Are you sorted this summer holiday?

SUMMER 2023 officially starts for families today as schools shut their doors for the annual holidays.

Here’s a handy guide to just some of the things happening in North East Lincolnshire during the next five or six weeks – and where to go if you need help or advice.

Stuff to do: Go to Community Spotlight | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) There’s loads of info on the Community Spotlight events calendar about what local clubs and groups are doing over the summer for families, parents and kids.

The Families First Information Service (FFIS) advertise a wide range of activities for families in the local area, including the HAF sessions, youth clubs, stay and play sessions and more. For more information, visit North East Lincolnshire Council – FIS (nelincs.gov.uk) or call 01472 326292.

Enjoy events: Discover North East Lincolnshire | The Official website for Cleethorpes, Grimsby and surrounding area Events going on right across the area are all on here, along with walking and cycling trails, food and drink ideas and info on longer holiday stays. There’s also our lovely parks (People’s Park pictured above).

Get active: Holiday Clubs & Activities – Lincs Inspire Lincs Inspire venues have things on almost every day. HOME | Fitroutes is also a great website for local walking and cycling routes.

Enjoy the animals: Did you know Grimsby has its very own urban farm? Go to Community Petting Farm in Grimsby | Nunnys Farm (nunnysfarmcic.org)

A great day out: Take a visit to the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre for a trip back in time to the 1950s and experience what it was like to be a trawlerman. Visitors, young and old, will enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Great Grimsby’s past at this multi-award-winning attraction, as well as climbing aboard the historic Ross Tiger trawler. Visit www.fishingheritage.com to find out more. There’s also Grimsby Town Hall’s Time Trap museum, well worth a visit – Time trap | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

Get around: Did you know, there’s £2 bus fares on many routes in our area. For more go to £2 single fares | Stagecoach Bus

If you’re out and about, keep you and others safe:

• Stay safe in Cleethorpes: We’re promised the good weather will be back in August. Our beaches will be full so take care! Sandbanks – If in doubt, don’t go out and always be back on the main beach five hours before high tide to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide. If you do get cut off call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Mud – if you find sinking mud STOP, turn around and retrace your steps back to safety. If you do get stuck, don’t struggle as you will sink further. Remain calm, call 999 and ask for the coastguard;
• Look after wildlife – always keep a safe distance away and do not disturb. Remember this is their habitat, their home and we are the visitors. If you have concerns for an animal’s health or safety, you can report it to the resort management team on 01472 323356;
• Missing child, lost person or need first aid? Call 01472 323356 or find The Resort Hub on central prom opposite the Pier;
• Swimming – always remain within the yellow marker buoys to swim safely. Red marker buoys are for the use of motorised craft only;
• Litter – leave only footprints, take only memories. Put litter in a bin or take it home if you’re on a beach, in a park or walking down the street;
• Dogs – no dogs on the main beach between Good Friday and 30 September. Please keep dogs under close control so they don’t disturb roosting birds and other wildlife.

Get ready for the September term: Have you seen details of the School Uniform Swap on Wednesday 9 August? It’s at The Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, Grimsby from 1pm to 3pm with all uniforms being in good, wearable condition – it could save parents lots of money.

Get help for young people: If your child is struggling with their mental health during the summer holidays, it’s important that they seek support. In North East Lincolnshire there’s lots of free, anonymous and professional support available.

• For advice on issues around emotional health & mental wellbeing, Compass Go can help with one-to-one support. Call 01472 494 250.
• Young Minds Matter also offer mental health and wellbeing support. Call 01472 252 570.
• The Council’s School Nurse text service is available for free, confidential advice and support on things including mental health, bullying, self-harm, bereavement and healthy eating. Just text 07507 331 620.
• Text ORANGE to 85258 for anonymous help with things like stress, anxiety and depression.
• Kooth offer free counselling, advice and support online via www.kooth.com.
• The Single Point of Access is a one-stop-shop for confidential advice and information over the phone, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 01472 256256.

Get help if you feel unsafe: Do you feel unsafe in your home? Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and can take many forms including coercive control and financial abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, need advice, or need help please ring Women’s Aid on 01472 575757. If you are in immediate danger, please always ring 999.

Get help & support: Community – Connect NEL 01472 403403. A one-stop shop, this dedicated 24/7 phone line will be answered by a team of people who are on hand to help callers find support, information and guidance across North East Lincolnshire.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, encouraged people to get out and about: “From seeking out some of the wonderful murals that are springing up in Grimsby and Cleethorpes to enjoying the beach, or an event or sporting activity, there’s loads to do around the borough over the summer. Please enjoy and be safe.”