Volunteering with North Yorkshire Moors Railway is just the ticket

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Our development officer, Vicki, spend a lovely autumnal day volunteering at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the only Arts Council funded museum that is also an operational railway.

She worked with the lineside crew of volunteers who help to maintain the 13 miles of grassland and vegetation which runs alongside the track. The day was spent clearing and then burning willow at a lovely spot on the line between Levisham and Goathland.

Vicki said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the day and time spent with the volunteers – without who the railway and associated museum wouldn’t be able to operate. I was guided and supported throughout the day, making me feel safe and welcomed into the gang.”

All Community First Yorkshire staff are able to take a day of employee supported volunteering each year in addition to the organisation’s annual team volunteering day. We are passionate about volunteering and the significant benefits it brings to the charities and initiatives we work with, and this is a great way to help us make a difference.

Government planning proposals must secure more genuinely affordable rural homes

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Recognising that the lack of genuinely affordable homes in the countryside is one of the biggest problems facing rural communities, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has responded to the government on plans to revise planning policy and speed up development to drive economic growth.

Although the organisation broadly welcomed the proposals, they highlighted key areas where more work is still needed:

  • define genuine affordability
  • control second homes and short term lets
  • plan the delivery of rural affordable housing
  • development should be genuinely sustainable
  • more should be invested in the development of neighbourhood plans.

Commenting, Community First Yorkshire Chief Executive, Jane Colthup, said:

“There is a lack of truly affordable homes for people in North Yorkshire, most especially in our rural communities.

“We wholeheartedly endorse the feedback ACRE has provided and continue to support the work of various strategic groups in North Yorkshire charged with improving the supply of affordable rural housing.

“For example, earlier this year we carried out a housing needs survey for Craven Community Land Trust, which ultimately demonstrated the need for an additional 43 affordable homes across four parishes. We are also delivering the Defra Rural Housing Enablers Programme in North Yorkshire and have recently begun providing community led housing support in the Nidderdale National Landscape area, thanks to funding from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.”

Read the ACRE response to the government

Community First Yorkshire welcomes arrival of Project Gigabit

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Today’s announcement by Telecoms Minister, Chris Bryant, that more than 4,500 rural homes and businesses across Yorkshire are now able to access superfast broadband services has been welcomed by Jane Colthup, Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire.

The improved services are being introduced thanks to local investment of £60m – part of the government’s £5 billion national flagship programme known as Project Gigabit. Up to 28,000 connections in hard-to-reach rural areas will come on-stream once the full roll-out is complete in 2030 with the goal of driving economic growth and fixing the digital divide that plagues people living and working in remote areas.

Speaking on BBC Radio York today (26 September) Jane said: “This is fantastic news that rural communities in North Yorkshire are to get the same superfast speeds as the rest of the world. To improve people’s access to work opportunities and crucial services such as remote health and welfare support, good broadband is absolutely vital and for so long that’s not something we’ve been able to access sufficiently in North Yorkshire.”

Discussing the news, she also highlighted the importance of better connectivity to improve social inclusivity in rural areas – so important to help older people keep in-touch with friends and family.

While welcoming the news, Jane added that access to digital support and training is also crucial to make sure people can make the most of better connectivity and the opportunities it brings. This is something Community First Yorkshire has been focused on with its Digital Inclusion Project , backed by North Yorkshire Council and the NHS in North Yorkshire.

The lack of adequate mobile phone coverage in North Yorkshire was another ongoing issue, she said, with so-called mobile ‘not-spots’ impacting on rural residents and businesses. “This is a fundamental requirement of everyday living in the 21st century,” she added.

To listen to the interview in full, click on the image below.

 

Read more about Project Gigabit on the government website.

Funding support: Funding support helps Pickering Town CIC grow

Assistance with funding applications has given Pickering Town CIC the confidence to secure a successful bid.

Understanding the ins and outs of successful funding bids, our development officer was able to support Pickering Town CIC in its funding process to help the group become a leading advocate for the town of Pickering.
What was the challenge?

As the group’s funding for its community engagement officer was nearing an end, the team sought support from Community First Yorkshire for fundraising advice and help with application writing.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Our development officer worked swiftly and efficiently with Pickering Town CIC, making the most of their extensive experience to provide advice and helpful amendments to the town’s draft funding bid to help enhance its chances of success.

The most immediate benefit was a confidence boost for a Pickering Town CIC staff member, who was navigating their first funding application in a high-stakes situation, which (at the point of this case study publishing) is currently underway.

