Local businesswoman wins money to develop intergenerational hub in Cosham

Nicole Heard, has received funding to help develop Community Kettle, which offers support for families and increases elderly inclusion.

The recognition comes from The Ingenuity Program organised by Nottingham University, where Nicole has not just gained the Regional Champion Award, but also £3,000 in funding.

She said: ‘I entered the Ingenuity’s program following an accident that injured my back. Myself and my team have dreamed of developing an Intergenerational hub but up until now we never had the time to fully develop our idea.

‘Being limited to the sofa enabled me to enter the ingenuity program which supports business entrepreneurs.’

The Ingenuity Program is a business plan competition that helps develop business ideas and how they can affect the local area. It helps businesses and initiatives in the early stages of the start up process.

It is planned that the money that has been received will be used to open up an intergenerational hub in Cosham high street at the former Parker Pets site.

The proposed idea of the hub is that it will provide a neutral space for communities to share experiences and come together regardless of age, gender, race, wealth or personal circumstance.

The Community Kettle team plan to raise £300,000 through fundraisers, donations, sponsorships and events, alongside the £3,000 already received.

The money would secure the hub in the north of the city before trying to roll them out across the south and if successful, the hub will be the first of its kind to try and beat isolation and loneliness.