Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance launches the Cancer Innovation Grants 2024/25  

If you have an innovative project that promotes early cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery and/or patient experience in the Humber and North Yorkshire area, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance could help you with the funding.

The Cancer Alliance, in collaboration with Health Innovation Network Yorkshire & Humber and the Innovation Research and Improvement System, is proud to announce the launch of the Cancer Innovation Grants 2024/25.

“This is an excellent opportunity to develop our local culture of innovation through adopting and developing new ideas, which have a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes and the local cancer system” Mr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance

The Cancer Innovation Grants form part of the Cancer Alliance’s aim to build a culture of cutting-edge cancer innovations, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan. From small, grass-roots projects, to larger-scale innovation schemes, the Cancer Alliance is encouraging the development or adoption of innovative approaches to cancer that target local priorities for improvement, with a focus on (but not exclusive to) tumour sites with the highest volume of late stage diagnosis:

  1. Oesophageal
  2. Lung
  3. Pancreatic
  4. Colon
  5. Rectum
  6. Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
  7. Prostate

Who can apply for a Cancer Innovation Grant?

The Cancer Alliance welcomes applications from:

  • Primary and Secondary Care organisations
  • Patients
  • Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs)
  • Wider system stakeholders – e.g. social care organisations

Collaboration is encouraged across organisations and sectors.

What kind of projects will the Cancer Alliance fund?

The Cancer Alliance is looking for newly identified innovations, as well as projects that adopt innovation ideas that have been proven a success elsewhere. Some examples include:

  • Adopting technology or a workforce to implement or embed new ways of reducing demand on diagnostic services
  • Developing patient education solutions, particularly those designed to address health inequalities
  • Initiatives to support increase in uptake of cancer screening programmes, with a focus on specific groups where screening uptake is low

What kind of projects will not receive funding?

Cancer Innovation Grants will not be awarded to support current standards and processes in cancer care – e.g. posts and activities that are part of core services and staffing, such as Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).

The Cancer Alliance is not able to fund research or projects that require capital funding.

Grants timeline

Applications Open – w/c 8 April 2024

Applications Close – 5pm, 31 May 2024.

Notification of Grant Award – 21 June 2024

What level of funding is available?

Individual grants will be funded to a maximum of £50,000 and applications to support community-based projects are also welcome at a minimum of £1,000.

How do I apply?
Find out more information on the Cancer Alliance website.

Have your say on affordable housing in and around Settle 

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A new community survey has been launched by the Craven Community Land Trust (CLT) to explore how local residents would like to see the area’s lack of affordable housing addressed.

The survey, which is being supported by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, gives people the chance to have their say on a crucial issue for local communities and help shape Craven CLT policies and priorities for the future.

The impact of insufficient affordable homes has been widely acknowledged, with average house prices in Craven rising once again in 2023 to £281,000 – up nearly 9% in just a year. By comparison, wages remain well below the national average, making it hard for local people to find somewhere they can afford.

In response, Craven CLT is hoping to reach out to people who are currently struggling to find affordable housing in the area. They want to hear from current residents and people looking to return to the area with a local connection, whether that’s work or family.

More than 3,000 questionnaires have been mailed out to residents and there is also the option to complete the survey online – giving lots of ways for anyone to take part.

Rural areas are experiencing a housing crisis

“Rural areas in North Yorkshire are experiencing a housing crisis. With so many people unable to afford to buy their own home, a supply of genuinely affordable rental accommodation is essential,” said Lynn Northrop, Chair of Craven CLT.
“The survey is quick and easy to access online and will help us to make the case for delivering more affordable homes in the Settle area.

“We hope people will be eager to have their say, as it is so important that we address the urgent lack of affordable homes in line with local views and aspirations.”

Craven CLT was set up to provide affordable rented homes for individuals and couples living and working in the Craven area. All properties owned by the Trust will be held in perpetuity, securing affordable rental housing for every occupier.

The Trust also works with local community groups and organisations to protect services and keep them in community ownership.

Complete the survey by May 3

Anyone living in Settle, Giggleswick, Langcliffe or Stainforth is invited to complete the survey either using the paper version posted through their letterbox or online.

Additional printed copies can also be requested by email.

The closing date for responses is Friday 3 May.

What Utility Aid can offer you!

Utility Aid is the UK’s leading energy broker for the charity and not-for-profit sector. As well as helping to secure new contracts with your Electric, Gas, and Water.

Utility Aid can also help with supplier problems, inaccurate bills, advising on renewable energy options, and your journey to ‘Net Zero’.

 

What Utility Aid can offer you!

