“Innovation & Collaborative.”
Alford Hub 2024-2025 Integrated Annual Report
Alford Hub
Content Index
01.[Chair’s Report]
02. Charity Information
03. Introduction
04. Meet the Trustees
05. SWOT
06.[Our Mission] 07. Key Achievements
08.[Projects and Events]
09. Aspirations Hub & Skill Development
10. Projects and Events
11. Financial Reports
12. Governance & Compliance
13. Priority for coming year 14. Conclusion and thanks
2024 - 2025 Alford Integrated Annual Report
Chair’s Report
Dear Respected Stakeholder,
This past year has marked an important period of development, reflection and renewed purpose for Alford Hub. As Chair and Founder, I have had the privilege of observing first-hand how the Hub continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of our community, and how deeply rooted our values remain in everything we do.
Alford Hub was established to bring people together; to create a space where kindness, dignity and practical support could be offered without judgement. This year, that founding purpose has been more evident than ever. We have strengthened our identity as a source of reassurance, connection and community spirit at a time when many residents are facing uncertainty and pressure from all directions.
One of the most significant developments has been our continued shift towards a more holistic model of support. More people are now seeking not only practical help, but emotional encouragement, advocacy, guidance, and opportunities to regain confidence. In response, we have broadened our approach, ensuring that wellbeing, belonging and empowerment remain central to our day-to-day work. The Hub is no longer simply a point of contact; it is becoming a community anchor where people feel seen, heard and supported.
I am also incredibly proud of how far our volunteer team has come. Their dedication, compassion and willingness to adapt have formed the backbone of our progress. Volunteers have embraced new responsibilities, taken part in training, and continually demonstrated the resilience and warmth that define this organisation. Each volunteer brings their own strengths, and together they create an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help and confident to take positive steps forward.
Our partnerships have also deepened meaningfully over the year. The Hub is now widely recognised as a trusted collaborator, and our work with statutory agencies, local organisations, faith communities, businesses and schools has enabled us to offer truly joined-up support. These relationships have strengthened our ability to respond to complex needs and have highlighted just how powerful collaborative community action can be.
As Chair, governance has remained a key priority. Ensuring that our policies, procedures and safeguarding practices remain robust is essential to maintaining the trust placed in us. This year we have continued to strengthen our structures, support our volunteers more effectively, and ensure that the organisation continues to operate to high standards of accountability, professionalism and care.
Looking forward, our focus will be on building long-term sustainability. As demand increases and the nature of community need continues to evolve, so must our strategy. We are planning further development of wellbeing support, more opportunities for skills-building and personal growth, and ongoing work to ensure that the Hub remains a welcoming, inclusive and forward-looking organisation. Our vision is for Alford Hub to continue growing as a vital community asset—resilient, accessible and positioned to support residents through whatever challenges lie ahead. As always, my deepest gratitude goes to everyone who has walked alongside us this year. Our volunteers, partners, trustees, supporters and friends continue to make Alford Hub a place where people feel valued and uplifted. I am immensely proud of all we have achieved together and excited for the journey ahead.
Dr. Lynnette Pryke, PSLCC, CILCA, FILCA, Cert.ICCM Chair and Founder Alford Hub
2024 - 2025 Alford Hub Integrated Annual Report
Alford Hub
Information
Date of Incorporation:
15th March 2000
Operations
USP’s
To provide and information and support hub across Lincolnshire.
- Run entirely by Volunteers No paid staff Free services Help is not means tested
Registered Charity Number:
Registered Address
1193992
Alford Hub HQ 15 South Market Place Alford Lincolnshire LN13 9AE
2024-2025 Alford Hub Integrated Annual Report
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Alford Hub
The 2024–2025 financial year has been a period of significant growth, community impact, and organisational strengthening for Alford Hub.
As a frontline community support organisation serving Lincolnshire, Alford Hub has continued to deliver essential services while expanding its role in improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, promoting skills, and supporting local families.
This report summarises key achievements, activities, partnerships, service statistics, financial overview, and priorities for the coming year.
