Prepare to set sail on a sea of potential

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Community First Yorkshire colleagues, Dena Dalton, Vicki Sharp and Andy Shield attended the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Business Summit on 27 Oct in York. Below they share their thoughts on the future for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector:

‘Potential’ was one of our key takeaways from Business Summit – and that’s an exciting place to be.

This blog starts with the sea…

Who knew we would walk away learning about the potential of seaweed for mitigating climate change and that just off the Scarborough coast, there exists a first-of-its-kind marine organisation dedicated to growing kelp and, as importantly, contributing to the local economy and community through recruiting and developing a local workforce.

York’s UNESCO Status

Who knew we would walk away learning about the potential of York as a media arts city and as such, has been awarded UNESCO status. Creative industries deliver outcomes way beyond economic development: they enable social cohesion, talent development and innovation. Aesthetica is a great example of that.

Artificial Intelligence: A Revolution Unfolds

Who knew we would walk away, equally inspired and alarmed about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Piers Linney, a former BBC Dragon’s Den Dragon, spoke of AI ushering in the fourth industrial revolution. He won’t mind us sharing that he converses daily with his ChatGPT Plus (check it out), regularly asking it questions, the answers of which have helped him enormously in developing his successful strategic thinking.

Devolution and Community Empowerment

Speeches from both Helen Simpson, Chair of York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of York City Council, referenced the economic and social potential for the future of our regions when devolution comes to fruition and the Mayoral Combined Authority is created next year. Opportunities will arise to improve our regions’ infrastructure and help address key local priorities through decision-making made closer to our communities. For the VCSE sector, what is our potential to ensure we remain fully engaged and influence positive change and collaboration in empowering our communities when this change happens?

This leads to the key reflection on what the potential impact is for, and on, the VCSE sector when it comes to looking at the future beyond the opportunity of devolution.

Navigating AI’s Potential: is this a lifeboat or an iceberg?

What does the potential of artificial intelligence look like for the sector and how can we best harness that opportunity? We already know the challenge that exists for many of our communities when it comes to digital access and connectivity, which could lend itself to a deepening exclusion and even greater inequity; yet also, the challenge exists for the sector itself if we do not stay on, or ahead, of the AI curve. As Piers Linney stated in his talk, artificial intelligence is currently a ship in the harbour, as it sets sail it will gather speed, moving further and faster away and those who are left behind on the harbour will remain there.

So this blog started with the sea… and it ends in the ocean

How can we ensure our sector and the communities that we work within do not remain moored and unable to leave the harbour? We need to ensure that we are ready to set sail and embark on the ocean of the fourth industrial revolution.

 

If you want to get in touch with Dena, Vicki or Andy to discuss these ideas further please email them:

Dena Dalton, Head of Health Collaboration

Vicki Sharp, Development Officer

Andy Shield, Development Officer

Welcome to our new Age Friendly Network coordinator

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She’s only been in post a few weeks but our new Age Friendly Network coordinator, Jeanette Hague, is keen to say hello.

The Age Friendly Network aims to give people aged 50+ in North Yorkshire a voice to help shape services that have an impact on living and working in the county. Find out more here.

Welcome Jeanette. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi! My name is Jeanette, I am 51 years old and I live with my family in a village in North Yorkshire.

I have a love of everything outdoors, a passion for the moors and woodlands around North Yorkshire and the drive to be a positive force for good in the communities of this beautiful county. My working life has been based mostly around people and community; most recently I worked in a thriving, rural GP Surgery and before that for a music charity, making intergenerational connections through the universally joyful medium of music!!

What attracted you to this role?

What matters most to me is people, community and connection. I am both excited and honoured to be working with the Age Friendly Network and it’s partner organisations on this very practical and meaningful project.

We know it’s early days as you’ve just joined Community First Yorkshire, but what are your plans for the Age Friendly Network?

I look forward to helping develop a thriving and diverse group, with fair representation, respected opinions, practical actions and meaningful connections. Above all, I’m keen to help provide a platform for effective communication channels that will give a voice to people aged 50+ in North Yorkshire and, together, help shape the future of all aspects of health and social care in our community.

How can people get involved?

