My key takeaways from the North Yorkshire Rural Health and Care Summit – what you need to know 

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On Friday 21 March, leaders from the NHS, North Yorkshire Council, the VCSE sector, rural organisations and our national parks, gathered at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold to explore a shared understanding of rural health inequalities and how we can work better together to address the impact of them. Organised by Community First Yorkshire and Healthwatch North Yorkshire, the North  Yorkshire Rural Health and Care summit was a dynamic discussion on rural healthcare challenges and solutions.

Dena Dalton, Head of Health Collaboration at Community First Yorkshire, shares her thoughts about the event.

Rural healthcare: more than just medicine

One key theme from the summit was that rural healthcare isn’t just about improving access to healthcare services. Transport, digital access, community support, housing, and infrastructure all play critical roles in health outcomes. When it does come to healthcare though, many rural residents feel ignored, as Ashley Green, CEO of Healthwatch North Yorkshire, pointed out.

Access is a major issue – people often have to travel 50+ miles for hospital appointments, and there is a shortage of local GPs. Community transport services are a lifeline – where they are funded to exist, yet digital connectivity remains a challenge. Poor broadband access limits online healthcare services, which are becoming increasingly essential.

The cost of rural healthcare

Providing healthcare in rural areas is more expensive than in urban settings, especially given the higher proportion of older adults. York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor, David Skaith, reiterated the importance of housing and transport in improving health in rural areas and is developing ways to address these. Additional new interventions from the authority include a Men’s Mental Health Task Force and plans to establish a Sports Council to promote early intervention in health issues.

Richard Webb, Corporate Director of Health and Adult Services at North Yorkshire Council, reminded us that older residents are vital in keeping communities connected. He challenged stereotypes about ageing and emphasised that rural inequalities look different and require specific attention. He also suggested that rural housing should be commissioned in partnership with VCSE organisations.

Rural isolation and mental health

Debbie Swales, CEO of Revival North Yorkshire, shared a moving account of how older people in rural communities experience isolation, leading to poorer health outcomes. As she put it, rural North Yorkshire may look like a ‘chocolate box’ environment, but for the elderly, the view often changes – and not always for the better.

The Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon and Chair of the North Yorkshire Rural Commission highlighted the mental health struggles of farming communities. He called for the government to recognise digital connectivity as a fundamental right and to scrutinise rural strategy with a health focus. Without affordable housing, many rural communities risk decline.

Challenges in primary care

Simon Stockhill, GP and Chair of the Humber and North Yorkshire Primary Care Collaborative, illustrated the daily reality for GPs, pointing out vast geographic disparities in doctor availability. Scarborough, for instance, has significantly fewer GPs per capita than Harrogate. He emphasised the importance of integrating primary care, communities, VCSE organisations, and care sectors to address health inequalities effectively.

Helen Flynn, CEO of Nidderdale Plus, noted the increasing demand for digital support, as many older people struggle with the shift to online healthcare services. Meanwhile, Ivan Annibal from the National Centre for Rural Health and Care identified workforce shortages as the most pressing issue in rural healthcare. The cost of living in rural areas is high, making it difficult to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

My key takeaways

The lively panel discussions and table debates throughout the summit led to some clear conclusions:

  • No one should be disadvantaged by where they live
  • Rural healthcare is complex and varies by location
  • Innovation is key in rural health, and risk-taking is necessary
  • Rural communities are valuable resources that need greater support
  • Addressing rural deprivation requires stronger advocacy
  • We must push for better rural housing to improve health outcomes.
What’s next?

Insights and feedback from this summit are still being collated and will feed into a dedicated rural health and care plan. At the event, there was a commitment to revisit the Rural Commission’s findings, ensuring health plays a larger role in rural strategy. Councillor Michael Harrison, chair of the North Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Board, thought this was also a good opportunity to reset the Board. All partners present committed to supporting change in some way, including building on new connections made, developing further knowledge through shared resources, and looking at ways in which secondary care can support in making appointments more accessible to rural populations. We will keep you posted as to what more comes from it.

If you want to discuss the event in more detail, please email Dena Dalton, Head of Collaboration at Community First Yorkshire.

NHS England abolition – impact on the VCSE Sector 

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Doctor chats to patient VCSE Health Care Assembly VCSE and Health Collaboration

On 13 March, plans were announced to dissolve NHS England over the next two years, integrating its functions into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). This aims to streamline governance, reduce bureaucracy, and cut administrative costs, including a 50% workforce reduction across NHS England and DHSC.