Free Bill Checking Service – If you don’t know what your bill means or are worried you are being overcharged, Utility Aid will look over your bills, explain what it all means, and point out any discrepancies.

 

National Charity Tender – Utility Aid have set up purchasing baskets which allows customers purchasing powers and competitive rates on all gas and electricity contracts.

Here is a video to find out more.

 

Energy Audits on your Building – If you are looking to start your journey to Net Zero then it is recommended that you have an audit on your building. Click here to learn more.

 

To get in touch with Utility Aid directly, please click here.

Green friendly community buildings: Hovingham Village Hall

We spoke to Mark Wilson from Hovingham Village Hall and Frank Colenso, project lead at Project Purple, who helped install electric vehicle charging points at the village hall.

Hovingham Village Hall turned to Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire to help their hall become a greener space.
How did Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire assist with the village hall’s green project?

Frank: “Project Purple’s aim is to support the Hovingham community in achieving a carbon neutral status. To do this, we’ve undertaken many projects, including installing electric vehicle charging points at the village hall, enabling residents and visitors to gain easy access to electric charging.”

Mark: “The electric charging points have been a brilliant way to work towards becoming a greener community. At first we were worried that they’d be an expense to the village hall, but after liaising with Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire, we’ve been able to get grants in place and have the costs reimbursed by our energy provider.”

In addition to the charging points, what other green initiatives have you introduced?

Frank: “We introduced repair cafes which have been incredibly successful and allow residents and visitors to bring their belongings, including clothing, furniture and jewellery, to get fixed by our expert repairers. Last year, 150 people visited Hovingham’s repair café, and we managed to repair 60 items.”

Mark: “The repair cafes have been an incredible way to waste less and repair more, and we are dedicated to continuing them throughout 2024. No matter how big or small a green project is, every little helps in creating thriving communities.”

About the organisation

Located halfway between Helmsley and Malton lies the picturesque village of Hovingham and its popular community village hall. With a modern kitchen, large main hall and fast wi-fi, the hall has become the bustling heart of the community and is regularly the host of a monthly market, community cafes, bowls club and more.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.

Green friendly community buildings: Whixley Village Hall

We caught up with Sally Scales, chair of Whixley Village Hall, to hear about the hall’s green project to transform their old heating system.

Whixley Village Hall looked to turn their inefficient hall into a green friendly community building. They turned to Community First Yorkshire for support with their energy project.
Sally, why was the green initiative so important to your community?

“Our village hall truly is the hub of our community, with regular social events taking place including badminton sessions, dance classes, pantomimes and festive parties. The hall is regularly used by visitors of all ages, so preserving it for years to come is hugely important to us all.

“Our green project is truly a team effort, with many of the committee members getting involved in different aspects of managing the project.”

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

“We knew we’d need funding to undertake our green initiatives, so we contacted Community First Yorkshire and with their help we were able to gain support and advice about funding applications, which proved pivotal in gaining funding for the project.

“Using the available grants, we’ve been able to install cavity wall insulation and will soon be implementing air source heat humps, installing solar panels on the roof and upgrading our radiators.”

What’s your top piece of advice for village halls looking to make a green change?

“Just like our village hall, many others were built decades ago, and over the years better technology has become available and it’s important to make a change to help preserve our halls for future generations. It may be difficult to know where to start, so be sure to ask for help and enquire about readily available grants.”

About the organisation

Built in 1935, Whixley Village Hall is a community hub in North Yorkshire which hosts dances, parties, quiz nights and sporting events. With a well equipped kitchen, a cosy supper room, a stage and a main hall, the village hall is regularly used for both village and private functions.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.

What I’ve learned so far on my journey as a ‘senior leader’

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Ahead of our Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders Conference in May, Victoria Russell – Project Manager at Community First Yorkshire – talks about her return to work in 2021, taking on her first ‘senior leader’ role, how she’s overcoming her feelings of being an ‘imposter’ and what she’s learned on her journey so far.

Cast your mind back to the Spring of 2021, when lockdowns were lifting, and we were slowly emerging into the new world that awaited us after the Covid pandemic. During this time, I was finding my way not only as a new mum, but also as a new ‘senior leader’. I was returning to the world of work to a new sector, new challenges and new responsibilities. Full transparency here – I wasn’t sure I was competent enough to take on any of those things.

Questioning whether I was experienced enough to be a ‘leader’

Even so, I threw myself into the excitement of my new role, with the added bonus of having a lunch break in relative peace and quiet. I was (and still am!) very lucky to have become the leader of a team of wonderful, kind and considerate people which, as I’m sure you will know, the VCSE sector is full of. But that didn’t stop me from questioning whether I was experienced enough to be a ‘leader’: someone that people look up to, seek guidance from and go to for answers to those tough questions and make the difficult calls.

