A safe warm place
City of Lincoln Council has supported vulnerable residents by allocating funds to local charities working to combat social isolation and help those living in poverty, writes Rebecca Poole.
The Lincoln Lottery Community Fund 2024 has been shared between seven local good causes running projects to tackle the priority areas which were identified through a public consultation last year. One of the recipients of the fund is award-winning gardening and therapeutic horticulture charity, Green Synergy, which has been awarded £2,500 for its Warm Spaces Project.
“The funding is enabling us to put on a Lunch Club on a Monday and it’s also providing us the opportunity to continue what was our Knit and Natter, but is now our Cuppa, Craft and Chat sessions which take place on a Thursday,” explained Ali Talbot, Green Synergy’s Chief Executive.
The charity is based in the Tower Estate in Abbey Ward, which is one of the highest deprived wards in Lincoln. Ali explains that poverty levels for children and young people are also the highest in the county.
“From our community listening in 2023 and 2024, the residents on the Tower Estate feel they are a forgotten estate but also that their needs are quite high. In response we’ve developed our community charity hub because we’re the only indoor space on the Tower Estate.
“One of the things that’s key for us as a charity is providing a safe space for people to come together, to meet friends, but predominantly to reduce loneliness. “
In response to the cost-of-living crisis and cut in winter fuel payments, it is hoped that offering a warm, safe space will support the community with its needs and by providing energy advice sessions and partnering with Citizens’ Advice on Mondays, those seeking help will be able to drop in for free confidential support.
“We’re a trusted organisation on the Tower Estate and the residents understand that if they’re sharing what their needs are, we try and be quite agile and respond to that.”
The free Lunch Club runs on Mondays 11am – 1pm and provides hot soup and refreshments. Booking is essential - call 01522 533077 or email
Coffee Mornings are Wednesday 10am – 12pm, and Cuppa, Craft and Chat takes place Thursday 1pm – 3pm. at Green Synergy’s community hub, 49 Roman Pavement, LN2 5RD, Sessions are open to all city residents.