If you want to sign up to become a member of the Age Friendly Network, have a chance to work with Jeanette on shaping future support services in North Yorkshire, and be kept up-to-date via our enewsletter, click here.

Ethnicity in North Yorkshire: what the 2021 Census is telling us

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At our latest Equality and Inclusion Partnership meeting we heard from Gary Craig, visiting professor from Newcastle upon Tyne University. Gary kindly shared his analysis of ethnicity across North Yorkshire from the 2021 Census.

Read what Gary has to say:

“Ethnic minorities have lived and settled in North Yorkshire ever since the Romans set up shop at, for example, Aldborough, on the paved roman road from Otley. When I first started working in the county about 30 years ago, its minority ethnic (BAME-i.e. non-White British) population was still only around 2% – although there were a few schools (in Northallerton, Skipton, Harrogate and Scarborough) where the BAME pupil population was about 4-5% because of a small concentration of minorities in certain workplaces such as hospitals and colleges. The BAME population in the county was effectively invisible because it was scattered and very diverse, with very few people of any particular ethnicity.

This proportion has, however, grown steadily since then and the recent 2021 census shows that the minority ethnic population of North Yorkshire county is now around 7%: that is one in fourteen of the population or, in numerical terms, getting on for about 50,000 people. That is a sizeable number.

The increase is, of course, partly due to natural growth – children in 2001 are adults now; partly due to minorities working on the periphery of the county – in Teesside, Durham, Leeds, Bradford and York for example – but living within the boundaries of North Yorkshire; and partly reflecting economic change. Some industrial sectors have been associated with a minority workforce, for example hospitality and leisure (hotels and restaurants), health and social care, and agriculture and food production.

In parts of the county, the proportion of minorities in local populations is substantially greater than 7%, usually for specific reasons. Examples of wards with much higher levels include:

  • Castle ward in Scarborough (15%) – one in seven
  • Selby East (14%)
  • Skipton West (Craven 14%)
  • Central Harrogate (18%) – almost one in five
  • Hipswell (Richmondshire 13%)
  • and Malton in Ryedale (10%).

Only Hambleton bucks this trend with Northallerton and Sowerby wards showing a 6% minority population – the former notable given it is effectively the county’s administrative centre. The minority population is very diverse with no one minority dominating the BAME population except for ‘other white’ – a legacy of the pre-Brexit situation. Only the Pakistani Kashmiri population of Skipton bucks that particular domination.

This data gives the county’s organisations insight and detail to respond to this growth; and avoid effectively invisibilising particular groups of people. Now may be the time to respond.”

Further conversations take place at the Equality and Inclusion Partnership meetings so if you want to be part of the discussion and join the group email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

If you find this data useful and are able to use it in your work, or if you would like further details on your area, please inform Professor Gary Craig, Professor of Social Justice, Visiting Professor, University of Newcastle upon Tyne gary.craig@galtres8.co.uk

Making biscuits contributed to my wellbeing

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Bake Off 2022 is on our screens and this week is the ever-popular Biscuit Week.

Our development officer, Andy Ryland, was inspired by his baking experiences to share how baking biscuits can generate feelings of positive wellbeing.

Here’s what he had to say:

“I am not sure what prompted me to consider making macaroon biscuits. It may have been fond memories of the ones my mum used to make for family teas. It might even be the taste of the small ones you are sometimes given with a coffee after a meal in a restaurant, or perhaps just the fact that they are a delicious biscuit I can enjoy.

Anyhow, a few weeks ago I looked up an online recipe and even for someone like me, who has never made biscuits before, the recipe looked surprisingly simple.

My first attempt was, surprisingly, quite a success and I have gone on to make more batches and even branch out to making variations to the recipe (all very adventurous!).

So how has the making of biscuits helped my wellbeing?

Through reflecting on this, I have realised that the process ticks many of the boxes of what is called the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

  • Being in the Moment
  • Learning something new
  • Giving to others
  • Social connection
  • Physical exercise

Being in the moment is very much about concentrating on what one is doing. So worries or negative thoughts are replaced by thoughts relating to the activity in hand – such as following the recipe.

For me, making biscuits has been about acquiring a new skill and this has been immensely satisfying.

