East Marsh Community Website

A multi-agency programme led by Care Plus Group and geared towards improving the lives of local people and communities has proven to be a success for the second time.

The Voluntary Improvement Programme is about small teams of staff from various local organisations coming together and using their creativity and enthusiasm to make positive things happen for local people. This year, over 50 members of staff at Care Plus Group and Care4all volunteered their time and expertise to one of eight different projects aimed at achieving something of benefit for the local community. The programme was also supported by Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education and North East Lincolnshire Council and Library Service.

The projects this year included ‘A step in the right direction’ – a therapy led health walk for people with a disability, recovering from illness or with a long term condition. ‘The challenge award’ – a twelve week course giving young adults the experience of Duke of Edinburgh type activities without demanding the full commitment to the bronze award. ‘The Nostalgics’ – a social group aimed primarily at older adults with learning disabilities who have become socially isolated. ‘From 2006: A Care Odyssey’ – an audio documentary examining what improvements have been made since the 2006 Commission for Social Care Inspection Report. ‘Working Together’ – a series of training workshops delivered by Grimsby Institute to improve the skills and knowledge of Care Plus and Care4all staff and service users. ‘Improving Cancer Screening for people with learning disabilities’. ‘Artworks4all’ – a celebration of the creative talents of local people with a disability and ‘The Audio Book Project’ – a series of short stories and poems recorded to form an audio book.

The majority of the projects ran from November 2012 to April 2013, culminating with a presentation day held in May allowing team leads to present their outcomes, share ideas and have their hard work acknowledged.

Jo Barnes, Care4all Managing Director said:

“The Voluntary Improvement Programme makes me proud to be part of an organisation and network of organisations that strive to make a difference by going the extra mile.”

Some of the projects have been so successful that they are continuing to run beyond the programme’s timeframe. The programme is set to run again at a similar time in 2013-2014. If you or your organisation is interested in taking part, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it