Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes

Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes

Click on the picture to hear the new single and have the opportunity to buy your own copy. Every purchase will help someone local so that will make you a Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero too!

 Christmas Angel by Jake Newby

Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes are all around us and this charity fund raising single is a perfect example.  It’s been a pretty bad year for most of us and it’s fair to assume that the local (and national) charities have been hit very hard as we tighten our belts and reign in our spending.  It’s important to remember though that if we don’t have the cash to spend we might be able to use our talents and skills to help others.  Jake Newby from Louth has done just that!  You can click on the picture above to go straight to his website to listen to the new song ‘Christmas Angel’. If you buy a copy you’ll instantly become one of the Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes too!

Why? Because all proceeds will be going to help local food banks!  Not only is it a lovely song by a very talented singer but it’s helping those who may be experiencing hardship right now. In addition to his website you’ll also be able to find him on Facebook Jake Newby.

You can also download a copy from iTunes.  Just follow the link by clicking on the picture below:

Click on the picture to download your copy from iTunes

You Can Donate To Become One Of The Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes

Find out more by clicking on this picture. Gemma will be really pleased to hear from you and you can become a Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero too.

On the subject of Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes, meet Gemma from @vegoutlincoln on Twitter who is collecting cash donations through her Just Giving page. You can help by donating a little bit of cash of course. Just click on the picture above to donate if you can.  Here’s a quote from Gemma to explain: “This Christmas we would REALLY love to be able to support our local community by building plant based food packages for the Lincoln Food Bank… As a business we will be compiling food packages ready for delivery to the food bank on 18th December.”  It goes without saying of course that your donations will be funding plant based meals for those with special dietary requirements.

Local Lincolnshire Food Banks

I know the subject is Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes but The Lincolnshire Food Partnership is very active in our region all year.  They work tirelessly to make sure as many people as possible have access to food. It’s a partnership of several different organisations who come together to coordinate and distribute food to those who need it.  You can find them on twitter @food_lincoln or click on the link above/picture below to go to their website.  Being in food poverty is a real problem and has been heightened during the current pandemic.  If you can help them in any way please do contact them. If you’re in need of help in any way please don’t be afraid to ask.  The food banks are here to help.

Click on this picture to go straight to the interactive map and locate a food bank near you.  They’re there to help but will also be grateful for donations

Getting Around Lincolnshire At Christmas With The Lincoln DialaRide Social Heroes

Food is vital of course but it’s important to remember other aspects of what it takes to be a Lincolnshire social hero.  I’ve been watching the ‘comings and goings’ of the Lincoln DialaRide team over the past few months and it’s fair to say they’re doing a fantastic job. Lincoln Area DialaRide Ltd is a Registered Charity. It’s managed by a Board of Trustees that includes users of the DialaRide (DAR), Voluntary Car Scheme (VCS) & Shopmobility services.” That pretty much sums up the description don’t you think? There is still more and more, and more…. to add but the list of good deeds they do is far too big to mention it all here.

Staffed mainly by volunteers the Lincoln DialaRide has been serving the community for 30 years.  Not only does it provide local transport to hospitals and shops but the service also takes people to funerals.  Delivering food for the Food Bank to those unable to collect as well as being a drop off point for collections. This really is just scraping the surface of the huge amount they do for the community.  Other services include providing mobility for shopping for those who are less able.  If you would like to volunteer for your community you might like to contact Lincoln DialaRide.  Here are the links for Twitter, Facebook and their website:   Twitter @lincolndar Facebook Lincoln.dar website www.lincolndialaride.co.uk

#NoExcuseForAbuse

Domestic abuse affects women and men regardless of age, education, religion, race or sexual orientation.  It’s not something we should tolerate in our society but it’s possible that some ‘victims’ may not even know that they are victims! If you would like to reach out for help End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) @EDANlincs is here for you.  You can follow them on Twitter or check out their website : www.edanlincs.org.uk where you’ll find a handy ‘Escape From The Website’ button on the top right of the page.  Take a look at this video on Facebook or YouTube:

Domestic abuse is never OK. If you’re in danger of harm call 999. EDAN Lincs is here to support you. Click on the pictures to view the video on Facebook or YouTube

                                                                         

Advert

Mandarin Therapies provides Covid Safe home visits across the County

Ask about the 20% discount for emergency services, NHS and Armed Forces

Christmas Presents Needed In Lincolnshire

Well, maybe not too cold if you’re indoors with the central heating on but spare a thought for the homeless. Circumstances can change quite quickly if bad luck hits; It could mean you don’t have a roof over your head!  Thankfully there are several fantastic charities in our area who regularly ‘step up to the mark’ to help those in need.  I don’t want to try to list them all because I’m bound to miss out someone important.  The Lincoln YMCA is one of several organisations that help to get people off the streets and into housing.  Would it surprise you to know that they have 175 residents currently in shelter at the moment?