Impact on the VCSE Sector and ICS-VCSE Alliances

The plan to dissolve NHS England presents both risks and opportunities for the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

Key Risks:
  • Reduced VCSE engagement: workforce cuts in Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) may limit collaboration and influence.
  • Funding pressures: Cost-cutting measures could reduce investment in VCSE-led services, despite their crucial role in addressing social determinants of health.
  • Shifting Priorities: the restructuring may lead to statutory services dominating decision-making, potentially sidelining the VCSE sector.
Opportunities:
  • Stronger local partnerships: decentralisation could enable VCSE organisations to co-design health and care solutions.
  • Alignment with NHS priorities: the government’s focus on prevention and community care aligns with VCSE expertise, offering partnership opportunities.
  • Increased VCSE leadership: if resources shift from hospitals to community care, our sector could take on a more prominent role -provided funding supports this transition.
Next steps

With our roles leading the North Yorkshire VCSE Health Assembly and partnerships with ICBs in the region, we will be advocating for the VCSE sector’s role in shaping health and care decisions by:

  • Continuing to strengthen partnerships with ICBs to maintain collaboration and influence
  • Highlighting the VCSE’s impact on health outcomes to secure investment and sustainability.
Conclusion

The NHS restructuring poses challenges, but proactive engagement from our sector can ensure its role remains integral to health system transformation. We will continue to work strategically to maintain representation and secure resources for community-based care and will provide further updates.

If you have any questions about restructuring of NHS England and the impact on our sector, please contact Dena Dalton, Head of Health Collaboration at Community First Yorkshire.

Find out how to get involved with the North Yorkshire VCSE Health and Care Assembly and add your voice about health and care services.

Spring meeting planned for Age Friendly Network members

Age Friendly Network

Healthy ageing in North Yorkshire will be the main focus of the county’s next Age Friendly Network meeting in York on Thursday 3 April.

This time around, Network members will have the chance to find out more about the latest annual report from North Yorkshire’s Director of Public Health entitled: ‘Live, Age, Engage: healthy ageing in North Yorkshire’. Joining them on the day will be Carly Walker, a member of the Public Health team, who’ll also be able to answer questions.

Priority topic

The topic was chosen to reflect the results of a recent survey with Network members asking about key topics of interest. The most popular option for themed meetings was community support and health issues – with more than 90% of respondents saying it is a priority.

Planning for the future

The event will also offer a great opportunity to feed into Network plans for the months ahead – to help make sure it is focused on the issues that are most important to members.

A slice of cake and a nice cup of tea will be on offer along with the chance to meet other Network members and representatives of organisations that work with older people across North Yorkshire.

Event details

Date: Thursday 3 April

Time: 2-4pm

Venue: The Bedingfield Room, The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ

The meeting is open to Network members, anyone interested in joining the network, and anyone generally interested in making North Yorkshire an age friendly place to live and work.

If you would like to join us, please book here.

 

 

Studley Royal Cricket Club

Studley Royal Cricket Club is bowled over with success

Studley Royal Cricket Club, near Ripon, has been working with our development officer to secure essential funding and embark on an ambitious project to modernise its premises, increase inclusivity, and broaden its community impact.

What was the challenge?

While the club boasts a rich history, it was struggling with an ageing building that was limiting its ability to attract diverse audiences and expand its role as a social hub. After exploring different funding opportunities to underpin a modernisation programme, the club quickly realised they needed help to navigate the world of grant funding and produce a winning  bid.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Over several months, the SRCC team worked closely with our development officer to produce several fruitful funding bids, introduce new technology to facilitate streaming of cricket games, and renovate their toilets to make them more accessible. An ongoing relationship means we continue to highlight possible funding options and provide continuous advice on crafting stronger applications.

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What does the future look like?

The Club’s transformation is ongoing with new funding enabling significant renovations, including the imminent installation of solar panels. These upgrades are pivotal in establishing the club as a modern, inclusive community hub. The club has diversified its activities, and the introduction of streaming technology has increased the club’s visibility and drawn in sponsors, enhancing its financial sustainability.

The various cricket teams are thriving and, as a result, the club is fostering social connections, improving fitness, and enhancing mental well-being for participants of all ages in the area.

In a nutshell

Studley Royal Cricket Club has made remarkable strides in enhancing its facilities, expanding its offerings, and building a stronger, more inclusive community. Their progress highlights the power of tailored support and expert guidance in unlocking an organisation’s potential.

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 advice and guidance on everything from funding to marketing.

Just some of our specialisms include:

  • securing income for your organisation or project
  • turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into reality
  • helping deliver greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
  • helping to review your organisation and plan ahead
  • understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities
  • instigating a financial health check.

If you or a community group, charity or social enterprise that you know needs support to be even more successful, our advisers can help. Call us today on 01904 704177 or drop us an email.

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

“I absolutely love being part of the club. The support from Community First Yorkshire has been incredible – Andy’s expertise and the team’s guidance have transformed our approach to funding. My confidence has gone from a Grade E to a Grade B!”

Warren, a long-time club member and now captain and funding lead

A volunteers story: how to be a ‘jack of all trades’

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Hear from Village Hall volunteer, Doug Allan, as he reflects on his role as Trustee of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

My name is Doug Allan and I am 75 years of age. I am a Trustee of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall, which is located in Topcliffe near Thirsk. I have been on the Village Hall Committee for eleven years and I have no specific title but tend to be a general ‘dogs body’, organising a wide range of fundraising events and undertaking lots of tasks that help the hall run smoothly.