Alford Hub
Meet the Trustees
Dr Lynnette Pryke PSLCC, CILCA, FILCA, Cert.ICCM
Lynnette started her voluntary life with Oxfam East Midlands in their Marketing Office at the tender age of Fifteen. Thirty-Seven years later she has volunteered on the boards of many leading organisations including some Lincolnshire based charities including, The Befriending Network, Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Police Advisory Board, NHS and Edan Lincs. Lynnette has also advised on government select committees and helped shaped Community and Wellbeing Hubs throughout the UK. Lynnette has been received many awards for her volunteering including but not limited to RVS medal, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award, and was the BBC Neighbour of the year in 2021. Lynnette founded Alford Hub and holds the post of Chair. When she is not volunteering, she works full time as the Chief Executive Officer for Alford Town Council and audits Councils. She is married to Kevin, who is also an Alford Hub volunteer, has four children, two grandsons, four dogs and a Bearded dragon.
Fun facts
Most likely to be seen wearing - A Tiara and sequins.
Most likely to be listening to - Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift
Most likely to say - “To get sustainable communities it has to be a ground up approach!”
Favourite word - Disclaimer - Alford Hub CANNOT include Lynnette’s favourite word!
Claim to fame - Boris Johnson called her a “Pitbull in a meeting!”
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Alford Hub
Meet the Trustees
Mrs Janice Parrott - Treasurer and Uniform & Baby Bank Trustee
Jan has been involved in charity for many years and held a long career in banking, with prime responsibilities in debt and training staff. Jan is married to David and they achieved a dream of renovating a home in France, with land for their beloved horses. Jan has one grown up daughter, one Grandson and one Granddaughter who live in New Zealand.
Fun facts
Most likely to be seen wearing - Anything from Weird Fish or Joules
Most likely to be listening to - Anything from the 60's
Most likely to say - “If we can just get through this week/month, it will be ok!”
F avourite word - Love
Claim to fame - Ran along the train platform as a little girl into the legs of no other than the pop group the BEATLES!!!! Also shared fish and chips with Berni Clifton
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Alford Hub
Meet the Trustees
Martin Warmsley - Vice Chair
Martin has extensive knowledge of the needs of the community through his career within local government. This is his first Trustee role. Martin holds the position of Vice Chair within Alford Hub
Fun facts
Most likely to be seen wearing - Running gear
Most likely to be listening to - Very eclectic tastes... So it could be anything! Most likely to say - “We can do this!”
F avourite word - Doesn’t have one favourite. Claim to fame - Runs marathons for fun and meets lots of famous people!
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Alford Hub
Meet the Trustees
S tuart Baxter - Alford Hub Aspiration Hub Trustee
Stuart is the Managing Director of the largest employer in Alford, Safelincs, He is passionate about giving people a chance to better themselves and believes with the right support, people can achieve their potential. Stuart is married to Jenny and they raise their three children in Alford and so he is passionate at creating great communities for people to thrive within.
This is his first Trustee role. Stuart holds the position of Aspiration Trustee for Alford Hub
Fun facts
Most likely to be seen wearing - Safelincs branded fleece!
Most likely to be listening to - Depends on mood! Most likely to say - “Guts!” F avourite word - Aspiration
Claim to fame - Can’t think of any!
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Alford Hub
Meet the Trustees
Shaney Fretwell - Outreach and Wellbeing Trustee
Shaney has been involved with charity for many years and as an armed forces wife, she has a keen interest in ensuring that the mental health of ex service personnel is supported at ground level. Shaney is married to John and has three children. As a family they are involved in Western re-enactments, where they live and teach members of the public, authentic ways of living as a Cowboy.
This is her first Trustee role. Shaney holds the position of Outreach and Wellbeing Trustee for Alford Hub
Fun facts
Most likely to be seen wearing -Authentic Western Clothing
Most likely to be listening to - Garth Brookes
Most likely to say - “Not a problem...Let me write it on my whiteboard or I will forget!”
F avourite word - Howdy!
Claim to fame - Can’t think of any!
