News :Normanby

For years, Kate and Mark had quietly carried the thought of fostering in their hearts. Their own children were growing up, now aged 18 and 22, and the house felt quieter than it once had. The dream of having a big family had never left them, and deep down they knew they still had more to give. After watching a programme about fostering one evening, their conversations turned into action. They remembered meeting the fostering team at Morrisons the year before and decided to go along to an online information event. It was, as Kate puts it: “Just the right time.”

Then came the moment that changed everything. They saw the details of two young brothers in need of a family. At first, they hesitated. The boys had additional needs, and Kate and Mark worried about whether they could manage. But the thought of the boys without a family kept returning to them, day after day. “We just couldn’t stop thinking about them,” Mark recalls. “Something inside told us we had to at least try.”

The process was long, but they pressed on, supported every step of the way by their social worker and the wider fostering team. Just before Christmas 2024, they were finally approved and everything started to feel real.

Meeting the boys for the first time, at Normanby Hall, is a memory they will never forget. “It was ace,” Kate smiles. “Suddenly we were meeting them; these little people we’d been dreaming about. It was so exciting.”

The weeks that followed weren’t without challenges. The boys struggled at times, their routines unsettled and their anxiety spilling over. Kate and Mark never once questioned their decision. They knew the boys’ behaviour came from their experiences, and they were determined to be the steady, patient presence the children needed.

The introductions were carefully planned, gradually moving from short visits to days spent together. Kate came up with creative ways to ease the transition: a family book filled with photos, framed pictures for the boys to keep with their previous carers, even little bags of fur from the family dogs to comfort them. “It was all about giving them something familiar, something safe,” she explained.

By 14 February 2025 – Valentine’s Day – the boys officially moved in. “It felt symbolic,” Mark said: “A day about love, and here we were welcoming them home.”

Life has been a whirlwind since. The boys’ school routine has become a source of comfort and consistency; with teachers who Kate and Mark describe as “amazing – like a big family.” At home, the dogs have been a gentle, calming presence, inseparable from the children. The couple have learned to embrace a new normal: firm routines, sensory play, boundaries, and endless patience.

The progress the boys have made has been astonishing. When they first came into care, neither could walk. Now, they run, climb, swim, and beam with pride as they put their Crocs on the right feet. One loves lining up cars; the other drums joyfully on tins in the shed. Both are flourishing in ways no one could have imagined.

There are tough days, of course. Times when behaviour is challenging, when words don’t come easily, or when everyone feels stretched thin. But as Kate says: “That’s just part of being their mum… adapting, learning, sticking to routines, and loving them through it all.”

Through laughter, tears, and countless small victories, one thing has become clear: fostering these two boys was exactly what they were meant to do. “Regardless of any challenges, we’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Kate says firmly. “As parents, we have endless pots of love, time, and patience.”

Their advice to anyone considering fostering? “Just do it. Don’t let the long process put you off. It’s worth it a thousand times over. We don’t regret a single thing.”

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities urges more people to embark on their fostering journey like Kate and Mark: “This personal story shows how a foster family can make an incredible life changing difference to two young people for the rest of their lives.  It also shows that whilst at times challenging, foster carers feel personally rewarded by this experience and they make real connections to children they foster, and many keep in touch for the rest of their lives.

“If you feel you could make a difference and offer this to a child or young person, please get in touch with the friendly fostering team today and start your fostering journey in 2026”.

Find out more about fostering in North Lincolnshire on our website, by emailing fostering@northlincs.gov.uk , attending the online information evening or calling 01724 297024.

The post “Endless Pots of Love” – Kate and Mark’s Fostering Story. appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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Twenty-five new homes for people with additional needs will be delivered in Scunthorpe, as the council unlocks redevelopment of the former Hollies and Cygnets site on Normanby Road.

Specialist provider Foresight will bring forward plans for the modern one-bedroom homes designed to help residents live independently while staying close to family, friends and local services.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is the council doing what residents expect – getting land used properly to deliver homes people actually need.

“We know there is real demand for supported living for people with additional needs, and by agreeing this lease we’re turning a long-unused site into an opportunity to create new homes that will make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”

The scheme responds directly to local demand for supported living, delivering modern homes that support independence and keep people rooted in their community.

Foresight works with councils across the country to deliver supported living homes that promote independence, stability and long-term wellbeing for residents.

Paul Silvester, chief executive at Foresight, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to deliver an invaluable service for people who need it most.

“By providing the right homes and support in the community, this scheme will help improve quality of life and support greater independence.”

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults, health and communities, added: “This is about listening to residents and acting on what matters most.

“These homes will support people to live more independently and remain part of their local community.”