If successful, the funding will allow the group to continue to broaden its remit as a new Community Anchor Organisation and leading advocate for Pickering. Future plans include a consultation with Pickering residents of all ages, to ensure that every resident has a strong voice, and to help the organisation gather a clear view of priorities from the town’s perspective.

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What does the future look like?

A successful bid will enable the CIC to build on its community projects and their community-led approach will continue to deliver on the town’s priorities.

About the organisation

Pickering Town CIC is a social enterprise set-up to promote Pickering, for the benefit of the town and all of its residents.

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 would 100% go back to Andy for further funding advice. His support was invaluable and made the funding application a very easy process.”

Pickering Town CIC

Nature Nurture Connection becomes CIC with expert support

Reaching out for support has allowed Nature Nurture Connection to become a Community Interest Company and learn new ways of gaining funding.

Tapping into our support has helped Nature Nurture Connection to continue their dedicated work in providing access to nature to many families across Whitby.
What was the challenge?

Referred to Community First Yorkshire, Nature Nurture Connection was interested in seeking support on how to set up a Community Interest Company.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Our development officer began their support with an initial online chat to explain different company structures and used descriptive examples to aid understanding. With best practice kept in mind, the development officer provided a range of helpful information and held a follow-up call to complete the necessary paperwork.

Taking the opportunity to visit the group in-person to learn more about their aspirations, our development officer was able to offer suggestions for local sources of funding – some of which bore fruit – and to this day our they continue to send across useful information to help the organisation achieve its goals.

The group successfully established themselves as a Community Interest Company and it was commented that the process also boosted the team’s confidence. As a result, not only is the group able to cater for lots of families keen to access outdoor space and nature, they are now working towards offering subsidised places in the future.

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What does the future look like?

The group is keen to expand their reach into different communities, including working with health visitors, post-natal depression groups and parents who traditionally face additional barriers to getting support.

About the organisation

Nature Nurture Connection provides wild wellbeing classes in nature, to nurture both the parent and the child.

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 couldn’t praise Vicki enough – she is a superstar! I received a really amazing service, and it is great to have a helpful, friendly face to check in when I need it.”

Nature Nurture Connection

Supporting Neurodiverse Community with new business plan

With our help, the team at Neurodiverse Community were able to develop a new business plan.

With a thorough understanding of successful organisational structures, our development officer helped develop a new business plan to create a clearer business picture for Neurodiverse Community.
What was the challenge?

Struggling to navigate an increasingly high workload, the team at Neurodiverse Community were looking for support and guidance to revise their organisational structure to one that was fit for their expanding future. They contacted Community First Yorkshire to ask for help with managing their ‘revolving door’.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Our development officer undertook a complete overhaul of the group’s structure, and provided the guidance needed to develop a new business plan. Further support around legal and governance structures helped the group explore whether to become a charity, but in the end they opted for Community Interest Company status, feeling it was a better fit.

The development officer helped them identify five key areas of activity, and the group streamlined and assigned all of the organisations’ work within this structure.

A clear aim was established for the organisation and a helpful flowchart was put on the office wall, helping the team to have a clearer view of their work and enabled them to see how everything was created to fit together.

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What does the future look like?

The organisation is currently working on funding bids, seeking a permanent location, and building appropriate networks to increase the impact of their support in their communities.

About the organisation

Neurodiverse Community is a safe and supportive space for neurodiverse individuals to learn, grow, and thrive. They provide case support, out-of-school sessions, adult and youth sessions.

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

“Andy was brilliant – really, really helpful – he has a good understanding of my needs and how to break information down.”

Neurodiverse Community, Catterick

Reducing energy bills: Kelfield Village Institute

By introducing Utility Aid to Kelfield Village Institute, the community group made significant energy savings, helping them to provide vital social activities within their community.

An introduction to Utility Aid cut Kelfield Village Institute’s village hall energy bills by £600. This saving will ensure their crafting groups, coffee mornings and pop-up pubs can continue to bring much-loved community activities to their village.
What was the challenge?

The team at Kelfield Village Institute were finding it difficult to reduce their building’s high electricity costs. In an attempt to reduce their outgoings, the group turned to comparison websites for help but weren’t satisfied with the suggested outcomes.

After coming across Community First Yorkshire’s annual event for Village Halls Week which had Utility Aid in attendance, the Institute decided to go along and see what was on offer.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

After meeting Emily from Utility Aid at a Village Halls Week event, the Institute’s treasurer sent over recent utility bills to get the ball rolling. He was assigned a Utility Aid account manager who then got in touch with some alternative quotes which proved to be far more cost effective. With the decision made to switch suppliers, the account manager also helped to fill in all the necessary forms for a smooth switchover in June ’24.

