News :Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire’s Armed Forces community took the spotlight recently as veterans aged 66 and above and their carers gathered at the Armed Forces Hub in Scunthorpe for a special event dedicated to their wellbeing.

The event was a resounding success, attracting visitors from across North Lincolnshire for a day packed with support, advice, and community spirit.

The day was designed to celebrate and support those who have served, offering practical help and a warm welcome, all under one roof.

Cllr Elaine Marper, Armed Forces champion, said: “Our veterans have given so much, and the event was about giving back to those who have served and ensuring they have the tools and support to live well and independently.”

From 10am to 2pm, the hub became a one-stop destination for advice, activities, practical help and a warm welcome.

Veterans enjoyed:

• Free winter warm packs for the first 50 visitors, including a blanket, flask, hat, and gloves
• Opportunities to sign up for free low-energy appliances to help reduce household bills
• Expert guidance on health, wellbeing, and financial support
• Blood pressure checks, carers’ advice, and safer neighbourhoods information
• Time to connect with friendly staff and fellow veterans over tea, coffee, and hearty mugs of soup.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, said: “This kind of event is at the heart of what we deliver as a council – it strengthens the connections within the Armed Forces Community and ensures veterans and their families have access to the support they deserve.

“It brought together local partners to ensure veterans could access everything they need to stay independent and empowered to take control of their wellbeing.”

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A simple VE Day afternoon tea – and £300 raised by St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy pupils – has blossomed into something much bigger: a growing friendship between local children and North Lincolnshire’s Armed Forces community.

That first act of kindness set the wheels in motion for a hands-on learning adventure.

On Tuesday 4 November, 20 excited pupils swapped the classroom for the Armed Forces Hub on Scunthorpe High Street, diving into a morning packed with stories, creativity, and even a surprise four-legged visitor from the Royal Navy.

From crafting poppies alongside veterans to asking big questions about service, bravery, and Remembrance, the session helped bring history to life in a way no textbook can.

Cllr Elaine Marper, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Seeing children connect so naturally with our veterans is incredibly powerful. These moments spark understanding, respect and pride – and they help keep the stories and sacrifices of our Armed Forces alive for future generations.”

The partnership is set to continue, opening the door to more shared experiences, more learning, and more moments that build confidence, empathy, and community spirit.

The Armed Forces Hub, in the High Street in Scunthorpe, is part of the council’s commitment to supporting past, present and future members of the armed forces.

The council holds the highest national Covenant recognition for its ongoing commitment to veterans and their families.

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A third phase of The Point is also in planning, along with plans for a sister site in Scunthorpe

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Every great business starts somewhere – from Dyson’s first prototype in a garden shed, Gymshark’s first embroidered t-shirt or Amazon’s first book sold from Jeff Bezos’s garage.

Now, North Lincolnshire Council is helping local people turn their ideas into reality, with free advice, one-to-one support and grants of up to £500 available for new start-ups.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are committed to creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive – this cash not only helps new businesses get off the ground but also ensures long-term resilience in our communities.”

The start-up grants can be used to support residents setting up their own business or becoming self-employed within their first 12 months of trading – with the available to help cover essential costs such as:

• Marketing and advertising
• Equipment such as desktop computers
• Training, permits or accreditations.

The Barrel Shop in Barton-upon-Humber – a zero-waste store selling a wide range of groceries, cleaning products and cosmetics – recently received a grant.

They invested in a commercial electronic weighing scale and a computerised stock control system – helping the business streamline its operations by improving stock accuracy and enabling more efficient day-to-day management.

Cllr Waltham added: “This funding is about giving local people the tools they need to succeed and supporting the kind of ambition that keeps our towns and villages strong – by backing local talent, we’re investing in the future of North Lincolnshire and delivering real opportunities that matter to our residents.

“The Barrel Shop is a fantastic example of innovation that is creating jobs and supporting the town to thrive.”

The team at the Barrel Shop also worked with the council’s one-to-one support to produce a clear business plan and cashflow forecast, and completed the online start-up workshop to build their knowledge and confidence as a new business owner.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners are invited to attend a series of informal drop-in sessions taking place across North Lincolnshire over the coming months.

These events offer the opportunity to speak one-to-one with a business advisor and discover the range of support and funding available, including how to access the start-up grants.

All sessions run from 9am to 11.30am on the following dates:

Waters’ Edge, Barton – Wednesday 3 December 2025

Ashby Hub – Wednesday 7 January 2026

Normanby Gateway, Scunthorpe – Wednesday 14 January 2026

The Angel, Brigg – Wednesday 28 January 2026

Crowle Hub – Wednesday 11 February 2026

No appointment is necessary – simply drop in at a convenient time. However, if preferred, appointments can be pre-booked via an online form.

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also schedule a 45-minute online appointment with a start-up advisor at your convenience.

The programme directly supports Priority Three of the North Lincolnshire Economic Growth Plan 2023–2028: to increase business start-ups and sustain high survival rates. It also aligns with the UKSPF’s wider mission to promote inclusive, local economic growth.

For more information about the grant and how to apply, go to the Invest in North Lincolnshire website or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

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