About Community First Yorkshire
We provide practical help, expert guidance and a strong voice
we’ve made with communities, volunteers
and local organisations.
for North Yorkshire
A year of Listening, Learning, and Leading
Communities driving change
across North Yorkshire
Welcome to Community First Yorkshire
Our vision is a vibrant Yorkshire where strong inclusive communities thrive, and everyone has an opportunity to live well.
Our purpose is to champion and connect community and voluntary groups, and social enterprises; providing leadership and practical support, encouraging volunteering and building collaboration.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your impact, we offer practical support, expert guidance and a strong collective voice so you are seen, heard and connected.
Our support
From tailored training, coaching and consultancy to creating spaces for learning, sharing and collaboration, we unite people to strengthen skills and confidence. Together we can shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening across Yorkshire, build partnerships and open doors to new opportunities to help your community grow.
Why our work matters
Yorkshire is a region of contrasts with vibrant towns and cities, sweeping coastline, remote rural communities and everything in between. Alongside its natural beauty lies real inequality, where people face deep social and economic challenges. The VCSE sector provides a vital lifeline for these communities.
By creating the conditions for VCSE organisations to grow, collaborate and lead, we unlock their potential to build a fairer, greener, more connected Yorkshire.
Our work is like dropping a pebble into a pond – the ripple effect spreads far and wide, multiplying impact across communities and amplifying the good that VCSEs do every day.
Our work in action
Climate action with Village GreenThe Age Friendly NetworkOur digital inclusion programmeBringing men together Men’s ShedsOur projects across North Yorkshire
Climate action with Village Green
Village Green is led by Community First Yorkshire in partnership with Howardian Hills National Landscape, North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Together, North Yorkshire Youth, Rural Arts, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and Yorkshire Energy Doctor.
Together, we’re helping communities across North Yorkshire take meaningful climate action by making it relevant, achievable and part of everyday life. Through creative, practical activities — from arts and sport to youth projects and community events — the programme will inspire over 8,000 people to build sustainable habits, reduce energy use and lower carbon footprint.
Age Friendly Network
The Age Friendly Network is helping make North Yorkshire a place where everyone can enjoy healthy, active and connected later lives.
Working with North Yorkshire Council, we bring together older people, community groups and organisations to share views, raise issues that matter, and influence change. From volunteering opportunities to network meetings, newsletters and local partnerships, there are plenty of ways to get involved and have your say.
Our digital inclusion programme
We’re helping community groups across North Yorkshire bring digital skills to life with funding of up to £20,000 to set up local digital hubs.
These welcoming spaces help people build confidence online — from accessing services to staying connected. Delivered in partnership with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire Council and York CVS, the fund also offers free training for Digital Champions and practical guidance to help every hub thrive.
Men’s Sheds
A Men’s Shed is a bit like a shed at the end of a garden. Some of the activities are the same, but the space is often bigger and for the benefit of a community of local men.
When men come together to connect, converse and create, they stay healthier for longer, both mentally and physically.
Invariably Men’s Shed activities involve making, mending or repairing things, such as bikes, cars, woodworking, engineering, or boat renovation etc. Similarly reclamation, reuse and restoration all feature strongly (some say this is true for the men too!).
We work in partnership with local organisations to support the development of a number of Men’s Sheds across the region. Our Development Officer, Andy Ryland, is currently supporting the development of Men’s Sheds in the Bradford District Council area.
Other projects
Our projects bring together partners, communities and organisations to respond to local needs and create positive change across North Yorkshire.
From supporting specific groups and places to tackling wider challenges, each project is shaped by listening to communities and working collaboratively to deliver practical, meaningful outcomes.
Together, these projects reflect our commitment to strengthening the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, amplifying local voices and building more resilient, connected communities. While each project has its own focus, they are all united by a shared aim – to help people and communities thrive, now and into the future.
Our impact
We’re making a practical difference alongside charities, volunteers and community groups across Yorkshire. From unlocking funding to improving community spaces, our support helps organisations build confidence and long-term resilience.
Together, we’re creating stronger, better connected communities where people have access to the skills, opportunities and support they need to thrive.
920
organisations supported
£1.6m
funding secured to strengthen local groups
3,000+
people helped to build digital skills and confidence
250+
digital champions trained to support their communities
200
volunteering opportunities promoted to help charities thrive
100s
village halls and community buildings improved with investment in sustainability and accessibility
Testimonials
Meet our team
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Jane Colthup
Chief Executive
Community First YorkshireMore about Jane Colthup
Contact Jane for: ideas, momentum and meaningful support – a direct connection to someone who understands the sector, champions your work and helps turn possibilities into progress.
Victoria Russell
Programmes Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Victoria Russell
Contact Victoria for: information and collaborative working on the wide range of projects delivered at Community First Yorkshire.
