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.

£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.

VCSE Collaborative Meeting Update

The latest meeting update from the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s VCSE Collaborative is now available to view. The update provides an overview of the meeting, which took place on Monday 11 March 2024 and covers the following topics:

  • Social Prescribing Conference and Networking Event
  • Research Engagement Network Update
  • Connecting the VCSE sector with the wider Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
  • Volunteering for Health Funding Application
  • 2024-25 Planning
  • Humber and North Yorkshire VCSE Expo

Click here to read the latest update.

 

Our volunteering directory supports volunteering opportunities to boost happiness and wellbeing 

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This International Day of Happiness (Wednesday 20 March), we’re spreading the word about our Volunteering in North Yorkshire directory (VINY) and the proven benefits of volunteering to boost happiness and wellbeing.

VINY is a free, online website supporting organisations who are searching for volunteers. North Yorkshire based charities, social enterprises and social impact organisations can advertise their voluntary roles on the directory and respond to people who show interest in their volunteering opportunity.

This International Day of Happiness, we want potential volunteers to reap the benefits of volunteering their time and skills to charitable organisations they would like to support.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisation’s (NCVO) report states that over three-quarters of volunteers (77%) reported that volunteering improved their mental health and wellbeing. While Action for Happiness shares, ‘Giving to others through volunteering and in other ways has been associated with reduced depression and anxiety and increased personal wellbeing and happiness… Volunteering is one way to actively participate in social and community life, and strongly associated with happiness and life satisfaction.’

Potential volunteers can use VINY to search for opportunities by location, flexibility and cause. The messaging function allows potential volunteers to contact organisations directly and easily.

Jane Colthup, Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire, says: “When you volunteer, you’re not only giving the gift of your time to make someone else happy, you’re also helping yourself to feel happy. This International Day of Happiness is a great focus for people to ask themselves ‘What could I do to be happier?’ – if you’re looking for an answer, then volunteering could be it.

“Helping others and feeling more connected to your local community is a brilliant way to boost your spirits.”

We interviewed Marie Curie volunteers to hear about their experiences of combatting loneliness and boosting their happiness through volunteering.

Explore the Volunteering in North Yorkshire directory (VINY) this International Day of Happiness .

Yorkshire communities ‘Go Green’ for Village Halls Week

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Village halls across North, South and West Yorkshire will be taking part in the annual Village Halls Week celebrations, to showcase and encourage green initiatives within community buildings.

Between 18-24 March, Village Halls Week is a national campaign celebrating village halls for their contributions to their local communities. This year’s theme of ‘Go Green’ will look at how community buildings can become more energy efficient and how village committees can support environmentally friendly behaviours within their own communities.

Throughout the week-long celebration, participating village halls will host their own events, share environmental practices and gain inspiration from environmentally successful community buildings.

Sally Scales, chair at Whixley Village Hall, shares her thoughts: “From pantomimes and festive celebrations to coffee mornings and sports matches, Whixley Village Hall is truly the centre of our community, and has been ever since 1935.

“The Village Halls Week campaign and its ‘Go Green’ messaging has never felt more vital, and now more than ever we need to focus on preserving our community buildings for the next generation. Funding is available for green initiatives, and our village hall is undertaking a decarbonisation project which includes a complete replacement of our old and inefficient heating system. We feel proud to be helping to secure the future of this vital community space. I’d heartily encourage any village hall to use this week as a time to focus on how their venue can go green.”

Jane Colthup, chief executive at Community First Yorkshire, continued: “Village Halls Week provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beating hearts of our communities, and this year’s theme of ‘Go Green’ will allow our communities to share knowledge and gain inspiration, helping to preserve our environment and allow our community buildings to thrive for many more successful years to come.

“Whixley Village Hall is the perfect example of what community buildings can do to work towards their green goals, and we’re keen to actively encourage community groups to get in touch with us to see what funding is available to 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. The organisation is the Rural Community Council for North, South and West Yorkshire and a strong advocate for rural issues.

Village Halls Week takes place from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March 2024.

VCSE non-selective hustings for Combined Authority Mayoral candidates

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Residents in York and North Yorkshire will elect the first ever York and North Yorkshire Mayor on 2 May for the new Combined Authority, giving people more control over investment in our region and how public services are run. But what does this mean for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector?

What questions would you ask of Mayoral candidates about their plans to support charities, community groups and social enterprises in our region?

Come along to a non-selective hustings at the Priory Street Centre in York on 16 April (10am – 12 noon) being hosted by Community First Yorkshire and York CVS. People who work or volunteer in the sector are invited to hear from Mayoral candidates and pose questions.

Book your place here.

Not able to attend, email your questions to comms@yorkcvs.org.uk and we will aim to ask these on your behalf during the hustings.

Child Exploitation Awareness week – Programme of Learning

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership is supporting the National Working Group to highlight the National Child Exploitation awareness raising day on 18 March 2024. As part of this collaboration, the NYSCP is holding 10 free masterclasses focusing on safeguarding for you to join.

Click this link to view more information on the classes, which will be running from 18-22 March.

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) appoints new Chief Executive

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Corinne Pluchino, an experienced leader with a lifelong interest in rural affairs will join Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) in May.

She replaces Richard Quallington who announced his departure last year, having spent 8 years in the role.

Corinne is currently Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. She has previously served as Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks and has held senior roles with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Hill & Knowlton, the global communications consultancy. She is also a former trustee of CPRE, the countryside charity. With expertise in communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement, her experience includes housing and development, environmental, farming, health, and social care issues. She aims to put the needs and interests of rural communities firmly on the next government’s agenda.

Thrilled to be supporting rural communities

Speaking of her appointment, Corinne said: “I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to join ACRE, and to work with its network of thirty-eight member organisations that are dedicated to supporting rural communities across England. It is essential that the significant challenges faced by many people living in rural areas are better understood and they are not disadvantaged by where they live. There are also real opportunities to achieve change through positive action. I am looking forward enormously to working with the ACRE team, the wider network and our partners to deliver these ambitions.”

James Blake, Chair of ACRE said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Corinne to ACRE at this important time for our organisation. With the prospect of a new government on the horizon, it is essential we have someone of Corinne’s calibre in post to build our reputation for championing the needs of rural communities, as well as continuing to deliver for our members.”

Corinne will be joining ACRE at a time of adaptation in its network where members have stepped up to help rural residents through the cost-of-living crisis; delivering new projects to improve health and wellbeing, supporting individuals with fuel poverty, and developing a new network of Rural Housing Enablers to help communities secure more affordable homes.

Corinne will take up her appointment at the end of May.

Notes

ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is a charity speaking up for and supporting rural communities. It is the national body of the ACRE Network, England’s largest rural grouping of community support charities which support of initiatives that equip people with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to improve their local community. Community First Yorkshire is the ACRE Network member for North, South and West Yorkshire.