T.E.D. is very happy to announce its first seasonal edition of the T.E.D. Times. To see or download the PDF please click here. These larger newsletters will be released every quarter/season.

Community Lincs is a charity working throughout Lincolnshire to make a positive difference to the lives of individuals and communities in the region. Talk Eat and Drink (T.E.D.) in East Lindsey is a Big Lottery funded project through the Ageing Better Programme. It is an ambitious project aimed at addressing social isolation and loneliness of people over 50, within rurally isolated communities across East Lindsey. We have a new and unique opportunity for a learning professional to join the team as it moves into its final phase of delivery and legacy planning. Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 per annum Hours: 37 per week Contract: Fixed term until March 2021 Closing Date: 3 January 2019 (close of business) Shortlisting date: 4 January 2019 Interview date: 11 January 2019 The T.E.D. Learning and Evaluation Officer will be responsible for co-ordinating and facilitating learning activity across the T.E.D. Programme, working with the T.E.D. team and commissioned partners to ensure that local evaluation data is collected, analysed and published. This will include not only learning which can be immediately implemented to improve programme delivery in the short-term, but also wider learning about loneliness and social isolation which will contribute via Big Lottery to one of the largest studies of social isolation in older people across the country. The role requires an experienced professional with knowledge of social research and evaluation and a track-record of capturing learning and evidence. The post-holder will need to produce written reports that are suitable for sharing with a wide range of audiences including senior leaders across the area. You will have the necessary drive, enthusiasm and creativity to develop and deliver a programme-wide system for capturing learning, and evaluating the impact of the T.E.D. Programme. We require a team-player, an excellent communicator and a real people person for this role. Travel is required across East Lindsey and therefore access to your own car will be essential, as well as a willingness to work outside of normal office hours. This post is subject to a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. To get a job description and application pack please use the links below or call 01529 302466. For an informal discussion please contact Amy Thomas, Head of Operations on 01529 302466 or email amy.thomas@communitylincs.com. Community Lincs is a registered charity, No. 1046569, and is an equal opportunities employer. Community Lincs, The Old Mart, Church Lane, Sleaford NG34 7DF Downloads Job Description Application Form

We are happy to announce that our T.E.D. newsletter is up and running again! Be sure to have a read every month to find out the T.E.D. event dates near you, activities organised by our partners or interesting events in your local area. T.E.D. November newsletter

The Over 50s Youth Club, Horncastle meets every Wednesday 2pm – 4pm at Horncastle Youth Centre, Cagthorpe, Horncastle. Please join them for activities, guest speakers, crafts, coffee, cake and conversation for only £1.00, including unlimited refreshments and an entry in the raffle. Louth Friendship Group are held at the Crispy Biscuit, Hortons Yard, Pawn Shop Passage, Louth. Join them for activities, outings and conversation. Refreshments are available to purchase. Monday 19 November 2018, 2pm to 4pm. Monday 17 December 2018, 2pm to 4pm. Tea/ coffee and mince pies at The Crispy Biscuit Tea with T.E.D. Friendship Groups are informal get- togethers for coffee, cake and conversation to meet new people and find out what’s on in your local area Every Tuesday, 1pm-3pm, The Storehouse, North Parade, Skegness, PE25 1BY (£1.50 unlimited tea/coffee & cake) 1st Thursday every month 1pm-3pm, The Coastal Centre, Victoria Street, Mablethorpe, LN12 2AQ 2nd Monday of every month 10am-12pm, Louth Library, Northgate, Louth, LN11 0LY 3rd Tuesday of every month1pm to 3pm, Elizabeth Court Church Street, Louth, LN11 9BP Sutton on Sea Library and Community Hub, Broadway, Sutton on Sea, LN12 2JN Thursday 20th December 10am to 12 noon Thursday 17th January 10am to 12 noon Louth Library Monday 12th November 10am to 12 noon Monday 10th December 10am to 12 noon Monday 14th January 10am to 12 noon Elizabeth Court, Louth Tuesday 20th November 1pm to 3pm Tuesday 18th December 1pm to 3pm Tuesday 15th January 1pm to 3pm The Coastal Centre, Mablethorpe Thursday 6th December 1pm to 3pm Thursday 3rd January 1pm to 3pm Please note, on very rare occasions it is sometimes necessary to postpone or cancel an event, or they have to be held on a different day. Please check before you travel. To find out more about the T.E.D. Ageing Better in East Lindsey Programme please contact them on 01529 301966 or email ted@communitylincs.com or visit their website at www.tedineastlindsey.co.uk

