Shared ambition, big impact – how the campus is tackling coastal community challenges

By Cllr William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing at East Lindsey District Council. 

The Campus for Future Living was born from a shared ambition between East Lindsey District Council and its partners to tackle a range of interconnected challenges facing coastal communities. 

Residents in places such as Mablethorpe often experience poorer health outcomes and reduced access to essential services, largely due to their geographic location and limited transport links. These barriers can result in increased isolation and difficulty accessing healthcare, employment opportunities, and vital community support. 

To address these issues, the Council developed a robust business case in partnership with the Connected Coast Board, successfully securing Government funding to create a transformative facility. 

The Campus for Future Living was established to bring services, partners, and opportunities together in one accessible location, with the aim of improving health and wellbeing while supporting economic growth. 

One year on from opening, the Campus is delivering on that vision. It has become a vibrant hub for learning, support, and collaboration, offering residents access to a wide range of services and opportunities in a single, welcoming space. 

Research delivered through the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health is also helping to deepen understanding of coastal health inequalities, ensuring that local challenges are addressed with evidence-based solutions. 

The Campus plays an important role in supporting skills development, education, and employment pathways. Its strategic location, alongside key services such as the children’s centre and Marisco Medical Practice, enhances accessibility while reinforcing its role at the heart of the community. Increasingly, it is being recognised as a leading example of coastal innovation. 

Partnership working is central to the Campus’ success. Through funding from the East Lindsey Investment Fund, monthly Digital and Community Drop-ins are held to provide residents with access to trusted, practical advice. Lincs Digital attends to provide guidance on everyday technology, help resolve online issues, promote online safety and security, and support people to access online health services. 

These sessions are organised around key themes, bringing together a variety of organisations to provide joined-up support. For example, a recent Home and Independent Living session included partners such as Good Home Lincs, the HEART Team, Anglian Water, Age UK, the Fire Service’s SHERMAN campaign, and the Lindsey Blind Society. Residents were able to learn about cost-saving measures, explore ways to adapt their homes to remain independent, and self-refer for additional support. 

Other themed sessions have addressed Memory and Care, with organisations including LIVES, St Barnabas, Carer’s First, and Bob’s Brainwaves supporting individuals and families navigating memory-related challenges. Additional activities have included seated exercise sessions and seasonal wellbeing advice, helping people maintain their health throughout the year. 

Crucially, the Campus provides a trusted environment where residents can engage with reputable organisations, building confidence and enabling meaningful connections. 

The Campus has also become a key venue for East Lindsey’s Age-friendly Ambassadors. As part of the district’s commitment to being an age-friendly community, these volunteers promote positive ageing and help shape local initiatives.  

The Campus has played a vital role in bringing ambassadors together, supporting collaboration, and reinforcing a shared vision of inclusive, supportive communities for all.