Background

Louth Healthy and Happy operates in one of the most deprived wards in Louth. It began with community research to discover what local people felt about where they live. This was done through public meetings and schools work.

This research showed that there were four key objectives for the project to engage with:

Play
The provision of good quality, accessible play equipment in existing public spaces

Anti-Social Behaviour
A reduction in the amount of intimidating and anti-social behaviour

Road Safety
A reduction in the danger to children and young people from traffic on busy main roads

Information
Access to good quality, up to date information about opportunities available to children, young people and families

Making a difference through Positive Partnerships

Play
We are working in partnership with residents, New Linx Housing Trust, East Lindsey District Council, the Police and a landscape architect. Our aim is to develop a playscape, a landscaped area incorporating both natural play and play equipment. The playscape will encourage fun, adventure and risky play, but will also be a place for the community to meet and relax.

Anti-Social Behaviour
Our partnership with the YMCA has ensured the delivery of primary and secondary schools work. This has included looking at confidence, self-esteem, behaviour and attitudes. There has been some really positive feedback from staff, who want to see the work continue.

The YMCA also deliver activities in the school holidays which have increasingly involved parents as volunteers. Feedback from parents has shown how important it is for children to have safe, accessible and affordable activities during school holidays. Parents have also told us of how children have grown in confidence and developed their social skills.

We also work with New Linx Housing Trust who have been keen to develop holiday activities through their residents associations. Several parents have volunteered to run holiday activities and we are providing resources to help make these activities sustainable.

Road Safety
The Highways Department at Lincolnshire County Council have been working to improve road safety across the whole of Louth. We have been talking with them to learn about potential improvements in the Healthy and Happy area, and will look at ways of working with them and the community to maximise the impact of road safety improvements.

Information
A Children’s Centre is being developed within the Healthy and Happy area. One of the services which must be offered is signposting to national and local sources of information, advice and support. We are looking to work with the Children’s Centre to ensure that the information being provided is as complete as possible.