The Age-friendly Business Award scheme rewards local businesses going above and beyond for older customers and who foster a positive view of ageing. The award is open to businesses and services in East Lindsey operational for at least 6 months and who meet set criteria in the following categories: Accessibility Customer Comfort Marketing and Communications Staff Training and Attitude Local businesses are important to older people, which is why we are working with businesses to raise awareness and encourage use of Age-friendly Businesses. Likewise older people make up a significant proportion of the population and are an important part of our economy – 26% of East Lindsey residents being over age 65. Age-friendly Business status also speaks volumes when attracting customers visiting the area. A report by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP revealed that the highest proportion of visitors were age 55 – 64 years. The award process includes an assessment conducted via discussion with the business manager/owner and a mystery shop to validate the assessment findings. Businesses achieving Age-friendly status receive an award and window sticker to help customer’s identify them as Age-friendly and advertising on the T.E.D. website with direct links to the businesses own website. T.E.D. – Ageing Better in East Lindsey is part of the National Lottery funded Ageing Better programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. Ageing Better aims to develop creative ways for older people to be actively involved in their local communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness. It is one of five major programmes set up by the Big Lottery Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services which aim to make people’s lives healthier and happier. www.tedineastlindsey.co.uk. The T.E.D. programme is managed by Community Lincs a charity, based in Sleaford, which works throughout Lincolnshire to make a positive difference to the lives of individuals and communities in the region www.communitylincs.com Presentations have been made this month include: Lincolnshire Co-operative Roman Bank Skegness B&G Solicitors Louth The Crispy Biscuit Louth Wilkin Chapman Solicitors Alford Crofts Estate Agents Louth Hodgkinsons Solicitors Skegness Barclays Bank PLC Skegness Rachels Café Hagworthingham SO Festival 2018 Nationwide Building Society Skegness Lovelle Estate Agency Alford “This is a great opportunity to demonstraste businesses that consider older people in their business approaches. The T.E.D. Age-friendly Business award is proof that these businesses are thinking about older people in their business approach” said Guy Dewsbury the T.E.D. Programme Manager.

THE 2018 SO Festival, with over 60 spectacular events over three days, has once again received an official Age-friendly award. Spectacular Italian vertical acrobats, superb French fire and dance artists and the smallest circus in the world are just some of the fantastic acts at the three-day event. One of the largest family-friendly outdoor arts and cultural events of its kind in the UK is returning to Mablethorpe and Skegness this summer for an extravaganza of European and home-grown culture – and it is all completely free. Brought to you once again by the Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture, the three days start in Mablethorpe on Friday, August 31 before switching over to Skegness on Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2. The ethos of the event has always been family-friendly and inclusive – and organisers are therefore delighted by the official recognition it has received from T.E.D. The Festival’s status as an Age-friendly business means it has successfully achieved a set of standards that include age-friendly customer service, consumer comfort, clear marketing and communications and accessibility. “T.E.D.is thrilled to welcome SO Festival as an Age-friendly business,” said Guy Dewsbury, T.E.D. Programme Manager. “It underlines the Festival’s commitment to the community and visitors.” Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture is partnered by Arts Council England, East Lindsey District Council, Passage Festival, Helsingor Teater, Without Walls Associate Touring Network, Coasters Touring Network and Lincs FM to stage the festival. Magna Vitae’s Cultural Project Co-ordinator Katie-Louise Green said: ”There is real excitement around what we are planning. Our focus on the coast means we can concentrate on creating something that is going to be truly spectacular and is for the whole of the area as well as visitors. The T.E.D. award is particularly pleasing, as we pride ourselves on creating something that all the family can enjoy.” Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy at East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Steve Kirk, said: “It’s great to see SO Festival returning once again this year. It’s always a fantastically attended event and I’m sure that will continue, as the festival is hugely popular with residents and visitors. The performers and acts that take part always bring something unique and I look forward to seeing them.” For full details on the acts and timings please see www.sofestival.org T.E.D. – Ageing Better in East Lindsey is part of the National Lottery funded Ageing Better programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. Ageing Better aims to develop creative ways for older people to be actively involved in their local communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness. It is one of five major programmes set up by the Big Lottery Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services which aim to make people’s lives healthier and happier. www.tedineastlindsey.co.uk. The T.E.D. programme is managed by Community Lincs a charity, based in Sleaford, which works throughout Lincolnshire to make a positive difference to the lives of individuals and communities in the region www.communitylincs.com