Throwing myself into development opportunities

I decided the only way to overcome my feelings of being an ‘imposter’ was to throw myself into any development opportunities available. Fast forward a few months and I took part in a development course for senior leaders in the North of England, which gave me the chance to discuss these challenges with leaders from various sectors, gain new perspectives and hear from some of the top leaders in the country. I was also fortunate enough to benefit from one-to-one coaching from the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

Here are three things I’ve learnt on my journey so far:

  • We are all winging it. The CEOs, the top executives, those that have started their own business. Even those that look like they have got it all ‘together’. We are all human and imperfect. I realised it was OK not to have all the answers immediately, to ask for time to consider a response and to get things wrong!
  • The things that you think hold you back can be your strengths. Can I carry a tiny human, load the washing machine, eat a sandwich and make a phone call all at the same time? Yes, I can. Do I use all these skills at work? Not on a typical day. My point is, I thought becoming a mum would hold me back in the world of work, but actually, it’s enabled me to become incredibly efficient, a problem-solver who is always looking to do things smarter.
  • We are stronger together. Through developing Community First Yorkshire’s wellbeing programme for leaders within the VCSE sector, I saw first-hand not only how taking time out in nature can help you refresh, reframe and refocus but also the value of being vulnerable, and both asking for and giving support to others. The support we need is out there – sometimes we just need to take a pause and grant ourselves the opportunities we need to grow.
We need to pause and grant ourselves opportunities to grow

This is exactly what our Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference will offer on 22 May – time to pause, reflect and learn from others. I was looking at what’s planned the other day (as I was juggling the tiny human while eating my dinner, funnily enough!) and with the theme of generosity, there’s going to be so much going on to challenge and inspire.

What am I most looking forward to? Most definitely chatting to JK McQuinn from Where the Mind Grows about leadership wellbeing, and hearing from a real leadership specialist in the form of Major General Zac Stenning OBE as he shares his wealth of experience.

It will be such a treat to be with other leaders willing to share their time, experience and honesty. My leadership journey is just starting, but its events like this that will really help me learn and grow into my leadership role.

Find out more about the Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference on 22 May and book your seat here.

£7m investment in rural community green spaces

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A new fund of up to £7 million has been announced by the government to boost access to nature and support rural communities across England wanting to become more green-fingered.

The new Community Green Spaces Fund will provide funding to help communities create, restore and enhance their green spaces.

Grants of up to £75,000 will be provided to help communities plant fruits, vegetables and trees, creating orchards and kitchen gardens for all to access and enjoy. Landscaping projects could also create raised beds and improve areas to plant different flowers around village hall facilities and other community green spaces, making space for pollinators and nature to thrive.

Expansion of natural play facilities

Funding will also be awarded to support the expansion of natural play facilities that encourage children to spend more time outdoors, in addition to projects that focus on improving access to green spaces such as new paths and seating. To make the spaces more accessible to disabled people, funding will also be available for the creation of disabled parking spaces.

Further support for village halls

An additional £5 million of funding for village halls has also been announced to support capital improvement projects, such as building extensions and the installation of wi-fi. This follows the £3 million of funding made available to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

Potential to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents

Richard Quallington, Executive Director at ACRE said:
“We welcome the government’s commitment to supporting rural communities so they can make the most of green spaces. The fund has the potential to support a wide range of initiatives that contribute to Net Zero and biodiversity net gain, as well as improving the health and wellbeing of local residents.

“We know from our experience of administering recent grants to village halls that the availability of capital funding can catalyse new projects, many of which have had an environmental focus. We stand ready to support this new scheme.”

The Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) is working with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) to scope the Community Green Spaces Fund with applications expected to open in early summer.

Bespoke training: Esk Moors Caring trustee training support

With a training session tailored to their needs, we helped Esk Moors Caring trustees gain confidence

Trustees have more confidence in their role and understand their responsibilities through niche in-person training.
What was the challenge?

Esk Moors Caring needed help in understanding the roles and responsibilities of trustees to enable the charity to become more sustainable and help the board feel more confident.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

One of our development officers designed and delivered a series of bespoke training sessions by consulting closely with the group about their needs and priorities. The sessions were tailored to those identified needs and we travelled to Esk Moors Caring to deliver the training in person.

The training helped the organisation to gain clarity on many issues and roles and helped them to identify areas that needed improvement.

What does the future look like?

As a result of the training, trustees and staff feel better informed overall and have more understanding of policies and trustees’ responsibilities. The trustees and staff recognised the benefit of this knowledge and of keeping it up to date and relevant by committing to rolling reviews.