The creation of something attractive to give to friends or colleagues is also a very satisfying experience and gives pleasure to the soul. In turn, this creates the opportunity for social connection.

Regrettably, there is only a limited amount of physical exercise involved in the process of making the biscuit (although I could replace my electric whisk with a hand whisk). However, it has distracted me from watching the TV, which I think is a good thing.

If you are like me, you may not be an experienced cook, but if you want to experience the joy of a little creative baking, do have a go. Perhaps you could find something that trigger positives memories from your childhood or another memorable moment.”

By Andy Ryland

Please send us your stories and pictures of your bakes, and why the recipe evokes positive memories for you by emailing info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk. We’d love to share them on our social media channels.

We have a wide range of resources on our website to help your mental health and wellbeing on our VCSE Wellbeing Hub toolkit.

Accessing health and care services in rural areas

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The challenges of accessing health and care services in rural areas… and the power of communities and partnership working

Many people perceive that the local population in rural areas is healthier with a higher life expectancy than for those living in urban areas and this is often the case.

However, accessing health and care services in rural areas can be a complicated business with many challenges for both providers and local populations. When you consider hidden pockets of deprivation, an ageing population and poor infrastructure over a vast geographic area like North Yorkshire, delivering health services in rural areas can often be difficult.

Rural communities can experience difficulties accessing health services with pharmacies and GPs often located miles away in rural ‘hub’ towns. Add to the mix rising fuel costs and a reduced rural community transport service – how do people get the help they need?

Demographic changes mean that older people in rural areas don’t often live near their families, who may be priced out of their home areas due to a lack of affordable housing. With poor access to broadband and mobile connectivity issues, you suddenly find yourself with large cohorts of older people who are experiencing loneliness and isolation, both of which we know are detrimental to health and wellbeing. These experiences are often shared by cohorts of younger people who equally have challenges accessing services and opportunities.

Within our West Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) the Craven District, with its principle market towns of Settle and Skipton, is the most rural district within our system.

All this paints a rather gloomy picture of the challenges facing rural and increased likelihood of poorer health outcomes for some rural areas, particularly those that are sparsely populated such as North Craven. However, the Craven District has many community assets spread across its 450 square miles and a diverse mix of charities, community groups and social enterprises supporting communities to remain connected and healthy.

There are some fantastic examples of voluntary and community sector groups in Craven particularly during the pandemic.

I’ve been looking at the vital work of Skipton Step into Action, the mutual aid group set up to mobilse volunteer support for Skipton and surrounding communities working in partnership with health and care partners. This community based service has been a lifeline for many rural older residents and families isolating during the pandemic. There are similar examples across the district including Grassington Community Hub; and the development of The Place in Settle, a new health and wellbeing venue which is a collaborative initiative developed by a combination of local charities including Age UK North Craven; Dementia Forward; Pioneer Projects; Citizens Advice and the local GP surgery. This is enabling many local charities and public partners to provide services which support people’s health and well-being.

Other examples include:

Age UK North Craven’s telephone befriending service is bringing friendship and tackling loneliness in the district. Their regular clubs, lunches and activities in remote parts of the district are bringing company and health benefits, including their Movement to Music sessions, Walking Football and Walking Rugby.

Skipton Extended Learning for All (SELFA) works across the district providing activities and services for children, young people and families in market towns and rural areas. Whilst these activities are very inclusive and focussed on the distinct needs of local communities, they are also empowering for young people and families in shaping and delivering activities within rural places. SELFA is a great example of a home grown Craven District charity which has and continues to respond to the changing needs of our younger population and their families.

Skipton & Craven Action for Disability’s community transport service provides a vital connection for people with mental health illnesses or a disability – taking people shopping or to medical appointments or simply to the hairdressers – enabling people to remain connected and social.

If you would like to know more about the difference the voluntary and community sector makes across the Craven District then please visit Compass e Hub.

Many community and voluntary sector groups are members of the Craven Communities Together Partnership which is where the sector collaborates with health and care partners to improve health outcomes across all communities by making best use of all resources, and working in strengths based way to release and realise the power of communities.

By Mark Hopley, VCSE Health Partnership Development Manager

 

Source: Local Government Association and Public Health England – Health & Wellbeing in Rural Areas (2017)

What can you do to support Ukraine?

