. scams and stay sale on tho Intornet. English as u second language cohort- Digital Inclusion requlrements. Grading scale: l Most important- 5 Least important. goelal Int•TQ¢tlon Meotlng naw friends. Formlng relationshlps. qlth Ac¢•sslng hospital IGP Appointments. A¢¢asslng online mental health support. A¢eossing online wèllb•lng resourc•$ and dlreetorlas. Livlng wlth a disability Cohort. Bun Opening up and managlng onllne banking includlng Esigning and uploading documents as PDF'S & Jpags in tho covrectlile siz•. Aceesslng onlino l•uvnlng and dlgltal skllls ta gain quullflcatlons in order to gata pald job and leuvè the benefit systgm or to Incr•as• earning potonllal. Learn how to spotfuka sltes, scums und stay 8af• on tho InternoL Identifled us a Carer or curlng for someone else- Digltal Inclusion requlrements. Grading scale: l Most important- 5 Least important. $o¢lul Int•ractlon Meeting nowlrlends. Formlng relationships. Acces8lng hospltal IGP Appolntm•nt$. Acco$$lng onllne mental health SLtpport. Acca8slng onllne wellbolng r•sourees und dlTectoilo8. Identifylng as a Caror Cohort. Openlng up and managlng onllni banklng including E signlng and uploadlng documents as PDF'S 6 Jpogs in the corr•ct tllo slze. Bunklny Ac¢essing onllne learnlng and dlgltal skllli to guln qualificatlons In ordèrto get a pald Job and leuve the bonollt system orto incroa80 ournlng potential. pIKoIIoii Learn howto spot fake 811*8, seams and stay safe on the Internet. 'f Confidence in basic skills. Percentage shown. 11 Male Female 60 50 40 30 20 10 dhh Bridging the divide of digital inclusion. Alford Hub- The next step on the digital pathway in 2025 and beyond, The project alms io brldge the dlgital divide by provldlng comprehenslve, accessible resources that cater to diverse learning styles. The physlcal workbook will offer hands-on exerclses, clear instructions. und real-world exumples to guide learners through essentla digital skills. Meanwhlle. the online course wlll feature interactive modules. video tutorlals, and engaging activlties to relnforce learnlng and ensur• participants can apply their knowledge effectively. Both resources wlll cover koytopics such as internet navigation. onllno safety, digital communication, and the use of essentlal software tools. Theywill be deslgned to accommodate beglnners as well as those looking to enhance thair existlng skills. ensurlng everyone can confldently participate in the dlgital world. To make the content as inclusive as possible, the workbook and course will be avallable in multlple languages and formats. including large print und audioversions. Additlonally, community support groups and forums will be estublished to encourage peer-to-peer learnlng und provide ongolng assistance. Byempowering Indlvlduals wlth the knowledge and skllls to navigate the digital landscape. thls initiative wlll open up new opportunities foreducation. employment. and soclal connectivity, ultimatelycontrlbuting to a more inclusive and equitable society. Family hubs Lincolnshire. COUNTY COUNCIL Idorkirtj Evaluation Form Famil Hubs Ca ital Grants Fundin Name of Grantee: Date by which Evaluatlon Form should be returned to the Council Return email address Alford Hub By 5pm on 17, January 2025 famll hubs lincolnshire. ov.uk Please conflrm that the grant funding has been utilised for the purpose set out in your grant funding application and the Grant Fundlng Letter of Agreement Please confirm that you have provided evldence of expenditure wlth thls return. e. copies of recelpts Are there any Items that you have not yet ordered or are still awaltlng dellvery on? If yes, please indicate what these are and when they are expected to be delivered/obtained. YES NO YES NO [] YES* NO Has the funding supported you to meet all the alms, objectives outlined wlthln your grant fundlng application? If no. please briefly outline why and what aims. objectives and outcomes has the funding supported you to achieve. Please Indicate the number of children up to the age of two years andlor their families attendlng your provision prior to recelpt of the grant funding and the number attending at the tlme of this completed return, that have also benefltted from the funding provided. Please provlde an overview, in no more than 151X) words, of the difference thls grant fundlng has made to children up to the age of two years andlor thelr famllles accessing your provision. Please Include: YES NO* Attendance prior to funding allocation Attendance at time of completed return How the anticipated outcomes for Lincolnshire children up to the a8e of two years andlor their families have been achieved. The difference the grant funding ha5 made for the children andlor their families. This could include, for example, how the funding has supported children's physical, cognitive or educational development. or their personal or social skills and the difference this has made to their development/skills, Feedback from parents/carers/families on the difference the funding has made ft)r them. This can include written and verbal feeding and any feedback/analysis from survey5 undertaken. Please note: you must ensure all Information provided Is anonymlsed and no personal identifiable Informatlon Is provided about any of your Se￿Ice users. Should you Include any photos of C? Family hubs Lincolnshire,: COUIITY COiJNCIL ,Ilgr chlldren andlor their famllles you are responsible for ensuring you have the appropriate permlssions In place to share these wlth LCC. I tan confirm that the information provided within this return is correct and to the best of my knowledge. I can confirm that no personal identifiable information of service users is included within this return. I can confirm that where any photographs have been included of children and/or their families within this return that the appropriate permissions are in place in order to share these with the Council. l understand that the Council. where appropriate, may request further evidence or further feedback and this will be provided within 4 weeks of the request by the Council. Name of Authorised Signatory Contact Email Addre55 Contact Telephone Number Authorised lelectronic acceptable) Slgnature Signature Date Thank you for completing this Evaluation Form. Please return the completed Evaluation Form to the email address and by the return date identified * the top of this form.