Jo Fox
Impact Communications Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Jo Fox
Contact Jo for: media enquiries, publicity, website, communications and marketing.
Dena Dalton
Deputy Chief Executive / Head of Health Collaboration
Community First YorkshireMore about Dena Dalton
Contact Dena for: information on building equitable and impactful partnerships between voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and the NHS, Local Authority and Public Health teams.
Carole Roberts
Head of VCSE Support
Community First YorkshireMore about Carole Roberts
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Sue Bancroft
Head of Finance
Community First YorkshireMore about Sue Bancroft
Contact Sue for: all things finance for Community First Yorkshire.
Mike Hickman
Leadership Development and Training Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Mike Hickman
Contact Mike for: Leadership Development and Training programmes.
Deb Carey
Chief Executive Support Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Deb Carey
Contact Deb for: getting in touch with our Chief Executive. Deb acts as a liaison for key communications with our Chief Executive and stakeholders and partners.
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Andy Ryland
Development Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Andy Ryland
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Andy Shield
Development Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Andy Shield
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Carole Roberts
Head of VCSE Support
Community First YorkshireMore about Carole Roberts
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Claire Smith
Community Support Assistant
Community First YorkshireMore about Claire Smith
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Emma Brown
Support Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Emma Brown
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Hilary Ashton
Development Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Hilary Ashton
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Jeanette Lilley
Senior Support Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Jeanette Lilley
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Lara Wilcox
Support Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Lara Wilcox
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Mike Hickman
Leadership Development and Training Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Mike Hickman
Contact Mike for: Leadership Development and Training programmes.
Nicky Ruddick
Development Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Nicky Ruddick
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Robyn Rhule-Samuel
Community Data Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Robyn Rhule-Samuel
Contact Robyn for: how we strengthen data collection, reporting and impact measurement across North Yorkshire’s VCSE sector. Robyn helps organisations to capture and share their impact through data and stories, promote the Impact Together Hub, and champions inclusive, collaborative, and evidence-based approaches.
Su Morgan
Development Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Su Morgan
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Vicki Sharp
Development Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Vicki Sharp
Our VCSE Support team is the first point of contact for the VCSE sector and provides efficient administration to Community First Yorkshire, supporting organisations to achieve their aims. As well as handing initial enquiries, this includes our DBS service, events and project support.
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Sue Bancroft
Head of Finance
Community First YorkshireMore about Sue Bancroft
Contact Sue for: all things finance for Community First Yorkshire.
Jeanette Lilley
Finance Assistant
Community First YorkshireMore about Jeanette Lilley
Contact Jeanette for: enquiries about invoicing and payments to and from Community First Yorkshire.
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Dena Dalton
Head of Health Collaboration
Community First YorkshireMore about Dena Dalton
Contact Dena for: information on building equitable and impactful partnerships between voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and the NHS, Local Authority and Public Health teams.
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Jo Fox
Impact Communications Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Jo Fox
Contact Jo for: media enquiries, publicity, website, communications and marketing.
Cat Giggal
Information Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Cat Giggal
Contact Cat for: information to be included in our weekly e-newsletter, Community First Yorkshire News and for funds for our monthly Funding Bulletin.
Rachael Gillbanks
Impact Communications Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Rachael Gillbanks
Contact Rachael for: marketing information about the website, e-news, social media and all aspects of marketing with Community First Yorkshire.
Matt Trumble
Impact Communications Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Matt Trumble
Contact Matt for: marketing information about the website, enews, social media and all aspects of marketing with Community First Yorkshire. Matt is also the communications lead for our Village Green project.
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Charles Forman
Village Green Project Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Charles Forman
I’m Charles, the project manager for Village Green. I manage project delivery, budgets and reporting, working with partners to help communities take climate action. My background includes environmental work in river catchments and woodland restoration. Outside work, I enjoy walking, cycling, gardening and singing with the Yorkshire Bach Choir.
Ria Hughes
Climate Action Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Ria Hughes
I’m Ria, a Climate Action Officer for Village Green. I help communities and community buildings create practical, accessible climate action activities that support carbon reduction. I previously coordinated an urban greening project in Greater Manchester. Outside work, I co-run a Brownie unit and enjoy netball, the gym and watching football.
Patrick Hoyle
Climate Action Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Patrick Hoyle
I’m Patrick, a Climate Action Officer for Village Green. I help communities and VCSE groups organise climate action activities, develop a countywide network and complete energy surveys for community buildings. I previously supported regional climate action plans. Outside work, I chair Yorkshire Netball and run an inclusive touch rugby club in York.
Catherine Bamford
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Catherine Bamford
I’m Catherine, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Village Green. I develop monitoring systems and collect data to show the project’s impact, working closely with partners and communities. My experience includes running a befriending service and managing environmental projects. Outside work, I enjoy gardening and watching the wildlife around my garden pond.
