Community Story: The Hinge Centre

For our latest feature profiling a recent recipient of a grant from the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Yorkshire Local Community Fund grant from National Grid Electricity Transmission we're in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, to find out about a fantastic project from The Hinge Centre. Luke Upton chatted with Operations Manager Megan Robinson about Let's Get Connected and how it's supporting adults with disabilities in the town.

Luke Upton (LU): Thanks for your time today, Megan. Could you tell us about the importance of activity and life skills sessions for adults with disabilities, and why this matters?

Megan Robinson (MR): No problem Luke. For many of the adults we support, opportunities to socialise, try new activities and develop practical skills can be limited. Our sessions provide a regular place where people can meet others, build friendships and feel part of a community, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Many of those who attend need structure in their daily lives, and this six-week programme supports that.

The sessions also support the development of everyday life skills, such as preparing food, making choices, communicating with others, accessing local services and taking part in community activities. These practical experiences help participants become more confident in managing aspects of their daily lives and making decisions for themselves.

Just as importantly, the sessions give people the chance to have fun, try something new and recognise their own abilities. Participants can work at their own pace, celebrate their achievements and build confidence through positive experiences.

LU: Can you share some of the feedback and impact you've seen from the adults you've supported?

MR: We have seen a really positive impact on the adults taking part in Let's Get Connected. One of the biggest changes we've noticed is an increase in confidence and willingness to participate. People who may initially be quiet or hesitant have become more comfortable within the group, joining in with activities, sharing their ideas and developing relationships with others.

The sessions have also helped to reduce isolation and build friendships. For some participants, the group is an important opportunity each week to leave the house, meet other people and feel part of something. We have seen friendships develop, with people encouraging and supporting one another during activities.

Participants have also become more willing to try new things and develop practical skills. Whether this is preparing food, taking part in an activity in the community or learning something new, they are given the encouragement and support to have a go for themselves.

The feedback we receive regularly highlights how much people enjoy coming to the group and how important the social side is to them. Participants have told us they enjoy meeting others, trying different activities and having somewhere they feel comfortable and welcome:

"One thing I have achieved in this programme is the art of patience."

"I am happy when I come to this group. I meet lots of new people and have friends."

"I have attended three of the programmes and I now feel more confident in talking to people."

"I enjoy being part of a group. It helps me get out of bed in the morning."

LU: You've just received funding from the EGL2 Yorkshire Local Community Fund from National Grid Electricity Transmission and Localgiving for a project in Bridlington. Can you tell us more about the project, what it will fund and what it aims to deliver?

MR: Let's Get Connected has grown from our experience of supporting adults with learning difficulties. It provides a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can take part in activities, develop new skills, build confidence and, importantly, form friendships and reduce social isolation.

The project began as an independent living group for adults with learning difficulties but has since developed into a more structured six-week programme. Each week focuses on a different theme, helping participants connect with themselves, others and their local community. Themes include "Let's Get Connected to Food", "Let's Get Connected to Our Community" and "Let's Get Connected with the Outdoors".

The funding from National Grid Electricity Transmission has helped us deliver weekly sessions led by our experienced session worker, covering staff time, resources, activities and the equipment needed to make the sessions engaging and accessible. Participants have had the chance to try new experiences, develop practical and social skills and engage more with their local community.

Ultimately, the project aims to reduce isolation, improve confidence and wellbeing, develop independence and strengthen community connections for adults with learning difficulties in Bridlington. We want participants to feel valued, included and able to take an active role in their community.

LU: How important is this kind of grant funding to your organisation?

MR: Very important! As a small charity working within the Bridlington community, we rely heavily on grants and community funding to deliver projects such as Let's Get Connected. This funding lets us provide regular, accessible and meaningful activities for adults with disabilities, while making sure sessions are properly resourced and supported by experienced staff.

Without it, it would be much harder for us to offer consistent programmes that help people build confidence, develop life skills, make friends and reduce isolation. Grant funding also allows us to respond to the needs of our community and adapt our activities based on what participants tell us they want and need. So, a very big thank you to National Grid Electricity Transmission and Localgiving for making it possible.

LU: Brilliant. As we always ask, more money aside, what would help you most?

MR: Greater awareness, understanding and support for the needs of adults with disabilities within our local community. In Bridlington, resources for adults with learning disabilities are quite limited, and there are only a small number of groups and activities people can take part in. We would love to see more opportunities for people with disabilities to be included in everyday community activities, and to feel they have a voice in shaping the services and opportunities available to them.

The Hinge Centre would also love to have more volunteers! Our volunteers are an incredibly important part of what we do and help us reach more people across our community. They support our groups and activities, help at events, welcome people into the centre and help out in our charity shop. They bring their time, skills and enthusiasm to The Hinge, and help create the friendly, welcoming environment people have come to know and value.

We're always keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved, whether they have lots of time to give or can only volunteer occasionally. Every contribution makes a difference, and volunteering at The Hinge is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and make a positive difference in Bridlington.

LU: And finally, is there anything else you'd like to tell our readers about, such as current projects, focuses or achievements?

MR: The greatest impact is seeing people recognise their own abilities. Small achievements can make a big difference, and Let's Get Connected gives adults with disabilities the chance to build confidence, develop independence and feel more connected to the people and community around them.

Alongside Let's Get Connected, we run a wide range of community groups, wellbeing activities, children and family programmes, learning opportunities and practical support. This includes our emergency food provision, one-to-one support, digital and skills sessions, and groups that give people the chance to connect with others in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment.

We're particularly proud of how our projects continue to evolve in response to what local people tell us they need. We listen to our community and adapt our activities so people have genuine opportunities to shape and influence the support available to them.

LU: Thanks for the time today Megan, keep up the great work!

You may also be interested in: 

• Community Story: Goole Youth Action 
• Community Story: Camborne Cluster of Churches
• Are you ready for the Christmas fundraising rush?
• Community Story: Carefree Cornwall

Localgiving is a leading online fundraising platform and grant delivery partner, focused on supporting small charities, CICs and community organisations. Since 2010, we've helped thousands of groups across the UK raise tens of millions of pounds and make a meaningful impact in their local communities. 

Our platform offers an easy-to-use suite of powerful fundraising tools alongside AI-powered support for finding and applying for grants—equipping organisations with everything they need to grow and succeed.

We also collaborate with major partners, including National Grid and Scottish Power, to deliver corporate grant programmes and connect funding with the communities that need it most.

Join Localgiving today and unlock new opportunities to supercharge your fundraising.

---> Get started with Localgiving with our free 14-day trial