The training has helped Esk Moors Caring to be in a stronger position to deliver its charitable aims – of enabling people to live safely and confidently in their own homes for as long as possible in a very rural community in the North Yorkshire Moors. They will continue to grow and develop as they provide practical and personal support. The organisation feels more confident about delivering its social activity programme of leisure activities, fitness classes and craft workshops for all ages and abilities.

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About the organisation

Esk Moors Caring is a charitable organisation that was set up by people living in the Upper Esk Valley in the North Yorks Moors with the aim of enabling people to live safely and confidently in their own homes for as long as possible.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We arefunded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.

Do you need help with:
  • securing income for your organisation or project?
  • turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
  • benefiting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
  • thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
  • understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
  • benefitting from a financial health check?

Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

 

 

“[It was] very useful to have someone from outside the organisation to present a professional, critical view of [us], enabling us to identify areas of concern and to plan to remedy shortfalls.”

Trustee, Esk Moors Caring

Governance: help with defining charitable structure

With our help, Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel were set up as a registered charity in just 3 months.

Deciding on the right charitable structure has allowed Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel to start their journey to improve a local cinder path for public access.
What was the challenge?

Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel are a group of local people keen to see the local cinder path used as a walking and cycling route for local children and families. They decided to set up as a charity and the Woodsmith Foundation referred them to Community First Yorkshire for support.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Working with on of our development officers helped the group to get on track. The development officer was knowledgeable and supportive which helped the group feel as though they could make progress, which they did. Within less than three months of contacting Community First Yorkshire, and with the development officer’s expert support, they are now established as a registered charity.

Going through the process of becoming a CIO was challenging and the development officer helped the group to clarify what they wanted to achieve.

What does the future look like?

The difference for the group in being a recognised body means that they now feel they are being listened to, invited to the table for discussions and able to access start-up funds, as well as promoting what they do.

The group now has the confidence to talk to similar organisations across the country, sharing experiences and resources. In the long term they hope to shape the future of the cinder track alongside North Yorkshire Council. They want to raise funds themselves but also work in partnership with others, and they know that they can come back to Community First Yorkshire for help with this.

The group are visiting schools to raise awareness with the aim of facilitating children and young people to use the track to get to school. Ultimately, they would like to see the cinder path connect all the villages along the Esk Valley and to complete the National Cycle Route 1 between Whitby and Staithes.

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About the organisation

Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel promotes and facilitates the update of active travel in the Whitby area.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.

Do you need help with:
  • securing income for your organisation or project?
  • turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
  • benefiting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
  • thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
  • understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
  • benefitting from a financial health check?

Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

“Having someone to talk to about this was a game changer. We would have been nowhere without you – we had no idea. The support has been excellent, and we are very grateful. We would definitely recommend to others.”

Trustee, Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel

Governance: policy checks helped with charity compliance

A review of their policies helped Access the Dales to identify their priorities and provide greater support to a wider range of people with disabilities

Access the Dales needed some support to refresh their policies and procedures, and to boost their volunteer recruitment.
What was the challenge?

Access the Dales contacted us as they needed help to make the charity compliant and follow all the correct procedures. The charity had grown very quickly, and they unsure of which direction to take and what to prioritise. They also wanted to grow the charity further by involving and recruiting more trustees and volunteers.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

One of our development officers worked with the charity to motivate and uplift the group by helping them to work through a range of key policies. After a full diagnostic an action plan was drawn up and key areas prioritised. Much of this was ensuring correct policies were in place to support safe activities and legal compliance in governance.

The group firmly believe they would still be floundering without our help.

What does the future look like?

In the long term, the support provided will help the charity to diversify their offer and broaden the types of disability rather than limit support to wheelchair users. Their aim is that any activity happening in the Yorkshire Dales should have disability at its heart, providing training and education and bringing more people to the countryside. By assisting people who wouldn’t otherwise know how to do it, Access the Dales plants the seed of what is possible.

Inspired by the support they have received, Access the Dales are now looking at developing roles and responsibilities across the organisation.

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About the organisation

Access the Dales is a non-profit organisation that provides free access to the outdoors for everyone. Their mission is to reduce the barriers for people to access the outdoors and be more active. They want to make sure that no-one is left behind, or excluded. They do this by providing all-terrain wheelchairs in different locations in the Yorkshire Dales and in the Forest of Bowland.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.

Do you need help with:
  • securing income for your organisation or project?
  • turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
  • benefiting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
  • thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
  • understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
  • benefitting from a financial health check?

Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

“Lizzie was just amazing. An absolute oracle who went above and beyond. She brought light, was methodical and made things so much easier.”

Trustee, Access the Dales