North Lincolnshire Council

A new fleet of clean, green and affordable electric mopeds will help homecare workers ensure more residents stay safe and well across North Lincolnshire.

North Lincolnshire Council has purchased 20 new mopeds, which make it easier for care workers to travel and deliver care across communities.

The innovative scheme is part of Proud to Care, the region’s biggest ever recruitment drive for care workers.

The launch of the electric mopeds follows the announcement that the council’s popular free childcare for care workers scheme, is being extended to December 2022.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, deputy leader of North Lincolnshire Council and cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We have spoken to lots of residents who are eager to help their fellow residents by pursuing a career in care but who are prevented from doing this due to travel difficulties and childcare costs.

“I’m thrilled the council has listened to their feedback, stepped in and implemented creative solutions – providing free childcare and now the 20-strong fleet of electric mopeds.

“This will make a huge difference, removing barriers to employment and helping even more people to discover the life-changing benefits working in care can provide.”

As well as offering flexible hours and opportunities for career progression, working in care is a hugely varied and rewarding role, as Phillip, a local care worker, explains: “Care work provides rich rewards. Clients constantly surprise me. Making the small breakthroughs is an amazing feeling. When you help them achieve something that they’ve never done before, those moments are priceless.

“I would say give care work a go! I’ve known people who have changed their career to be able to work with people and help them, they never regretted it.”

As well as buying the mopeds, Proud to Care has also funded the compulsory CBT training, meaning the care worker only has to pay £99 per month to rent the bike and get on the road.

The new electric mopeds are part of the council’s Wheels 2 Work scheme.

Already, almost 30 mopeds are enabling more people, especially those living in rural communities, to travel to work and reduce their carbon footprint in the process.

Homecare workers can apply for one of the mopeds by completing a form on the council website: https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/wheels-2-work/

To find out more about the scheme, or for help completing your application, contact the Proud to Care North Lincolnshire team by email: [email protected]

To find and apply for the latest local care jobs, visit the Proud to Care North Lincolnshire website: https://www.proudtocarenorthlincs.co.uk/

For the 10th anniversary year of the North Lincolnshire Community Champion Awards businesses in North Lincolnshire have come forward to show their support once again.

Without the sponsorship of North Lincolnshire businesses, the Community Champion Awards would not be possible.

Cllr John Briggs, Chair of the Community Champions Award Committee, said: “It is fantastic that so many local businesses pledge their support for the Community Champion Awards. This shows the commitment they have to their communities and how much they recognise the Community Champion Awards.

“I would like to thank each and every one of them for their continued support to making the Community Champions Awards the success it is and helping to recognise the true heroes in our communities.”

The headline sponsors this year are Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd, Pepperells Solicitors, Kapil Care and Paul Fox Estate Agents. There are also sponsors for individual awards, including Hornsbys Travel, Humberside Police, KNOW, GS Kelsey Construction, Ongo, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Marjara Care Group and BRR Law.

Cllr John Briggs continued: “I am delighted to be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Community Champion Awards – what an achievement this is.

“The past few years have been unprecedented for us all, but during this time the heroes of our communities were out in force doing all they can to support others.

“If you know an individual or group that deserves a Community Champion Award, please make sure you nominate them. Whether it is a personal achievement, inspiration to others, the work they have done in their community or volunteering their services for a good cause, we want to hear from you.”

Do you know an individual or group that deserves a North Lincolnshire Community Champion Award? Make sure they get the recognition they deserve.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 24 November at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe.

There are 15 awards up for grabs:

Volunteer category sponsored by Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd

• Young Volunteer of the Year
• Adult Volunteer of the Year
• Environmental Volunteer of the Year

Achievement category sponsored by Pepperells Solicitors

• Outstanding Achievement Young
• Outstanding Achievement Adult
• Creative Achiever of the Year
• Sport and Wellbeing Achiever of the Year

Community category sponsored by Kapil Care

• Community Champion of the Year
• Anti-Bullying Champion
• Outstanding Contribution to a Stronger and Safer Community
• Outstanding Contribution to a Learning Community

Inspiration category sponsored by Paul Fox Estate Agents

• Young Carer of the Year
• Adult Carer of the Year
• Personal Courage
• Lifetime Achievement

Nominate your 2022 Community Champions online at www.northlincs.gov.uk/champion.

If you are not able to nominate online, call 01724 298452 during office hours or email [email protected] for a form.

The closing date for nominations is 30 September 2022.