Community Counts – news and resources to help local people
Welcome to the Community Counts column on Hello Lincoln – a round-up of the news from the groups, schemes and organisations that may just be able to provide the support or help you or your family need.
Much of the information in this first column has been supplied by Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Partnership, but we’re inviting all groups working in the wider community to get in touch with their news.
Email
And don’t forget you can find out what lots of organisations are up to through the pages of our What’s On guide – just click on the blue button link on this page.
Parkinson’s Café launched
A new cafe for people living with Parkinson’s their families, friends, and carers, has opened in Bailgate, Lincoln.
Run by Parkinson’s UK’s Lincoln Support Group (pictured) the café was the brainchild of volunteer Martin Dickie, who saw a need for a social opportunity for people affected by the condition in Lincoln. The cafe has also received financial support from Bailgate Rotary Club.
Launched in September, the Bailgate Parkinson’s Drop-in Café is held on the second Wednesday of the month, 10:30am-12pm, at Bailgate Methodist Church, Lincoln, LN1 3AR.
“The drop-in cafe offers support, information, and a chance for an informal chat over a cuppa to local people affected by Parkinson's. Attendance is free and no booking is required, though donations are welcome,” explained Martin.
Parkinson's disease is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 166,000 people in the UK. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.
Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.
For information and support, you can visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Peri Meri Mindfulness Sessions
These free mindfulness sessions, delivered through the Peri Meri Menopause Moments Project, include meditation, movement, taking a mindful pause, breathwork and tips to embrace the present moment.
The aim for participants to distance themselves from unhelpful thoughts and feelings, lessening stress and anxiety and increasing that feeling of peace and tranquillity.
The sessions are aimed at:
- helping relieve stress and anxiety
- helping you cope with physical and mental illness
- losing weight by slowing down and appreciating your food more
- Helping with addictions
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving sleep
- Promoting more positive mental health.
When and Where
The Peri Meri Mindfulnes sessions all take place online and are on the dates below.
Monday, October 20 at 12pm
Tuesday, November 25 at 12pm
Monday, December 22 at 12pm
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12pm
Each free session lasts for one hour.
To book your free place, follow this link to the Ticket Tailor website.
Get Online Week
This is the Good Things Foundation’s annual digital inclusion campaign.
It has been held every year since 2007 and is back for 2025 from Monday, October 20 to Sunday, October 26
The aim is to help tens of thousands of people discover the benefits of being online and build their confidence in using the internet – helping more people cross the digital divide in just one week.
In today’s world, getting online is crucial. With rapid digital transformation and emerging tech, people are at risk of being left behind.
Many of us seamlessly navigate online tools for work, connection, and daily tasks. But 52% of UK adults don’t have essential digital skills for work, and millions still face barriers to digital confidence — from fear of AI to not feeling safe online.
Whether you are a small or large organisation, you can support Good Things Foundation’s flagship campaign and help change the lives of people experiencing digital exclusion.
- Become a Campaign Champion
- Host an event to help the people you support prepare for a digital future
- Make your support last beyond campaign week
For more information on how you can support Get Online Week, follow this link to the Good Things Foundation website.
Veterans and Families Open Day
The next Veterans and Families Open Day will take place at Moorland Community Centre in Lincoln on Wednesday, October 29.
The aim of the open day is to have a ‘one-stop-shop’ for veterans and their families to come along, have a brew and see what services are available, both locally and nationally.
Some of the services that have been invited are:
- Department of Work & Pensions
- SSAFA
- RAFBF
- Op Courage (NHS)
- Shine
- Help for Heroes
- Blind Vets UK
- Op Nova
- Forces Employment Charity
- Healthwatch
- Connect to Support
- Carers First
- How Are You Lincolnshire
- Family Action
- Shaw Trust
There will also be two one-hour veterans’ awareness seminars for those who work within the veteran’s community or for those who feel they would like to deepen their understanding of the veteran mindset. The seminars will run alongside the Veterans and Families Open Day.
Attendance is limited to 20 per seminar due to room size.
For the morning seminar (10:30am to 11:30am) please follow this link to the Eventbrite website.
For the afternoon seminar (12:30pm to 1:30pm) please follow this link to the Eventbrite website.