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Few of us can fail to have been moved by what’s happening in Ukraine at the moment and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

The immediate urge is to do what we can to help and the government’s Homes for Ukraine website is now up and running.

There is helpful regional advice from North Yorkshire County Council here.

Reset has been appointed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to register Ukrainian refugees. This is the focus of Reset’s activities currently, but they are keen to hear from a national infrastructure organisation who’d like to get involved in helping them design the matching process for matching refugees with British families. One of the key issues being of course, safeguarding.  If this sounds like your organisation, please get in touch through director@resetuk.org

Until the matching process has been designed it is likely there will be some frustration from people wanting to offer their homes to refugees. Hopefully everyone will understand the need for patience whilst a robust and safe matching system is designed.

By Jane Colthup

Chief Executive, Community First Yorkshire

Climate change and charities – why we need to take action

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Why climate change matters

In November the UK hosted the twenty sixth Conference of Parties on Climate Change, or COP26. Across the media we are seeing an increasing and much needed focus on Climate Change and what it means for people, why it is important, and what will happen if we do not take action to address the impacts of Climate Change now.

All individuals, neighbourhoods, groups, businesses, organisations and countries have a responsibility to take action against Climate Change; and this includes charities. We all use energy and resources, we all have a carbon footprint and we should all be doing what we can in all aspects of life; home, work and social, to reduce our footprint wherever possible. Without everyone making changes and altering what they use and how, the challenges of Climate Change will not be met.

Charities and climate change

We do not work in this sector because we want to make lots of money. We do the work we do because we want to make a difference – doing what we can to create fair, healthy and happy communities for everyone.

However, in this sector it is hard (sometimes impossible) to do what is needed. We can never do enough, we never have enough time, money or resources. So deciding to remove some of our focus and energy away from our vital work, whether that be cancer research, food banks or loneliness prevention, is difficult. But what we do know and understand in this sector is that disadvantage, whether linked to health, finance, education, background or personal experience, has a long lasting and significant impact on people.

Climate change will impact harder and more quickly on those people who are already struggling, and the longer we leave it before taking action the worse it will be. So we all need to start doing whatever we can, now.

The business case

Taking action on Climate Change is not just morally the right thing to do, it is also sensible professionally and from a reputational point of view. Going forward charities can expect donors, supporters, beneficiaries and volunteers to demand more from us. We can expect funders, grant giving organisations and trusts to ask about the environmental impact of our work when applying for funding. Organisations across all sectors are also seeing increasing public backlash against unsustainable practices, such as the ongoing use of single-use plastic for promotional items and charities are not exempt from this.

What to do next

Thinking about climate change and its consequences can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start. What is important is that if everyone does what they can, even small changes can soon add up.

A good place to start is to find out what your carbon footprint is. You can then see where you are using the most carbon and put in place measures to lower your carbon footprint. You can use a carbon calculator to help you work out your footprint. There are carbon calculators for both individuals and organisations.

Ideas and suggestions for organisational change
  • Appoint a person or a group of people to form a sustainability team, and also get your board or trustees involved.
  • Consider every aspect of your organisation, from the supply chains to the projects you run. Are they all working towards the same goal of sustainability?
  • Draw up sustainability criteria for use when sourcing goods and services
  • Commit to becoming an environmentally responsible organisation, see our template environmental policy for more information
  • Think about adopting energy saving measures in your building; insulation, double/triple-glazed windows, switching to a zero-carbon energy providers, LED lighting or install motion-activated light switches
  • Consider the impact of your facilities; do you have water efficient toilets, how can you reduce wasting water, switch to eco-friendly cleaning products, provide re-usable cups, plates, etc., and recycling and compost bins?
  • Can old or out of date electronics be recycled?
  • Encourage eco-friendly travel alternatives – can you provide incentives for staff to take the train, bus, cycle or walk—rather than driving?
  • Do you allow remote or home working to cut down on travel?

These are just a few suggestions to start you off, depending on the circumstances of your organisation there may also be other changes you could consider.

One of the most powerful ways to support action on climate change is to talk to others about what you are doing and share your knowledge and experiences of making changes in your charity.