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Alford Hub
SWOT
Analysis Table
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Strengths
Best Prices Innovative Mindset Proactive not just reactive Good reputation Inclusive and non judgemental Services free to anyone who needs help.
Weaknesses
Reliance on volunteers makes it difficult to sustain ridged opening hours Fewer grants to cover operational costs increase in users as the Cost of Living crises continues. Lack of IT knowledge,
Opportunities
Committed to training, so upskilling the volunteers, who will take that skill into the community.
Helping to engage in conversations so that people can change their future, rather than just solving the immediate issue.
Threats
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Reliance on volunteers. Larger organisations are copying what we do and taking a large portion of grants, which prevents us from having them. Few unrestricted grants Rising costs
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Alford Hub
Our Mission
Alford Hub exists to:
Support vulnerable residents and families in crisis
Reduce social isolation and loneliness
Improve wellbeing, mental health, and access to opportunities
Provide practical help, advice, and signposting
Strengthen community cohesion
Provide support and aspiration help, so that people can become more self reliant, rather than state reliant.
Build partnerships with statutory agencies, charities, and local organisations
In 2024–2025 the Hub remained committed to ensuring no resident in Lincolnshire faces hardship alone.
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
Community Support
Delivered over 127,000 direct contacts through the Hub since the launch in 2020, including advice, drop-ins, wellbeing support, crisis assistance, and signposting.
Supported over 4200 in 2024-2025 households with practical financial guidance, benefit queries, form-filling, and referrals to specialist agencies.
Continued the Warm Hub initiative through winter 2024–25, providing a safe and welcoming space during rising cost-of-living pressures.
Distributed emergency provisions to residents in urgent need.
Families who regularly use the Uniform and Baby bank 904 with over 60,000 items been given out.
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
Cost-of-Living Services
Provided food vouchers and support through partnerships with local supermarkets and redistribution networks.
Helped families access affordable food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and essential household goods through vouchers.
Strengthened partnerships with, ELDC, LCC to ensure coordinated crisis support.
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
Health, Wellbeing & Mental Health Support
Offered one-to-one wellbeing support sessions, befriending, and check-ins for vulnerable and isolated individuals.
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Delivered community wellbeing programmes including: Social groups
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Craft and hobby sessions Walking groups
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Men’s wellbeing initiatives including Men’s Matters!
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Woman’s wellbeing initiatives including Ladies Lounge!
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Armed Forced Coffee mornings
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Family support activities
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Supported 90+ individuals with mental health signposting, companionship, and advocacy.
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
Skills & Employment Support
Provided skills sessions in partnership with local training providers Supported residents with CV writing, job applications, digital skills, and linking into wider employment support pathways.
Supported residents who want to embark on self employment.
Engaged with local schools and youth organisations, helping young people access volunteering, confidence-building, and community opportunities.
Gave a talk at the LFIP Conference on the launch of the Aspiration Hub.
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
Volunteering
Maintained a dedicated volunteer base of over 40 active volunteers across the Hub HQ and satellite hub, contributing approximately 4,000 hours of service across all Hub activities. We maintain a record of 150 volunteers who are both active and on standby should emergencies or adhoc requests facilitate a need for additional volunteers.
This has been updated and is protected in accordance with UKGDPR and Data Protection regulations.
Introduced improved volunteer inductions, safeguarding checks, training and wellbeing support.
Recognised volunteers’ contributions at the annual celebration event. In March 2025 this was the 5th birthday of Alford Hub, which was paid for by Lynnette Pryke and Jan Parrot out of their personal money, so that no hub funds were used.
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Alford Hub
Key Achievements
Partnership Work
Alford Hub strengthened its relationships with:
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Alford Town Council
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Lincolnshire County Council
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East Lindsey District Council
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DWP and Jobcentre Plus
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Shine
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AgeUK
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Boston College
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Lincoln University
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GP surgeries and NHS Link Workers
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Alford schools, pre-schools, and youth groups
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Local churches and charities
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Local supermarkets and food redistribution partners
These collaborations ensured that residents received joined-up, holistic support.
