The next step in the Mutual Gain Project

We now prepare to take the next step in our Mutual Gain Project after fantastic support from our communities across Lincolnshire.

At the end of 2021, we held World Café events in four parts of the county – they were designed to bring people together over tea and biscuits to talk about the issues their neighbourhoods face.

Events were held at Sutton Bridge, Sleaford, Skegness and South West Ward, Gainsborough with a view to creating an environment in which communities and service providers could discuss the challenges and issues that create barriers to making the public of Lincolnshire feel safe, reassured and supported.

Crowds turned out in their droves to support the pilot project and help forge a brighter future for their area, we entertained a diverse group of people from the community. Many created new friendships, shared concerns, realised the same concerns are shared by others and proposed ideas that generated real interest.

We’ve now processed the feedback from the events in recent months and today release them to the public as we prepare to take the next steps in the programme.

Funds have been raised and will continue to be raised as we look to deliver on important projects put forward by members of the community.

These projects will be discussed at participatory budgeting events in the coming months. More details to follow.

Mark Housley, operational superintendent on East, said: “The events have been really positive.

“The next stage is to build on the momentum created and to support our communities to deliver some of their ideas.

“Over the last few months, a wider more diverse community have been engaged by Police, Local Authority, Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (Mental Health), Social Care, We Are with You and many more.

“This is to begin the process of supporting the creation of cohesive community groups and it has also given us an insight into the thoughts, worries and needs of our community.

“The initial reports, published on our website today, identify concerns and propose simple interventions.

“It seems communities want to be helped to help themselves, they want to take more ownership, but just need a little leadership and management to help create momentum and structure.

“In respect of policing, it seems the public want more engagement and increased focus on prevent and responding to community needs.”

The county lead and contact for this programme is [email protected]. If you are a member of the community, elected member, business or just interested, please contact him.