The Lincoln YMCA Shoebox Campaign 2020 need our support. Be a Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero. Just Click on the picture to go to the website for more information or find them on Twitter @YMCAlincs

If you have any spare shoe boxes please donate them to the YMCA.  Better still, if you can provide any of the items listed in the picture above please feel free to include them too. Don’t forget to mark the box ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ though for certain items. Moving up to the North of our County you’ll find more projects underway with the YMCA Humber team.  You can support them by organising your own fundraising events.  Take a look at the picture below for more information:

Support @YMCAHumber with their project ‘Give As You Live’ by setting up your own fundraiser challenges. You too can be a ‘Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero’ Click on the picture to find out more

 

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together

We may not be able to physically spend a Lincolnshire Christmas together but I’m sure we’ll do our best to to make it festive and fun.

If the Covid-19 virus restrictions allow I hope there’ll be some form of limited travel allowed. On a personal note I think I prefer to spend my time with my family at home.  Yes, it’s going to be different and difficult but ‘hopefully’ it’ll be a restriction for just this year.  I’ve no doubt it’s going to be lonely for many people but with a little lateral thinking and our community spirit I’m sure we’ll find a way to reach out….. Read More

Click on the picture to read more about ‘A Lincolnshire Christmas Together’

For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas

If you’re wondering who is posting on the hashtag I suggest you have a look today. For a Lincolnshire Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas on your tweets to reach more local people. Don’t forget to search the hashtag too because you’ll find lots of lovely gift ideas there.  The hashtag isn’t just for Twitter though;  There are posts on Facebook and Instagram too so go to your search bar and type in #LincsConnectChristmas to see what comes up…. Read More

Click on the picture to read more about ‘For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnect’

That’s All For Now…

That’s it for the blog at the moment but I do intend to update this one and post several more blogs too.  Get in touch with any requests by emailing me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Stay Safe

 

 

Be Tolerant

Be Tolerant

Be Tolerant. Are We Tolerant Enough In Lincolnshire?

I wonder what your thoughts are?  Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? Do you think we have become more or less tolerant during the Coronavirus pandemic?  Putting the pandemic to one side, ask the same question “are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire” in general?

Without doubt I have seen some truly exceptional acts of kindness and heroism in recent times and I really hope it continues into our future lives on this planet.  Members of the NHS have stepped up to provide an outstanding service to keep us safe and well. Helping those who have succumbed to the virus is (excuse the pun) in their DNA.

When I say NHS staff I don’t just mean the doctors, nurses, midwives, physios and the whole host of other medical clinicians and experts.  No, I include the background staff too.  The health care support workers, cleaning staff, porters, canteen staff and the huge army of volunteers who’ve put themselves forward to help.  Without these people the ‘front line’ workers couldn’t do their job effectively.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? On the whole, ‘yes’. Many of us have given up our normal way of life in order to preserve life.  Keeping that safe distance has now become normal for most of us.  Some are still ignorant to the dangers of not distancing while others are genuinely putting themselves in harms way in order to help maintain our health, freedom and way of life.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Be More Tolerant

Some things never change. Our Police are still here to look after us and protect us

Policing The Streets

It can’t have escaped your attention that the police are continuing to do their primary roles as well as policing the streets to make sure we keep a safe distance.  I read on social media recently that a group of people had been dispersed for quad biking in some local Lincolnshire woods.

Not only had they ignored the social distancing rules but it appears that they had travelled from Bedfordshire to do it!  It’s beyond comprehension that people would knowingly put lives in danger like this. I feel both sorry for, and proud of, our Lincolnshire police who constantly put themselves in harms way to deal with these acts of lunacy.

Day in, day out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year… The police are always on duty to protect us.  It’s fair to say that I’m a great fan of  ‘everyone’ who acts so selflessly to protect me, my family and everyone else in our County and country.

Pride in Our Lincolnshire Police

Having witnessed an incident in London during Christmas (2019) we accompanied a young lady to the local transport police station to provide witness reports and support.  The police officer on duty was very helpful and did everything he could to assist.  At the end of the meeting he handed us some plastic wallets for our Oyster cards.

The wallets had the emergency numbers on for reporting crime on London transport.  He then instructed us to fold the wallet inside out to hide the police markings telling us that showing the wallet in London might make us a ‘target’.

I know I’m a ‘country boy’ but I was quite surprised at this advice.  Have you noticed that in Lincolnshire there is a great pride in our local force?  Whenever I see @LincsPolice posts on social media when they are out in the community the police and public are always smiling and engaging.