The Big Project

In 2014 the Village Hall Committee embarked upon an ambitious plan to extend and refurbish the premises. I was asked to join the committee in a co-opted capacity to lead on raising the huge amount of funding to enable the development to proceed. The total investment was over £140,000, most of which was grant-aided by a wide range of organisations and by local community fundraising.

Fundraising Success

The major refurbishment was completed in 2016 and by that time I had effectively been embedded in the committee and was persuaded to remain as a member. Over the years we have raised thousands for Village Hall funds by organising events including the annual Race Night (the one held in February this year raised £3,500), bringing bands to perform in the hall and lots, lots more.

Village Events

Being retired obviously means that I have the time to invest in helping and supporting the Village Hall, which I believe is an invaluable community hub. It is great to be a part of the committee and to ensure that the facility is available to villagers and people from further afield to organise a fantastic variety of activities, including our extremely successful Warm Hub lunches, bingo sessions, scouts/cubs/squirrels meetings, knit & natter sessions, boccia, art classes, weekly quiz, a wide range of Christmas activities and many private party hires.

Why volunteering matters

I have enjoyed volunteering within the community in which I live and socialise. Through the Village Hall I have made many new friends and have thoroughly enjoyed keeping busy and organising events for everyone to enjoy…whilst at the same time raising the much-needed funds that help secure the future viability of our community hub.

Find out more about Village Halls Week 2025 and how to become a volunteer.

Village Halls Week Photo Competition

To kickstart Village Halls Week 2025, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) will be launching a new book:  ‘Halls for All: A History of Village Halls’.

Written by Louise Beaton and David Clark, the book pays tribute to village hall volunteers and explores their history, evolution, and the future opportunities and challenges these important buildings face.

Win your own copy by entering our photo competition

As part of our Village Halls Week 2025 celebrations (17-23 March), we’re offering you a chance to win a copy of ‘Halls for All: A History of Village Halls’.

This year’s campaign theme is all about celebrating village hall volunteers, and we’d love to see your  volunteers in action. Send us your best photos showcasing the incredible people who keep these vital community spaces running – whether they’re setting up for an event, maintaining the hall, or bringing people together. There are five copies up for grabs, and the winning entries will be selected by Community First Yorkshire judges.

The competition runs from 17 March to 28 March 2025 so get snapping and celebrate the volunteers who make a difference!

Terms and conditions:

  • Please email photos to marcomms@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
  • Please supply your name, surname and the Village Hall you represent
  • Images need to ideally be 2MB or more
  • Only 1 photo per entry
  • Please confirm you have consent from any people in the photograph (who can be recognised)
  • Community First Yorkshire have permission to use the imagery provided across their marketing channels.

Join the Scarborough Big Spring Clean on 28 and 29 March

Calling all Scarborough residents! Join North Yorkshire Council and partners for two days of community action to give Scarborough town centre a Big Spring Clean before the busy summer season. As part of an extensive programme of improvements to revitalise the centre of Scarborough, in addition to cleaning routinely carried out in the town, two community tidy up events have been planned for Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March.

The Big Spring Clean events will focus on litter picking, led by Keep Scarborough Tidy, as well as giving railings a fresh coat of paint and tidying up green spaces by weeding/pruning and planting flowers. You don’t need to bring anything as all equipment, drinks and lunch will be provided. Whether you can spare an hour, a full day or even both days, your help will make a huge difference!

Sign up here, where you’ll also find answers to questions you might have.

A campaign to boost pride in the town will launch early May in partnership with local businesses and community groups. Please email regeneration.north-east@northyorks.gov.uk if you have any questions.

Celebrating the unsung heroes of rural Yorkshire communities

Returning for its ninth year from 17 to 23 March, Village Halls Week 2025 is shining a spotlight on the dedicated volunteers who keep these vital community spaces thriving.

Halls across North, South and West Yorkshire will be taking part in the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) national campaign week. The week is a call to showcase the important work that hall volunteers do to support these local venues.

With over 80,000 volunteers supporting 10,000 village halls across England, these spaces provide essential services, host events, and bring communities together. This year’s theme is all about celebrating the passionate volunteers behind them, ensuring their efforts don’t go unnoticed and inspiring more people to get involved.

During the week-long celebration, charity and ACRE Network member, Community First Yorkshire is encouraging village halls to host events and share experiences and insights. A particular highlight will be the release of a celebratory poem recording on Tuesday, featuring village hall volunteers from across the country, coordinated by Community First Yorkshire. Volunteers from village halls such as Danby Wiske, Great Habton, Hovingham and Hellifield in Yorkshire make an appearance.

“This week is about recognising the incredible contributions of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes in our village halls,” said Jane Colthup, Chief Executive at Community First Yorkshire. “Offering vital skills in a variety of roles from gardeners and finance managers to DIY-ers and all-round-odd jobbers, they are the driving force that keep these essential community hubs running and we want to celebrate and support them.”

Community First Yorkshire provides support and advice to village halls across North, South and West Yorkshire, including training, resources and bespoke one to one support. As the ACRE Network member for North, South and West Yorkshire, the charity advocates for rural issues across the region.

Village Halls Week takes place from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 March 2025.