News :burton-upon-stather

North Lincolnshire Council is increasing fostering allowances – part of its commitment to support local families and ensure children can continue growing up in stable, loving homes close to where they live.

The increase means foster carers will continue to receive payments above the Government’s national minimum rates, helping to offset rising household costs while recognising the vital role foster families play in caring for children and young people across the area.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Families across the country are feeling the squeeze and foster carers are no different. That’s why we’re increasing our fostering allowances and continuing to invest in the people who provide loving homes for local children.

“Too often we hear about rising costs and shrinking support. In North Lincolnshire we’re taking a different approach. We’re making sure foster carers are properly supported so they can continue changing children’s lives.

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a stable family environment, close to their school, friends and community. Supporting local foster carers helps us do exactly that while reducing reliance on expensive agency placements and keeping more money invested in local families.”

The allowance increase forms part of the council’s wider commitment to foster carers. Alongside competitive weekly payments, foster families benefit from a comprehensive package of support including council tax rebates, dedicated social workers, ongoing training, support groups, family activities, discounts and round-the-clock advice when it is needed.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and young people, said: “Foster carers provide the love, patience and stability that can transform a child’s future.

“This increase is about recognising the incredible contribution they make and ensuring people are not out of pocket for doing something so important.

“We want anyone who has ever considered fostering to get in touch. There is a real need for more local foster carers and the support available from our fostering team is second to none.”

Are you interested in joining a supportive and welcoming community by becoming a foster carer? Some people walk away, some people foster – why not be one of them?

To find out more and start your fostering journey, visit the fostering section on the council website , email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.

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Towns and villages are set to burst into colour this summer after more than £26,000 was awarded to community groups and parish councils helping make the area one of the best-kept places in the country.

From floral displays and hanging baskets to community gardens and village improvements, the funding will help residents transform public spaces, brighten up neighbourhoods and create places residents can be proud to call home.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “When people talk about what makes a place special, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference – colourful displays, well-kept green spaces, community gardens and villages that clearly take pride in where they live.

“These grants help local communities turn great ideas into reality. They support volunteers, parish councils and community groups who give up their time to make North Lincolnshire even more beautiful – we’ve promised to keep back them and this proof of that.”

The funding will support projects in communities across North Lincolnshire, from Barton and Brigg to Crowle, Epworth, Haxey, Messingham, Winterton and many Isle villages, with local volunteers and community groups playing a vital role in bringing many of the schemes to life.

Cabinet member Cllr Richard Hannigan said: “Behind every colourful display, well-kept planter and community garden are volunteers who care deeply about where they live.

“They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they want their village, town or neighbourhood to be somewhere people are proud to call home.

“I’d like to thank every volunteer involved in the In Bloom projects across North Lincolnshire. Their hard work helps make our communities brighter, greener and more welcoming for everyone.”

The grants form part of the council’s wider commitment to supporting thriving communities, helping local people take pride in their neighbourhoods and ensuring North Lincolnshire remains one of the most attractive places in the region.

This year’s successful applicants include Belton, Epworth, Owston Ferry, Crowle and Ealand, Amcotts, Haxey, Barton, Brigg, Broughton, Gunness, Winterton, Thornton Curtis, Ulceby, Messingham and many more communities across North Lincolnshire.

The post Blooming marvellous: grants help communities make towns and villages across North Lincolnshire even more beautiful appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

More young people will be able to dance, perform and develop new creative skills thanks to funding that is helping Street Beat establish a base in Epworth.

The popular North Lincolnshire dance organisation has secured more than £2,500 from North Lincolnshire Council’s Community Grant Fund to hire premises for its Street Beat Elite sessions and buy equipment to support classes and creative projects.

For almost 20 years, Street Beat has used dance to build confidence, friendships and opportunities for young people. The latest funding will help it reach even more children and families, particularly in rural communities where access to activities can be more limited.

New iPads will support lessons and performances while also giving young people hands-on experience in filming, editing and producing their own digital content.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Street Beat is a fantastic example of a community organisation making a real difference to people’s lives. Their work goes far beyond dance classes – they help build confidence, tackle isolation and create opportunities for young people across North Lincolnshire.

“This funding will help them continue to grow, improve access to sessions and give young people even more opportunities to develop their creativity and skills.”

Street Beat Director Kim Oakley-Duffill said: “As an organisation, we aim to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where young people can develop creatively, socially and personally through dance and performance.

“The iPads will help us deliver this in a safer, more accessible, and more engaging way.”

Since launching in 2007, Street Beat has built a reputation for combining creativity with inclusion, supporting children, young people and adults of all backgrounds and abilities.

Alongside community sessions, the organisation has helped talented dancers from North Lincolnshire achieve national and international success, including appearances at the U.Dance National Festival in London, the World Street Dance Championships and on Channel 4.

Since launching in 2011, North Lincolnshire Council’s Community Grant Fund has supported hundreds of local projects, helping communities, clubs and organisations thrive.

If you have an idea that could benefit your local community, visit the community grants page on the council’s website to find out more.

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