Our social purpose is an active expression of our values in action. Through a range of community projects and initiatives, we aim to empower individuals, organisations and communities to create lasting impact.
Our social purpose is an active expression of our values in action. Through a range of community projects and initiatives, we aim to empower individuals, organisations and communities to create lasting impact.
The Ermine Library & Community Hub (ELCH) is Lincoln Bishop University’s flagship community project. We have been running it since July 2022 and it is seen by the community as a safe, trusted, welcoming, accessible space with a central role in the area. It plays a vital role in empowering the local community, providing a space where people, including our students, can come together, take ownership, and actively participate in shaping and delivering activities.
We aim to foster a sense of ownership, involvement, and pride in the library as a hub for local action and support and the ELCH is a registered Warm Welcome Space. Since opening we have welcomed over 25000 people to the ELCH.
As well as the usual library resources such as books and PC’s there are a variety of activities on offer. Examples include:
For adults: Community Cuppa, Crafty Cuppa, Dungeons and Dragons (neurodiverse friendly), Knit and Natter, male orientated book club.
For children and young people: Arty Tots, Early Talkers, Early Voices, Ermine Bricks Club, Puzzle and Games Club.
Partnerships are key to meeting the diverse needs of our community. We work closely with organisations such as One You Lincolnshire, Age UK, Social prescribers, DWP, Citizens Advice, Food Bank Services, Ermine and Glebe Neighbourhood policing team & LocalMotion to provide a range of services and support.
We work with 2aspire to promote adult learning opportunities to help individuals to gain confidence, access training and qualifications and to improve employability and enhance personal growth and wellbeing. We are committed to offering volunteering opportunities, work experience & work placements especially for those young people with an Education, Health and Care plan. We are actively engaged with NHS Choices College and St Francis Special School.
We are an active member of the Ermine Partnership Board and are heavily involved in the Place Shaping Framework for the area which provides the opportunity to amplify the voice of the community.
The majority of our volunteers and paid staff come from the local area and live in Minster, Glebe & Castle Ward.