Meet the Connectors

I am the Lead Community Connector for Lincoln and Bridge Church, covering the centre and around the south end of the city with North Hykeham, Birchwood and a couple of nearby villages. I have been in post for just under two years and involved with the Mental Health Transformation Programme since its outset. My background is in Primary Education and latterly leading a church in the city for ten years before merging with Bridge Church and becoming the Community Pastor prior to taking on this role. I am committed to the community and seeing people thrive in their wellbeing. Connected communities create thriving people who create connected communities - and this brings transformation.

My name is Lois Delong and I'm the Community Connector for Lincoln North, as part of the NHS Mental Health Transformation Programme. Within this patch, we're passionate about prioritising good mental health and resilience for all through sharing about new and existing activities, groups and services, whilst proactively working together in partnership across sectors to address gaps in community provision. Many of these existing community groups and services are facilitated by fantastic staff and volunteers with a heart to see true, long-lasting change across the landscape of this community. I'm always up for a chat and a cuppa so I hope to cross paths soon if we haven't already!

Hi, I'm Bryn Joslin, a Community Connector for the Lincoln University. I'm passionate about supporting mental health through integrated, personalised community connections. My background includes a degree in Biblical Studies, experience in youth ministry, and various community-focused church work. Before joining Bridge Church, I spent seven years in marketing consultancy, where I developed strong skills in communication and strategic thinking. Moving into community mental health was a natural step for me, driven by a desire to connect people with valuable support networks and empower communities to thrive. Outside work, you'll often find me nose deep into some book on theology, philosophy, or psychology. A big reader, I'm a nerd for learning new things

I joined the Community Connector team based out of Bridge Church Lincoln in April 2023. I I have a varied background in working in different communities. I love meeting new people and helping form relationships and partnerships that improve the lives of people in different and diverse communities.It has been great to see a Wellbeing Hub established in Waddington and I am excited to gradually see a greater community offer across the South Lincoln area. I really enjoy working across different disciplines and helping to bring others together to unite around a common cause of making the lives of individuals better and more meaningful.

Hi, I'm Cat Hall, your Community Connector for Sleaford and the surrounding area. I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and discovering the amazing things already happening in our communities. My role is to help connect people, groups and organisations, making it easier for everyone to find support, opportunities and a sense of belonging. Whether it's helping someone discover a local activity, bringing organisations together, or supporting new community ideas to grow, I'm passionate about creating connections that help people thrive. Before becoming a Community Connector, I led a Wellbeing Hub and trained as a Mental Health Nurse. I'm also a strong advocate for intergenerational connection and believe communities are at their best when people of all ages feel valued, included and connected. If you see me out and about in Sleaford, please come and say hello – I'd love to hear what's important to you and your community.

More information coming soon...

More information coming soon...

Hi, my name is David Bruce and I am the Lead Connector for Lindsey & Boston, a partnership between Shine Lincolnshire and the New Life Community Church. My career has always been rooted in supporting people and strengthening communities. With a background in youth and community work, I have worked across a variety of sectors including education, supporting young people within a Special Educational Needs (SEN) college, and hospitality management, where I developed strong leadership, operational and people management skills. These diverse experiences have shaped my approach to building relationships, leading teams and creating environments where people feel valued, heard and supported. Alongside my professional career, I have spent the past 15 years serving with New Life Spilsby. Beginning as a member of the support staff, I have progressed through a range of leadership roles and now have the privilege of serving as Chief Executive Officer. This journey has reinforced my passion for collaborative leadership, community engagement and developing services that make a genuine difference in people's lives. I firmly believe that by working together across organisations and communities, we can create lasting, positive change and ensure people have the support they need to thrive. Outside of my working life, I love to get out walking, putting my boots on and heading over the hills and far away is my way of reconnecting with nature\creation.

