1970s community building gets a 21st century upgrade
Built in 1971, Sessay Village Hall was in dire need of refurbishment and with help from our development officer, the hall is now a dream come true, offering better disabled access, new toilets, solar panels, improved heating and insulation plus a new sprung floor.
What was the challenge?
As a community hub, Sessay Village Hall caters for nearly 500 village residents – 40% of them are over 65. But, with outdated facilities – such as old calor gas heaters, poor insulation and limited disabled access – the building was struggling to meet its potential as a vital hub for the community. Hampered by a lack of confidence in attracting the funds needed to mount a renovation project, the trustees needed the right help and guidance to get things off the ground.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
After spending time understanding what was needed to bring the hall up-to-date, our development officer set about creating a tailored package of support that included training for the trustees and hands-on help to secure the necessary funding. After attending our 2020 Awards for All training, the trustees’ first win was some initial funding to install a new AV system and refine their renovation project proposals.
In the months that followed, our development officer helped them submit successful bids to both the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund and the Shared Prosperity Fund – which enabled an extension for storage, new toilets and disabled access improvements, as well as air-source heating, insulation upgrades and a renovated sprung floor. Extra funds were also secured for solar panels and other improvements.
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What does the future look like?
With a building that is now more accessible, comfortable and widely used, the future is bright for this thriving village hall. Future plans involve renovating spaces for the local cricket club and expanding collaborations with the church and primary school. Community First Yorkshire will be on hand to support this ongoing development whenever the trustees need more help.
In a nutshell
The renovated hall is not only being used for everything from WI meetings to rural arts and pilates classes, it is firmly at the heart of the community, hosting all manner of local events. The long-term benefits being enjoyed include increased community engagement, opportunities for business meetings and reduced energy costs. Without some really significant funding successes, these changes would not have been possible, leaving the hall underused and the community underserved.
How can we help you?
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers will come to you to ensure you get access to the best advice and guidance on everything from funding to marketing.
Supporting a wide variety of community buildings across our patch, we provide practical guidance and advocacy to trustees, employees and management committees of buildings across rural North, South and West Yorkshire. Just some of our specialisms include support with:
- good governance
- safeguarding
- finance and funding
- policies and procedures, and
- operational good practice.
We also:
- facilitate a regular support network for people managing community venues
- provide access to specialist resources – including resources produced by ACRE
- host a closed Facebook group offering invaluable peer support. If you already have a Facebook account please click here to join.
Find out more on our website on our Community Buildings Hub or you can call us on 01904 704177 or drop us an email.
“We were not very confident about writing grant applications but Nicky gave us a good steer on what is feasible. We learnt how to adapt our needs to what funders are looking for. It’s helped with the style of writing and now we are really quite confident as we have been so successful. We also find the regular Funding Bulletins really informative. Nicky got us going and it’s taken off from there. When there is anything we need, we go back to her.”
Secretary of Sessay Community Trust
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
Volunteers managing England’s 10,000+ rural community halls are being provided with guidance to help them commission the right type of building survey.
The resource was instigated by ACTion with Communities in Cumbria who, when working with halls across rural Cumbria, found there was variable knowledge amongst funders, surveyors and village hall committees about what was needed and required in procuring and carrying out surveys of village halls and similar rural community buildings.
The guide has been authored by Ben Stagg, Director of stagg architects who wrote ACRE’s net zero design guide in 2024.
Explaining the benefits of obtaining a survey
The guidance takes a hall committee through the benefits of obtaining a survey, explains different types of surveys and how to go about engaging a surveyor. The section for surveyors will be useful for hall committees to share when commissioning their surveyor. There is also a comprehensive chapter on energy surveys.
Surveys are important because they help ensure your hall is kept in a good condition and that alteration and improvement work is appropriate and beneficial. They don’t just describe the existing situation; they can also be used to identify improvement works and assess and evaluate recommendations.
An invaluable guide
Julie Minns, Member of Parliament for Carlisle and North Cumbria said: “This is an invaluable guide. Community buildings are an important focal point and resource for local people the length and breadth of the country. They are particularly important in rural areas where geographic and social isolation are great. The vibrant and varied activities in the community centres in North Cumbria, are proof of just how needed and valuable this guide from ACRE is.”