We would like to thank the Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness for supporting T.E.D. – Ageing Better in East Lindsey to introduce our new ‘Banter Bench’ campaign, designed to tackle the ever increasing issue of loneliness and isolation experienced by the older community. A special thanks goes to Steve Andrews, as the Hildreds Centre Manager, who has been a strong champion of T.E.D. and of the Age-friendly Business Award, which works towards making East Lindsey a more age friendly area. The concept of a ‘Banter Bench’ was devised by Elaine Croker, T.E.D.’s Age Friendly Business Co-ordinator, and Steve and on the day was manned by volunteer and staff ‘Banter Buddies’ whose role was simply to have a chat with older people visiting the Centre. The contributory support of our T.E.D volunteers made the day a huge success. Throughout the day our T.E.D. volunteers spent time on the Banter Bench, talking to members of the public and sharing information about social opportunities, activities and events taking place in the town. Amy Thomas, Head of Operations for Community Lincs said, “The Banter Bench is a fantastic new initiative and gives us an opportunity to share information about opportunities in their local community.  The support of the Hildreds Centre and of our amazing team of T.E.D. Volunteers has been invaluable and we look forward to welcoming many new over 50s from Skegness and surrounding areas to our events in the future” To see more information from the Hildreds Banter Bench launch visit https://twitter.com/ted_EastLindsey For more information on the Hildreds Shopping Centre call 01754 764899 or visit www.hildredsshoppingcentre.co.uk   T.E.D. – Ageing Better in East Lindsey is part of the National Lottery funded Ageing Better programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. Ageing Better aims to develop creative ways for older people to be actively involved in their local communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness. It is one of five major programmes set up by the Big Lottery Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services which aim to make people’s lives healthier and happier. www.tedineastlindsey.co.uk. The T.E.D. programme is managed by Community Lincs a charity, based in Sleaford, which works throughout Lincolnshire to make a positive difference to the lives of individuals and communities in the region www.communitylincs.com  

The Hildreds Shopping Centre in Skegness is taking an innovative and proactive approach to tackle the ever increasing issue of loneliness and isolation experienced by the older community by unveiling their Banter Bench on Tuesday 26th June. Centre manager, Steve Andrews, is a constant champion of the local community and is working closely with T.E.D. – Ageing Better in East Lindsey to tackle the issue. The ‘Banter Bench’ in the Hildreds Centre, will be manned with ‘Banter Buddies’ who will be on hand to have a chat with anyone who is stopping by. “T.E.D., Ageing Better in East Lindsey, is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Hildreds.”, “Many local people may feel isolated or be experiencing loneliness and the Banter Bench will, hopefully, allow them to make new connections and find out what is on offer in their area. Being able to work with prominent local businesses, like Hildreds, on this innovative approach will help T.E.D. to offer support to as many people as it possibly can.” said Guy Dewsbury, T.E.D.’s Programme Manager. The ‘Banter Bench’ will be located in the mall. At selected times throughout the day, a ‘Banter Buddy’ will sit on it, with a badge identifying them as someone who is available for a chat about anything. All of the ‘Banter Buddies’ are DBS checked and will be, of course, good listeners. The ‘Banter Buddies’ will be able to offer advice and suggestions on clubs, societies, activities and events in the town that may be of interest to someone who would like more opportunities to socialise. For more information on the Hildreds Shopping Centre call 01754 764899 or visit www.hildredsshoppingcentre.co.uk  

The recent Age UK Lindsey and Talk, Eat, Drink (T.E.D.) in East Lindsey event, ‘Spotlight on Ageing’ in Horncastle was very successful. The aim of the event was to showcase opportunities and helpful organisations that support older people in Horncastle. The event was attended by a variety of different organisations and members of the public, seeking information about the opportunities available to them. Brian Burbridge, Mayor and Chair of Horncastle Town Council said, “The event was very successful with lots of excellent information to be had from a range of organisations and I look forward to the next event.” This was also an opportunity for the organisations to network and make connections that may lead to collaboration in the future. Nicola Stanton, Programme Development Officer at SoundLINCS said, “The T.E.D. and Age UK Lindsey event in Horncastle was a fantastic way to meet people who are involved in the many services in the area. It was a great networking opportunity as well as a forum for meeting with potential clients and participants. Lovely cake and coffee too!” Jennie Wilson from Age UK Lindsey said, “A lot of people aren’t aware of what is available – whether you are looking to join in something or interested in volunteering. This is a great opportunity to bring everything to the people of Horncastle.” Guy Dewsbury, Programme Manager for T.E.D. said “It was so encouraging to see many different organisations gather under one roof. T.E.D. were really happy to partner with Age UK Lindsey in organising such a successful venture. It is really exciting that there are so many people who can help and provide assistance to older people in Horncastle. I look forward to many more events like this in the future.” For more information about T.E.D. and how you can get involved, please contact ted@communitylincs.com or call 01529 301966