The post Deal done: New supported living scheme will help people live independently in their community appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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North Lincolnshire’s manufacturers were given a crucial boost this week as business leaders gathered for a specialist summit designed to help firms prepare for the coming year.

The event – opened by Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council – brought together HR leaders, finance directors and managing directors from some of the area’s most significant employers.

British Steel, Singleton Birch, Collingwood Engineering, Rocal Group, Bulten, Weldtite, Billington Foods, Bradbury Group, Techrete, Artifex Interior Systems, Hitek, CorrBoard, Lebus, LAS Metals, New Holland Extraction and AKP all attended.

Cllr Waltham said: “Businesses across North Lincolnshire are facing real pressures in the national economic climate, and we know that uncertainty makes planning even harder. Today was about giving manufacturers the clarity and confidence they need to prepare for what’s coming – delivering what matters so they can protect jobs, invest in skills and continue driving our local economy.”

He added: “Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy here in North Lincolnshire. By working with organisations like Make UK, we’re making sure local employers have the expert insight they need to stay ahead of upcoming legal changes and remain competitive.”

The tailored session – held at Normanby Gateway in Scunthorpe – focused on the employment law reforms expected in 2026, including new rules around redundancy, dismissal processes and union engagement. Businesses were offered advice on how the changes could impact their operations and what steps they can take now to prepare.

Cllr Waltham added: “This is a practical example of the council stepping in to support local firms at a time when every decision matters. Giving businesses access to high-quality guidance helps them navigate national changes with confidence and keeps North Lincolnshire open for growth.”

Manufacturers of all sizes attended the session, which also provided opportunities to network, share concerns and compare approaches to workforce planning.

The council is continuing to work with Make UK and other partners to ensure local businesses have the tools and information they need to respond to the shifting employment landscape and wider economic challenges.

For more information or to access business support, contact: businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

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The fostering team at North Lincolnshire Council are launching their heartfelt Christmas campaign, Give the Gift of Home, celebrating the power of family, care and belonging. 

The campaign shines a light on what truly matters during the festive season: the presence of a safe and loving home, encouraging local people to consider whether they could make a difference. 

To launch the campaign, the fostering team hosted a special Fostering Film Showcase with fostering friendly members, social workers, foster carers and members of the Children & Families workforce at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber.  

The showcase unveiled a powerful short film created in collaboration with Know Film, one of North Lincolnshire’s fostering friendly members, and is a project that was brought together by professionals, carers and young people.  

The film is a result of months of creative collaboration that captures real stories and emotions, showing experiences of local foster carers and young people sharing their voices and perspectives throughout the process. A heartfelt glimpse into the lives of children in care and the transformative impact of fostering; a film that celebrates resilience, love and community spirit.  

A big thank you to all involved, particularly fostering friendly members, DN Colleges and Aeroschool for helping create a beautiful backdrop for our film and allowing our young people to feel a part of something special.  

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “The showcase was a heart-warming celebration of everything fostering represents, love, compassion and community. The film is a reminder of how vital our foster carers are and how every single one of them helps to change lives. It’s wonderful to see our partners, carers and young people working together on something so special. 

 “As we head into the festive season, Give the Gift of Home is a beautiful message. It reminds us that the greatest gift any of us can offer is time, care and a safe place to belong; not just for Christmas, but all year round. 

“By involving foster carers and young people in shaping the film, North Lincolnshire Council aimed to ensure authenticity at every stage. Their stories and insights helped to guide the creative vision, ensuring that the final piece reflects the reality and rewards of fostering in North Lincolnshire.” 

Pete, co-owner of Know Film, had this to say about what being involved in the film has meant to him: “I know first-hand the impact foster carers can make to the young people they look after, especially as 25 years ago I spent some time in foster care myself.  

“Creating this film wasn’t a run of the mill project for us, we put our heart and soul into this project, and we hope it shows.” 

As part of the Give the Gift of Home campaign, the fostering team will be out and about in the community, spreading festive cheer and raising awareness. There will also be festive giveaways and activities for families to enjoy. 

You can find the team at a variety of events, including: 

• Friday 5 December, Christmas Pantomime at Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, please note that this is a ticketed event, you can book through the Baths Hall website, 5pm to 7pm 

• Saturday 6 December, Normanby Christmas Market, Normanby Hall Country Park, 10am to 4pm 

• 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 December, Christmas Tree Festival with Rotary Club, Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road Scunthorpe, Friday – 10am to 12.30pm, Saturday – 10.30am to 5pm, Sunday – 12noon to 4pm

• Friday 12 December, John Leggott College Christmas Fair, John Leggott College, West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, 5pm to 7pm

Could you Give the Gift of Home this Christmas? 

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit the fostering webpage, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024. 

The post Could you give the gift of home in 2026 for a local child in North Lincolnshire? appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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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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