The village hall’s energy bills were cut by £600 a year (with a three-year contract), a significant saving that will help ensure that the building can continue to provide vital social activities for the small village including crafting groups, coffee mornings, pop-up pubs, a choir and exercise classes. Without the hall, the community would have to travel further afield for social gatherings.

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About the organisation

Kelfield Village Hall, run by Kelfield Village Institute, is located on Riccall Lane in the North Yorkshire village of Kelfield. The hall is available for hire for all manner of purposes including birthday parties, music events, exercise and wellness classes.

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

 

“The hall is there for the community to use and provide some cohesion when there is nothing much else in the village, but running small halls like ours is getting harder and it all comes down to money. We soldier on with fundraising but saving £600 on electricity is quite substantial.”

Kelfield Village Institute

Support with organisational development: Inspire Youth Yorkshire

Support with organisational development helped Inspire Youth Yorkshire to become a registered charity and secure their building base.

Working closely with Inspire Youth Yorkshire, our development officer helped the organisation expand their inspiring offering to young people.
What was the challenge?

Inspire Youth Yorkshire is a group that has grown impressively quickly over the last few years. Realising that they had reached the point where they needed to become a registered charity, they initially asked Community First Yorkshire for help with their application.

Once registered, the team turned their focus towards finding a new base for the group, and asked Community First Yorkshire to support with the asset transfer.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Our development officer acted as an invaluable sounding board and source of much-needed information and advice. The development officer helped boost staff confidence to take on the project, advised on the necessary processes and challenges associated with taking on a building, and assisted with the evaluation of possible risks.

As a result, Inspire Youth Yorkshire is able to continue their vital work with approximately 300 young people per week. Taking over their current building has not only provided the charity with a permanent base, it has also enabled the young people to easily drop in to share good news or to seek further support.

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What does the future look like?

Inspire Youth Yorkshire is looking to expand their offering to young people, broaden their activities and offer a wider community space. All of this helps to address the needs and issues facing young people in Knaresborough and the surrounding areas.

About the organisation

Inspire Youth Yorkshire is an independent charity offering youth support services for people aged 8-18 across Harrogate and District, York and surrounding areas.

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 often use the saying: ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. It feels like Community First Yorkshire is part of the village! Everybody I have dealt with has been nothing but supportive. I highly recommend anyone to contact them for support.”

Inspire Youth Yorkshire

England riots: an update from Community First Yorkshire

In response to the recent riots being experienced across parts of England, Community First Yorkshire Chief Executive, Jane Colthup, has issued the following statement:

Community First Yorkshire stands with our colleagues in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in abhorring the recent riots in our towns and communities.

We endorse the sentiments and advice of our colleagues at NCVO and ACRE Staffordshire to ensure your teams and volunteers are kept safe and well.

We have signed the civil society group’s statement on the racist violence here: The Civil Society Group.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need further support or guidance: info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

You are not alone; communities and kindness will always come first.

Our Emergency Response Toolkit is now available to download and is full of useful advice and information. Download the toolkit here.

New funding option for community buildings in rural York

A new funding opportunity for community buildings in rural areas of York has been announced by City of York Council.

The Community Buildings Fund will fund capital improvements that support decarbonisation and digital connectivity, as well as making general improvements and refurbishments. Funded via the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), there is a total of £150,000 capital available to support successful projects.

Support for a wide range of projects

Open to anyone who owns or is responsible for running a community building in an area of York designated as rural, the new fund can support a range of activities including:

  • Improving energy efficiency and insulation
  • Installing new equipment which will reduce energy usage
  • Upgrading or installing broadband and Wi-Fi
  • Upgrading or installing hearing loops and similar digital infrastructure.

Support is also available for general repairs, improvements and refurbishment alongside work to decarbonise or improve digital facilities.

Contact Community First Yorkshire for support

Community First Yorkshire has been involved in the development of the fund, consulting with a number of community buildings in the area. Now the Community Support North Yorkshire team is on hand to help develop individual applications.

City of York Council is advising applicants to speak to the team before submitting a bid to ensure it stands the best possible chance of success.

For more information, download the Application Form and the Guidance for Applicants.

The fund opens on Thursday 1 August 2024 and the closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 6 September 2024. Applications received after this will not be considered.

To contact the Community Support North Yorkshire team email communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk or call 01904 704177.