Talk, Eat, Drink (T.E.D.) in East Lindsey and Age UK Lindsey have combined forces to host an event called ‘Spotlight on Ageing’; an opportunity to showcase organisations that support older people in Horncastle. The event will take place on Wednesday 21st March, 10am-12pm at Stanhope Hall, Horncastle. Jules Arthur, T.E.D. Network Development Co-ordinator, said “The Spotlight on Ageing event is focused on the positive aspects of ageing and gives the Horncastle community the opportunity to find out more about what services and activities are available to the over 50’s. It also gives us an opportunity to find out what people would like to see in their community.” The event will also be welcoming Brian Burbridge, Mayor and Chair of Horncastle Town Council who will be attending with the Mayor’s Consort. A number of organisations that aim to support older people will be in attendance, showcasing a variety of activities, opportunities and groups for older people to get involved in. Organisations include: T.E.D. will be showcasing their volunteer opportunities, membership and events and their Age Friendly Business Scheme. SoundLincs will be promoting their new programme New Tricks, an exciting and inclusive programme to establish and sustain music-making groups across the county. Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) will also be showcasing the volunteering opportunities they have available, enabling older people to utilise the skills they gained in their work lives, in a friendly, positive environment. Age UK Lindsey will be promoting the T.E.D. Befriending and Friendship Hub, which acts as a one stop shop to access befriending support and signposting to social activities available in East Lindsey. Sue White, Age UK Lindsey Service Manager, says: “This service offers an amazing opportunity to offer support to those needing someone to talk to. “As a result of this we have already recruited two new lead Befrienders who will help to support volunteers and undertake the assessments for the T.E.D Hub, as well as link to other service providers and GP practices.”

Quirks Optical, trading as Boots Opticians is the first store in Hildreds Shopping Centre to receive a T.E.D. Age Friendly Business Award. The Age-Friendly Business Award gives recognition to local businesses that provide an excellent service and environment for older customers. The award is recognised by customers, who feel they can shop confidently in these businesses. Quirk Optical were commended in their assessment for their wonderful staff who were quoted as being sensitive to customers’ need for time and giving clear choices and prices. They also stated that the business was accessible to all and comfortable to be in. A T.E.D. Representative said, “This is the first store in Hildreds to receive the Age-Friendly Business Award. We hope to work with Steve Andrews closely to ensure every store in the centre holds Age Friendly Status and make Hildred’s the first Age-Friendly Centre!” Louise said: “The T.E.D. project encompasses everything we stand for here as 90 percent of our customers are that age. “It’s about promoting customer confidence by making it easy to get around if you are in a wheelchair or mobility scooter and making sure the signage is easily visible. We are delighted to support the project and receive recognition for what we do.” The award has also been welcomed by Hildreds. Manager Steve said: “We try to do as much as we can for the community and we hope other shops in the town will support this.”

Community Lincs welcomes the news that the Government has appointed a Minister for Loneliness. Tracey Crouch MP will be working across parties and communities to tackle the ever-growing issue of loneliness, which affects approximately nine million people across the UK.   The Commission on Loneliness was first set up by the late MP Jo Cox and the appointment of Tracy Crouch MP to this new ministerial role will continue Ms Cox’s legacy.  Ms Crouch has indicated that a multi-million pound fund will be utilised to help create a framework and develop a government strategy for the future.   “This is wonderful news, ”said Gail Jackson, CEO of Community Lincs “Community Lincs is working throughout the Lincolnshire region to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Part of our work is to combat rural isolation and loneliness; to have recognition of this issue and the commitment from the government to invest in combatting loneliness will make a real difference to the people we work with.”   Community Lincs is a charity, based in Sleaford, which works throughout Lincolnshire to make a positive difference to the lives of individuals and communities in the region. The charity is currently delivering several projects to minimise the effects of rural isolation and loneliness. The Talk Eat Drink (T.E.D.) project in East Lindsey is aimed at older people and encourages them to become more involved in social activities. T.E.D. hosts regular free events across the East Lindsey area for older people and welcomes anyone who would like to become involved tedineastlindsey.co.uk/events/   “T.E.D. is an absolute necessity for lonely and elderly people.” Says one T.E.D. Member “It’s probably the only outlet for many lonely, vulnerable people to keep them from becoming totally isolated.”   The Good Neighbours Scheme is another Community Lincs initiative. The schemes are run by local volunteers who provide support to other residents in their area who may need help with day-to-day tasks. Aimed at older people, this support, provided by the good neighbours, can enable them to live independently in their own homes and communities for longer and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.