The National Lottery Community Fund were pleased to support this guidance through an initiative of the ‘Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria Community Places’ project that they fund.
The National Lottery Community Fund provide grants for hundreds of village halls every year. Duncan Nicholson, Regional Head of Funding for the North East and Cumbria said: “Due to the generosity of National Lottery players we are able to support the innovative and vital work that projects like this deliver. Communities across Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria Community spaces will be able to continue to use much needed locally based accessible venues assured that buildings are fit for purpose and protected for future generations.”
Copies of the guidance can be downloaded here.
Humber and North Yorkshire Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Collaborative is working in partnership with the University of York to record, understand and evidence who is part of the VCSE sector workforce across our region.
The VCSE sector is a crucial part of Humber and North Yorkshire’s health and social care workforce, providing many services to our communities. However, there is a lack of understanding of what the sector’s contribution consists of, and without the data it is difficult to get system partners to recognise the size and scale of the sector and to understand what we have within Humber and North Yorkshire.
Positioning the VCSE sector as an equal partner
Humber and North Yorkshire VCSE Collaborative‘s mission is to position the VCSE sector as an equal and key partner in the design, planning and delivery of health and social care across our region. To do this, they need to know who powers our VCSE sector; who makes up our workforce, our working patterns and our contribution to health and care across our communities. To collect this data, they need your VCSE organisation to be involved in a workforce mapping exercise.
The data your organisation provides will be collated to create an in-depth picture of our sector. This will feed into the planning of future investment and resource allocation into the sector for the delivery of health and care services across our communities. By completing the survey, here’s how you will be supporting your organisation and the wider VCSE sector across Humber and North Yorkshire:
- Value – if we can show the value provided by our workforce this can evidence the need to invest more into the VCSE sector.
- Diversity and inclusion – the sector is diverse and being able to showcase that and evidence a sector that represents its communities is hugely valuable to health and care system partners.
- Volunteer management – this can evidence the role and value of volunteers that provide significant hours that the sector could not do without.
- Planning – talent retention – knowing the sector means organisations can compare themselves to the rest of the sector and not lose talent to other organisations.
- Data driven – the world is dependent on good data. This survey creates a collective picture which leads to better decision making.
- Impact – understanding the values and strengths of the sector workforce means we can drive real impact and build trust with both communities and system partners.
The survey is open now and will close on 28 March 2025. Before you complete the survey, please read this guidance.
Get involved here
We are passionate about helping our local communities thrive – are you? If so, an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated Board of Trustees could be just what you’ve been looking for.
At a time of real opportunity for our sector, we would love to hear from anyone who feels they could bring new skills, knowledge and experience to the team. As champions of greater diversity and inclusion, we’d also like to achieve greater diversity on the Board.
Who are we?
Community First Yorkshire is an influential regional body that works with voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises (VCSE) and rural communities across Yorkshire.
For over 40 years, we have provided an important rural advocacy role, encouraging partners to deliver equitable services and facilities for rural communities and individuals alike.
Our friendly Board of Trustees plays a significant role in providing leadership and guidance for the organisation. We are now looking for new recruits to help us positively challenge ourselves to be the best we can be.
Join us in a vital trustee role
If you’re keen to make a difference and you also have professional and/or lived knowledge or experience in any of the following areas, it would be an added bonus:
- Healthcare
- Finance/accounting
- Marketing and communications
- Inequality and/or safeguarding
- West and/or South Yorkshire.
Recruitment Pack
Have a look at our recruitment pack for more information about what’s involved (click on the image to view the pack).
Get in touch
If you would like to use your talents and skills to contribute to our work and be part of an exciting and evolving organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Download the Trustee recruitment pack and job description for more information. Details of how to apply are in the ‘How to get in touch’ section of the job description.
Deadline for applications: ongoing. Interviews will be in-person at our Askham Bryan office.
If you have any questions or need more information, please email Deb Carey.
Help with finding the right charity structure has secured the future for Anzac Remembrance CIO.
The Anzac Remembrance group secured the future of their event, with our development officer’s help, and expanded its reach by choosing the right charitable structure.