Obviously if things go wrong we can expect to be dealt with accordingly but that’s the nature of the job!  In these difficult times the tolerance levels of our police officers must sometimes be tested to the max!

Are We Tolerant Enough In Lincolnshire? – Coronavirus And The Police

I only know bits and pieces about how the Lincolnshire Police are operating during these difficult times.  In fact I don’t know any more than the average reader.  However, I do know a lady who knows just about everything there is to know about policing during the lockdown.  Let me introduce you to Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Kerrin Wilson @KerrinWilson999 who will be chairing a Q&A session on Facebook this Thursday morning (23 April 2020) at 10.00am.  We’re all invited:

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Lincolnshire Police ACC Kerrin Wilson

Q&A – Click on this picture to go to the Facebook post

 

If you have a mind to help and would like to have your opinions heard perhaps you might be good enough to complete the survey below.  This is a copy of the image from the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page so the blue link you see in the picture won’t work.  However, if you click (or tap) on the picture you’ll be taken straight to the survey.  Alternatively, you can go directly to the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page to complete it from there.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect Lincolnshire Police

Click on the picture to complete the survey

 

How Tolerant Are We?

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? I’m talking about our personal lives and perceptions.  If we ‘conveniently’ forget the social distancing rules for purely selfish reasons how do we react if we’re reminded to step back or turn around and go home?  Something simple like reaching across someone in the supermarket to pick something off the shelf – it’s unacceptable but how do we react if we’re asked to step back and wait?

The answer should be obvious but I’m afraid the obvious doesn’t always happen. It can lead to confrontation (personal experience speaking)! Ask yourself this simple question each day: “Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire?”

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Be Kind, Not Threatening

Don’t invade someones space and don’t be confrontational if you’re asked to move back. Good manners applies both ways so with a bit of common courtesy we can all be happy

The coastal towns and beauty spots were closed over the Easter holidays (2020) but some people still thought it would be acceptable to ignore the rules.  The rules are there for the safety of everyone so for those who are feeling aggrieved over the situation I ask for a little more tolerance for a little longer please.  It’s not rocket science but disobeying the rules could be life threatening!

The Dark Side

Domestic Abuse ….. Rather than going away this ugly and often hidden form of abuse is now more prevalent than ever.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? Tolerance takes on a whole new meaning when we consider domestic abuse. Being locked in together can cause some anxieties and tension for families.  As a result we usually have coping mechanisms and rational thinking that allow us to overcome the tensions with simple distractions.  However, abusers and those suffering from abuse (physical, mental, emotional or financial) can really be finding life more difficult now.

Domestic abuse doesn’t have age limits or gender preferences. If you know someone who is suffering call the police today.  You’ll find some useful numbers here but if there is an immediate threat of harm call 999.  The Covid 19 lockdown won’t stop the police from carrying out their duties.  They’re here for us 24 hours a day.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect EDAN Lincolnshire

Click on this picture to go straight to the EDAN Lincs website. If your life is in danger call 999. If you need to make a silent call to protect your safety call 999 and add 55. You’ll also find @EDANLincs on Twitter 

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect Domestic Abuse Helpline

 

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Stop Abuse

GET HELP if you are suffering. Use the numbers above or 999 if you’re in immediate danger. CLICK ON THIS PICTURE for more information

Don’t Put Yourself In Danger

If you are unable to speak during ‘any’ emergency simply dial 999 and add 55.  The operator will immediately see that you are in need of help but are unable to talk.  Your call will be tracked and you’ll get the help you need.

Calling 999 - 5 5 'Caller Needs Help'

Hate Crime

Religious, race and homophobic abuse has no place in our society so don’t tolerate it.  If you are aware of religious, race, homophobic or any other related abuse REPORT IT.  Call 101 to report hate crime and call 999 if you fear imminent danger.  Your action could result in an organised network being uncovered and prosecuted. Let’s all be more tolerant of each other.  Employers also have a duty of care for their staff so if abuse is happening in the workplace, report it there too.

Some Things Need To Be Said Or Asked – Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire?

I know my blogs normally focus on the good things, the jolly things, the brighter side of life but some things need to be brought out into the open.  Perhaps you can help to make someones life that little bit happier again.  If you have doubts or suspicions make the call. Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? I hope so!

Additional Blogs For You:

#WhatsOnLincs - Louth In Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Louth Market

#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire by LincsConnect – Louth Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the picture above to go to a previous blog. More blogs can be found at www.lincsconnect.co.uk/blogs

Stay Safe Everyone

#StaySafeSaveLives I’m going to clean my keypad, clean the mouse, clean the iPad, wash my hands and get out on my bike for an hour.  #StaySafeSaveLives #HandsFaceSpace