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Alford Hub
Projects & Events
Community Events Alford Hub helped organise, support, or host: Aspire Maths days Christmas support initiatives Craft sessions
Community safety awareness sessions Charity fundraising events East Coast Pride.
Collaboration with Alford Town Council on local events including the Fireworks Event and Remembrance Parade support activities providing volunteers to Marshall. Over 3000 goodie bags containing Alford Hub information and partner information Highlights and Community Engagement.
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Remembrance Parade and Armed Forces support. Alford Hub not only laid a wreath but also assisted veterans to attend. We also provided Marshalls.
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Warm Hub winter programme Events collectively reached over 2,000 residents through guest speaking at WI across Lincolnshire and through the Coop Community programme.
Alford Hub volunteers were drafted in to sort out donations which were sent to the front line in the Ukraine. This work was in partnership with Boxes of Hope, who are also a satellite Hub for Alford Hub.
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Alford Hub Volunteers assisted veterans to take part in VE Day and VJ Day celebrations across Lincolnshire and set up a weekly Veteran meet.
Alford Hub arranged and supported a community planting of over 200 trees to create a new wood in Lincolnshire. Each person who took part also received an information goody bag containing information about the work of the hub and our partner organisations.
Alford Hub had a stall at East Cost Pride and gave out over 2000 goody bags. This event also led to engagement with members of the community who shared that they were sleeping on the floor. This event led to the research and provision to eradicate Bed Poverty. Alford Hub is proud to be providing beds to the most vulnerable in the County. Thanks must also go to Roxanne Warwick and ELDC who 17 has supported us with this mission.
2024 - 2025 Alford Hub Integrated Annual Report
Alford Hub
Aspiration Hub & Skills Development
2024–25 saw the strengthening the Aspiration Hub, helping residents to: gain confidence, build employability skills, access training opportunities, and develop community projects.
Further expansion opportunities are already planned for 2025–26 26-27 in partnership with ATC, Boston College, and the DWP.
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Financial Reports
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Alford Hub
Governance and Compliance
In 2024–25 the Hub strengthened its governance framework by:
Updating safeguarding policies
Ensuring GDPR and data protection compliance
Delivering mandatory training for all volunteers
Reviewing risk assessments
Strengthening financial oversight
Improving reporting lines with partners and funders
The Hub continues to uphold high standards expected by auditors, funders, and statutory agencies.
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Alford Hub
Priorities for the
coming year
Looking ahead. In 2025-2026
Priorities for 2025–2026
Looking ahead, Alford Hub aims to:
There will be extensive work through education to promote inclusion and diversity. With Courses being created not just for our own Volunteers but offered to other smaller organisations.
1. Expand wellbeing services
Increasing capacity for mental health support, befriending, and loneliness reduction.
2. Strengthen skills pathways
Supporting jobseekers, and those wishing to retrain.
3. Enhance crisis support
Improving access to food, essentials, and emergency help during continued cost-of-living pressures.
4. Deepen partnership working
Strengthening links with ATC’s regeneration projects, the Windmill economic plan, and local organisations.
5. Increase volunteer numbers and training
Introducing more structured development pathways.
6. Secure long-term sustainability
Through strategic funding applications, partnerships, and community fundraising.
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2024 - 2025 Alford Hub Integrated Annual Report
Conclusion
The year ending 31 March 2025 has demonstrated the strength, resilience, and compassion of the Alford community. Alford Hub has continued to be a lifeline for hundreds of residents, delivering practical help, emotional support, and opportunities for growth.
The organisation enters 2025–26 with strong foundations, committed volunteers, trusted community partnerships, and a clear vision for the future.
Thank you to everyone—residents, partners, volunteers, councillors, supporters, and funders—who make the work of Alford Hub possible.
Thanks must also go to businesses who recognise the importance of allowing staff time off to participate in charity work. This year has welcomed staff from Safelincs, Nuclear Waste Services, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincoln University and Alford Town Council.
It is only by working together, that we can make better communities for everyone.