What was the challenge?
The Anzac Remembrance group organises the annual remembrance event in Harrogate, honoring the lives of the New Zealand and Australian pilots laid there to rest. The group wanted to secure the event’s long-term future and expand its reach across the North of England. They knew that they needed to change their charity structure – but were unsure about which one was right for them.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
Our development officer met with the group and chatted to them about their needs. He helped the group explore what their options were so that they could find the right charitable structure. They’d already looked at different governance structures but had found the information overwhelming. The development officer discussed practical options and helped them align their needs with Charity Commission guidance.
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What does the future look like?
Following our help, the group is now established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This means they have secured the future of the remembrance service and plans are underway for the first ceremony under the new structure to take place in April 2025. The trustees are now confident that the charity has a long-term future. This means that they can continue to honour fallen Australian and New Zealand pilots and support their descendants. The group are planning to develop a website and start a new fundraising campaign.
About the organisation
The Anzac Remembrance CIO provides support for friends, families and descendants of New Zealand and Australian pilots buried in Harrogate.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefitting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
“I feel that I want to continue to share the good things that happen with Andy. He was amazing, so patient and understanding and turned everything around so quickly with constructive, knowledgeable advice.”
Anzac Remembrance Trustee
Changing their charity structure means that the group can apply for funding to improve their premises and help the band grow.
With the help of our development officer, the Swinton and District Excelsior Band explored whether becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) was the right charitable structure.
What was the challenge?
Swinton and District Excelsior Band were concerned that, without the right charitable structure, their trustees were at risk in terms of liability. They were considering becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to give trustees more protection but weren’t sure on whether this was the right structure or how to go through the process. The trustees turned to Community First Yorkshire for some help and advice.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
Our development officer played an important role in helping the group to look at becoming a CIO. Working closely with the trustees, they reviewed legal structures, group membership strategies, and addressed challenges like band room ownership.
With their help, the trustees understood the process for becoming a CIO and confidently made a case to members to make the change.
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What does the future look like?
The group hopes that becoming a CIO will help them not only attract new trustees and members, but their new status will make it easier for the group to secure grants. They need vital funding to improve the building, including much-needed roof repairs. They plan to return to Community First Yorkshire for support with funding applications.
About the organisation
Swinton and District Excelsior Band are a local village brass band with members from primary school age to 80+. They are based in Swinton near Malton, North Yorkshire.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefitting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
“It’s helping to keep us on the straight and narrow and to know we can be hopefully doing it right. Next steps will be the renovation of our historic building – we will be in touch for help with the funding application.”
Advice on the right training for volunteers has boosted their skills and confidence, plus helped the museum to retain these valuable team members.
Working with Community First Yorkshire helped the Museum of North Craven Life invest in it’s volunteers.
What was the challenge?
Front-of-house volunteers at the museum felt that they needed some specialist training on customer service. However, with the museum’s annual training budget already fully allocated, the trustees were finding it difficult to identify the right training and the potential funding required to run the sessions.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
Our development officer initially met the museum trustee at a Community First Yorkshire volunteer management training session. They worked closely with the trustee to look at what training options were available and used their own experience in the volunteering sector to provide guidance, encouragement and practical suggestions.
Working with the development officer gave the trustee confidence to look at different options and successfully request a review of the museum’s internal funding priorities. As a result, the museum board reallocated funds to bring in a bespoke external trainer, ensuring their team received the tailored support they needed.
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What does the future look like?
The new training has helped the volunteers to feel valued and gave them more confidence in dealing with different scenarios, as well as boosting their skill levels. The team of volunteers are essential to the museum’s operation. By investing in their training, their volunteering experience at the museum has improved which, in turn, will help the museum to retain these important team members and recruit more volunteers when needed.
About the organisation
The Museum of North Craven Life is based at The Folly, a historic house in Settle. The museum tells the story of North Craven, from the local landscape and its influence on all aspects of life in the area.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.
We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefitting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.
“Vicki was very good at responding, in fact she was often waiting patiently for me to get back to her. I would absolutely go back to Vicki for further support. I felt she understood exactly what it was we were looking for and this was particularly true because she had worked in the same sector.”