Victoria Russell
Programmes Manager
Community First YorkshireMore about Victoria Russell
Contact Victoria for: information and collaborative working on the wide range of projects delivered at Community First Yorkshire.
Michael Fletcher
Digital Project Lead
Community First YorkshireMore about Michael Fletcher
Contact Michael for: all queries about our Digital Inclusion Programme.
Sarah Hart
Rothwell Assets Based Community Development Officer / Nidderdale Community Led Housing Officer
Community First YorkshireMore about Sarah Hart
Contact Sarah for: any information about the Rothwell Assets Based Community Development project and our Nidderdale Community Led Housing project.
Each team contributes to our shared mission of supporting VCSEs and communities across Yorkshire. By combining expertise in advice, finance, health, communications and projects, we create a strong foundation for organisations to flourish.
Contact the relevant team to find out more and discover how Community First Yorkshire can help your group grow and succeed.
Adrian Willis
Trustee
Community First YorkshireMore about Adrian Willis
Adrian has been involved with the Young Farmers movement for over 50 years. In 1990 Adrian became chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Development Committee, responsible for the central training requirement for over 650 clubs. Adrian has also been secretary of the Yorkshire Federation’s Staffing Committee for 25 years and in 2000 he was elected a life member of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers. He was further honoured in 2015 when he was elected as the first person from Yorkshire to become a life vice president of the National Federation of Young Farmers.
Adrian currently works in the clothing industry, is a director of several companies and has a young son and daughter. Additionally, Adrian is a AAA qualified tug-of-war judge and officiates across England.
David Sharp
Chair
Community First YorkshireMore about David Sharp
David Sharp has been chief executive of North Yorkshire Youth (NYY) since November 2011. His main responsibility is for the strategic direction of the organisation and the oversight of all major functions of the organisation.
He is also a trustee of the Regional Youth Work Unit as well as chair of Community, and finds time to fit being a councillor for Brompton on Swale Parish Council into the mix. Through his day job he sits on the Executive Board for Safeguarding, the Corporate Parenting Group and the Children and Young Peoples Overview and Scrutiny Committee as the voluntary sector representative for North Yorkshire Council. This along with his volunteering roles means that he receives a vast amount of information which relates to young people, the voluntary sector, local government and on running an organisation.
David Watson
Trustee
Community First YorkshireMore about David Watson
David Watson is the chief executive of North Yorkshire Sport Ltd, the Charity and Active Partnership for Sport and Physical Activity in North Yorkshire. Formerly an employee of Harrogate Borough Council, he has over 30 years of experience in the Sport and Physical Activity industry, the last 15 years of which have been with North Yorkshire Sport, including launching the organisation as an independent charity in 2014, and is a qualified youth worker.
David is an active member of a number of strategic groups within the county representing sport and physical activity.
As a volunteer, he is a member of the Swim England, chair of Swim England North East Ltd, a governor at Harrogate High School and is currently studying for a Doctorate of Professional Practise in Sport at Leeds Beckett University.
Louise Terzza
Trustee
Community First YorkshireMore about Louise Terzza
Louise Terzza is the CEO of Time Together, a small charity supporting disabled and autistic people across Harrogate to live life well. Alongside her executive role which includes the responsibility of CQC Registered Manager, she has held a number of voluntary governance positions and currently serves as a Safeguarding Trustee for a Multi Academy Trust and Director of a workplace wellbeing CIC. She brings strong experience in social care and charity leadership, safeguarding, and community engagement, underpinned by qualifications in psychology, leadership, and coaching and mentoring (she is a voluntary leadership mentor with Community First Yorkshire). Louise is keen to join the board to represent the voice of smaller charities and is known for asking clear, thoughtful questions that others may hesitate to raise.
Rebecca Buckley
Vice Chair
Community First YorkshireMore about Rebecca Buckley
Rebecca is a scientist, with a PhD in geology, and worked as an executive for over 20 years in the international energy industry. She has extensive business experience, analytical skills, and a strategic perspective that comes from working in a business with long timelines, huge investments, significant uncertainty and ever-changing external factors. She is interested in the net zero transition, including within the voluntary, social enterprise and community sector and the sector’s role in the transition in communities.
She lives with her family within the National Park and enjoys the nature, landscapes and heritage on her doorstep. She volunteers with local community groups and is a Trustee of Community First Yorkshire.
Richard Jones
Trustee
Community First YorkshireMore about Richard Jones
Richard has been a Finance Director for several large companies and is experienced in corporate restructuring, business acquisitions and sales. He has run a commercial finance brokering company since 2012, specialising in raising debt finance for SMEs and property developers. Alongside this, Richard has continued to be a part time Financial Director for clients and a Non Executive Director for a number of social enterprise support organisations, social enterprises and charities. With over 30 years of finance experience, Richard will help blend the commercial and charitable aims of Community First Yorkshire, ensuring a sustainable future.