For further support and information take a look at our Climate Change Toolkit.

Share your stories

Let us know what you are doing to tackle climate change.

Climate Change and charities – why we need to take action

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Why Climate Change matters

In November the UK will host the twenty sixth Conference of Parties on Climate Change, or COP26. Across the media we are seeing an increasing and much needed focus on Climate Change and what it means for people, why it is important, and what will happen if we do not take action to address the impacts of Climate Change now.

All individuals, neighbourhoods, groups, businesses, organisations and countries have a responsibility to take action against Climate Change; and this includes charities. We all use energy and resources, we all have a carbon footprint and we should all be doing what we can in all aspects of life; home, work and social, to reduce our footprint wherever possible. Without everyone making changes and altering what they use and how, the challenges of Climate Change will not be met.

Charities and climate change

We do not work in this sector because we want to make lots of money. We do the work we do because we want to make a difference – doing what we can to create fair, healthy and happy communities for everyone.

However, in this sector it is hard (sometimes impossible) to do what is needed. We can never do enough, we never have enough time, money or resources. So deciding to remove some of our focus and energy away from our vital work, whether that be cancer research, food banks or loneliness prevention, is difficult. But what we do know and understand in this sector is that disadvantage, whether linked to health, finance, education, background or personal experience, has a long lasting and significant impact on people.

Climate change will impact harder and more quickly on those people who are already struggling, and the longer we leave it before taking action the worse it will be. So we all need to start doing whatever we can, now.

The business case

Taking action on Climate Change is not just morally the right thing to do, it is also sensible professionally and from a reputational point of view. Going forward charities can expect donors, supporters, beneficiaries and volunteers to demand more from us. We can expect funders, grant giving organisations and trusts to ask about the environmental impact of our work when applying for funding.  Organisations across all sectors are also seeing increasing public backlash against unsustainable practices, such as the ongoing use of single-use plastic for promotional items and charities are not exempt from this.

What to do next

Thinking about climate change and its consequences can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start. What is important is that if everyone does what they can, even small changes can soon add up.

A good place to start is to find out what your carbon footprint is. You can then see where you are using the most carbon and put in place measures to lower your carbon footprint. You can use a carbon calculator to help you work out your footprint. There are carbon calculators for both individuals and organisations.

Ideas and suggestions for organisational change.

  • Appoint a person or a group of people to form a sustainability team, and also get your board or trustees involved.
  • Consider every aspect of your organisation, from the supply chains to the projects you run. Are they all working towards the same goal of sustainability?
  • Draw up sustainability criteria for use when sourcing goods and services
  • Commit to becoming an environmentally responsible organisation, see our template environmental policy for more information
  • Think about adopting energy saving measures in your building; insulation, double/triple-glazed windows, switching to a zero-carbon energy providers, LED lighting or install motion-activated light switches
  • Consider the impact of your facilities; do you have water efficient toilets, how can you reduce wasting water, switch to eco-friendly cleaning products, provide re-usable cups, plates, etc., and recycling and compost bins?
  • Can old or out of date electronics be recycled?
  • Encourage eco-friendly travel alternatives – can you provide incentives for staff to take the train, bus, cycle or walk—rather than driving?
  • Do you allow remote or home working to cut down on travel?

These are just a few suggestions to start you off, depending on the circumstances of your organisation there may also be other changes you could consider.

One of the most powerful ways to support action on climate change is to talk to others about what you are doing and share your knowledge and experiences of making changes in your charity.

For further support and information take a look at our Climate Change Toolkit.

Share your stories

Let us know what you are doing to tackle climate change.

Twitter: @CommFirstYorks   Facebook: Community First Yorkshire

 

Leah Furniss, Development Officer, Community First Yorkshire

Reflections on time in God’s own country

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Chief Executive Jane Colthup shares her thoughts on Yorkshire resilience

With Yorkshire Day fast approaching and my first month as Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire under my belt, I am reflecting on what’s happened over the last few months. The pandemic has caused many of us to re-evaluate what matters most to us and it certainly made me realise how much I value my connections with friends and family, as well as my local community. In my local community, we’ve had floods as well as the pandemic to contend with this year, so it’s been a challenging year. In both instances, neighbours rallied around offering help, whether to shop for those isolating or to help move furniture upstairs when floods threatened to breach our homes.