Hi I'm Amber Hodgson covering East Lindsey South I have been with shine 3 years starting off as an apprentice support business admin but always had a passion for working with people. In previous roles I have worked supporting MCWIF and SPF funded projects managing their own funding and supporting them to integrate into their communities. Alongside this also supporting the set up of a VCSFE program supporting grassroots organisations to become sustained and successful. I have also worked within a community hub supporting people on the group helping them reach the right support they need and creating a safe welcoming space. Both these roles have helped me to find what I love doing most and that's supporting people and communities. Outside work, I love spending time with my family, going on holiday and reading, even better when I can do 3 all at the same time!

My name is Donna and I am not new to being a part of the community connector team, as I did cover Mablethorpe a few years ago. It was so great and I enjoyed my job so much, I jumped at the chance to work as part of the team again and support my local community. My background covers teaching, adult education, family support and mental health - be this with children or adults. My whole career has been supporting those that are struggling or need a guiding hand somewhere in their lives. Watching people grow has always been the biggest reward to me. I am just moving from a job that supports children and young people who have been affected by a loved ones substance abuse. Through my own journey and what I have learned from others, I have picked up a lot of approaches, practical resources and ideas that I am hoping I get to use with you all! I adore cake, weight training, trying to grow my own food and failing and I teach and do a lot of arts and crafts.

Hi, my name is Donna Smith and I am the Community Connector for Mablethorpe & District, Shine Lincolnshire. I have a big heart for people and my community, and I am passionate about bringing people together, supporting others and making a positive difference. I truly believe that everyone has something valuable to offer, and that by working together we can build stronger, healthier and more connected communities where people feel valued, included and supported. Throughout my career I have gained a wide range of skills and experience across wellbeing, education, early years, children, young people and families, health and social care, health and fitness, aquatics, and holistic therapies. These varied roles have given me a deep understanding of the importance of listening, building relationships and empowering people to reach their full potential. I love connecting individuals with opportunities, services and each other, helping people to thrive and creating lasting positive change. Outside of work, my greatest joy is spending time with my family, including my wonderful children and beautiful grandchildren. I also share my home with my three much loved fur-babies, who keep life full of fun and adventure! I enjoy swimming, spending time in nature, appreciating wildlife and animals, organising and supporting charity events, and, of course, indulging in a little chocolate now and then! I am known for being bubbly, approachable and full of enthusiasm. I genuinely care about people and believe that kindness, compassion and community spirit can make an incredible difference. For me, life is for living, making memories, helping others and leaving the world a little better than we found it. I am excited to continue working alongside the people of Mablethorpe & District, celebrating the strengths within our community and supporting opportunities that help everyone.

More information coming soon...

Hi, I'm Maddie West, Community Connector for East Lindsey North. I have dedicated much of my career to supporting communities, with extensive experience in both local government and the charity sector. My background includes many years working in housing-related support and community-focused roles, helping people access services, build connections, and improve their wellbeing. Prior to my current position, I worked in the charity sector as a Community Connector, continuing my passion for supporting individuals and strengthening local communities. I am also a volunteer, believing strongly in giving back and helping create positive change where I can. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, travelling, and exploring holistic therapies, all of which contribute to my interest in wellbeing and personal growth.

My name is Michael Lithgow, and I am a Community Connector with a passion for bringing people, services and communities together. From a young age, I worked alongside my mum and dad on community projects, which inspired my lifelong commitment to supporting others. I proudly served in the British Army with the Parachute Regiment, where I developed resilience, leadership and teamwork. After leaving the Army, I qualified as a Personal Trainer before working within the NHS, empowering individuals to improve their health, wellbeing and confidence. I am also the Project Lead for Bro Pro UK, leading a growing men’s mental health and wellbeing initiative that provides safe spaces for men to connect, talk and access support. I believe that strong communities are built through compassion, collaboration and meaningful relationships, and I am committed to helping people overcome barriers, access the right support and improve their overall wellbeing.

