LEAN held a launch event on the 7th of November at Bridge Central, Portland street that attracted more than 60 participants.The event was formally opened by the Mayor Of Lincoln, Councillor Rosanne Kirk.The aim of the event was to bring communities members together with partners to explain the role of LEAN in the city, the work that has taken place so far and our aspirations for the future. Partners attending includes representative from the University of Lincoln, City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln City Foundation, NHS, Local Motion, and Lincolnshire Community Foundation. The evening started with a presentation from Dr Louise Humphries, Director of Strategy & Planning at GYROS and project lead for LEAN. Louise explained the background to GYROS and why the organsiaton was so keen to work in Lincoln . After Louise’s presentation those present heard from Armine who is the lead immigration advisor from GYROS. Armine explained the need for support services and how this is delivered by GYROS, this is split into these broad headings:Provide multilingual and culturally sensitive:IAG and Advocacy – MATRIX AccreditedUnderpinned by Immigration Law – OISC Level 2 Immigration AdvisorsMoney and Debt Advice – FCA AccreditedCommunity cohesion activities:Community caféESOL embedded wellbeing, empowerment and skills development learningLink with as many ‘mainstream’ community events as possibleResearchAs LEAN powered by GYROS, LEAN community members can reach out these services and opportunities.Armine stated:”We are a culturally diverse human rights-based service, giving immigration-informed advice, which enables people to live safely and legally as equals, and thus achieve their potential.”The next presentation was delivered by Paul Carrick, Neighbourhood manager at the City of Lincoln Council. Paul discussed the background to LEAN and the aspirations of creating a physical space in the city to provide advice and guidance to members of our communities. In addition, LEAN is well place to provide a bridge between public services and our culturally diverse communities. Paul also raised the importance of having an organisation that provides a collective voice for our newly formed communities.After Paul, LEAN community members were invited on the stage, Izatullah from Afghan Hazara community, and his daughter Zohra, Edgars from LEAN community, Ayodele Oyedepo-Bello and Pastor Vera from The Redeemed Christian Church of God. It was a great evening with LEAN community members, they have reflected that LEAN’s culturally diverse community. Bahar, working for LEAN, Bahar talked from the community perspective, what’s happened till now with LEAN. Next steps, & aspirations will take a place soon with more collaboration with different organisations to create more wider impact within Lincoln. Looking forward for collaborative actions.