We relied on local businesses for deliveries of food and have made a point of continuing to use and support them. They were there for us when we needed them, and the least we can do is to continue to support them. The additional benefits of fewer food miles and the unique, non-formulaic ranges on offer, coupled with some good old Yorkshire chat make the whole shopping experience much more rewarding anyway!

One of the things I love most about Yorkshire is its stoicism. Yorkshire people by nature are hugely resilient. Not much fazes us and our communities have pulled together and helped each other out in thousands of unseen ways. But we need that support and care for each other to continue as we help our beautiful county recover. Many of our charitable organisations are exhausted, having dug deep to do their utmost for those who are vulnerable, lonely or in need. So if there’s anything you can do to offer them support, please do so – they need you now as much as ever. As many of you will already know, giving back to your community will make you feel good too, and is often as therapeutic to the giver as it is to those who receive. Giving doesn’t necessarily mean a financial cost, it could be your time as a volunteer or trustee or an ambassador through sharing their good work over social media or word of mouth.

Going to the Yorkshire Show for the launch of the Rural Commission Report was my first real opportunity to physically meet some of our partners and stakeholders and that Yorkshire stoicism was evident again when the scale of the challenge our rural communities face was laid bare.  We are lucky enough to live in God’s own country, surely one of the most beautiful parts of England, and we must do everything in our power to maintain it by enabling our rural communities to thrive. Better connectivity, both in terms of broadband and transport, more affordable housing and better local education, training and job opportunities will help keep our young people here for a sustainable and vibrant county. We need rural energy to be cleaner and greener to conserve the beauty we have in our countryside and we must ensure our healthcare is delivered in places that are easy to access.

So, whilst yes, it’s been a challenging time, we know we can do this. Let’s pull together and support local businesses and if you can spare time or money to help our wonderful voluntary sector, they’ll love you for it!

 

What do you love about Yorkshire? How are you marking Yorkshire Day this year? Share your thoughts with us on social:

Twitter@CommFirstYorks

Facebook @Comm1stYorks

Hello from our new Chief Executive

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We are delighted to welcome our new Chief Executive, Jane Colthup.

I feel very fortunate to have been appointed Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire following the excellent leadership of my predecessor, Leah Swain, and I am lucky enough to have inherited a magnificent, focussed and hardworking team and a supportive board of trustees. I can’t wait to work with them alongside the dedicated groups, volunteers, residents and colleagues who do so much to keep their communities thriving across Yorkshire.

I have a background in management consultancy, working with local authorities and previously worked in the training, skills, charity and recruitment sectors. I am an army brat, wife and mother, and as a result, I’ve lived in lots of different places. I have always considered Yorkshire home and where my heart is – both my children and I went to school here, my parents and siblings are here and we now live here permanently as a family. I am excited by the opportunity to give back to the place that has given so much to me personally.

My nomadic upbringing brought home to me the importance of local communities in contributing to people’s happiness and wellbeing. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to belong to a number of different communities over the years and they have often been the lifeline sustaining me when things were tough.

The pandemic has brought home more than ever the vital role local communities have in keeping community venues working when possible, transporting people to medical appointments, ensuring our young and older populations don’t feel lonely or isolated, and doing what we can to protect and look after each other. During this time, voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations have continued on delivering above and beyond expectations to make sure people aren’t left behind or forgotten about amidst the global crisis.

I am proud of our teams at Community First Yorkshire and the incredible work they have done, stepping up to some unforeseen and serious challenges. May I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone for all your work and support in keeping local communities thriving throughout this unprecedented time. It will have made a big difference to many people and you can rest assured that your efforts touch many lives, helping keep our communities happier and healthier.

As we emerge from the pandemic, it is more important than ever that we work together to make our communities the happy, bustling places we want them to be and I look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the coming months.

It is a great time to join this organisation and look ahead to some of the exciting projects and work we have planned. Keep an eye out for our newsletters for more information on our upcoming Leadership Mentoring and Coaching, Funding Summit, Community Led Housing, climate action and even a new website!