Hi, I’m Hannah and I’m part of the Community Connector team for Trent and Market Rasen, a role I am so excited about! My career background has been hospitality, and retail management, before my passion brought me to Wright Way Sports and Education, eventually leading me to Shine. I studied performing arts and dance for 3 years, before landing in duty management at my local supermarket after covid cut my final college year short! I have worked most recently as a performing arts and dance teaching for Wright Way, and then began working at Shine as a Community Engagement Officer, visiting local projects and working in the hub! My role then evolved as I took on Project Officer, working within the funding team, working with MHCWIF projects in our local area. I have always wanted to do a job that gives back to the local community and supports those in need, so I am so excited and grateful to be in the role of a Community Connector for Shine, in partnership with New Life Community Church, Spilsby. Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me singing and dancing on stage, doing gigs with my friend, and spending time with friends and family and travelling as much as I can! I am so excited to get to work with local groups and organisations, and look forward to the next few years.

Hi, I'm Bryn Joslin, a Community Connector for the Lincoln North villages. I'm passionate about supporting mental health through integrated, personalised community connections. My background includes a degree in Biblical Studies, experience in youth ministry, and various community-focused church work. Before joining Bridge Church, I spent seven years in marketing consultancy, where I developed strong skills in communication and strategic thinking. Moving into community mental health was a natural step for me, driven by a desire to connect people with valuable support networks and empower communities to thrive. Outside work, you'll often find me nose deep into some book on theology, philosophy, or psychology. A big reader, I'm a nerd for learning new things

Hi, I'm Kay. One of the Trent Community Connectors covering Trent, Market Rasen and East Lindsey North. I am new to this role and previously I have been a peer support worker working for Shine for 3 and half years. I am currently transitioning to the connector role still within Shine. I have lived in Gainsborough all my life and have built great connections within the community and surrounding areas. I thoroughly loved my role as a peer support worker and walking alongside people to inspire hope that you can live a better quality of life. I feel I have given my all to peer support and now ready to take on a new challenge as a community connector. I’m looking forward to connecting with others and working together!

Hi, I'm Olivia, your Community Connector for Boston. Before becoming a Community Connector, I worked as a Peer Support Worker, supporting people on their road to recovery and sharing my own lived experiences, I then joined the funding team before moving on to work on the Shine Together project, supporting organisations in the South Holland, East Lindsay and Boston area. Each of these roles gave me the opportunity to support people in different ways and supported me to understand people's needs and bringing people and ideas together. I'm here to help people connect with local groups, services, and opportunities across Boston. Whether you're looking for support, want to meet new people, or are interested in what's happening in your community, I'm here to help point you in the right direction. I also work closely with local organisations and community groups to share information, build partnerships, and make sure residents know about the support and activities available to them. You can find me at Restore Church on Mondays from 10am–12pm and Wednesdays from 9am–11am, or at Norton Tea on Thursdays from 11am–1pm. The rest of the week you'll often find me out and about across Boston visiting community groups, attending events, and meeting local residents.

I'm Jo and I'm one of the Spalding Community Connectors, based at Tonic Health. I am embracing the role, getting out and about discovering what services are available in the locality and setting up links with existing community groups. We have already arranged to hold regular pop-up hubs around the town, and attended community events to connect with local people.

Hi, I'm, Vanessa. I am the South Lincs Rural Community Connector. My background is in, health and social care management and adult education. I have always had the desire to connect people to the correct support services, in some cases this has been hard. I am excited about my new role. I have started to get out into villages finding out what is out there already. I have attended community events and listened to what people would like in their village to support wellbeing. From these events, pop-up meetings are starting to find connections that will support mental health and wellbeing and build resilience.

Hi, I'm Ben Cross, and I'm excited to be starting my new role as Community Connector (Co-production) at Shine Lincolnshire. Over the last two years, I've had the privilege of supporting my local community in Horncastle with the opening of Bert House, Shine's community hub, and helping it become a valued part of the local area. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. For the past year, I've also co-chaired the Lincolnshire MHDLDA Co-production Network, working alongside Experts by Experience and partners to champion co-production across the county. I'm really looking forward to continuing this work and building on it in my new role. As Community Connector, I'll be working with people, communities, and partners to ensure lived experience helps shape the services and projects that matter most. I'm passionate about building connections, listening to people's ideas, and making sure everyone's voice is heard. I'm looking forward to meeting people from across Lincolnshire, working together, and making a positive difference. If you'd like to say hello, share an idea, or chat about co-production, I'd love to hear from you!