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.

Financial advice: sharing knowledge and skills

Joining our Community Finance Network has boosted confidence around discussing accounts and what financial questions to ask

Tapping into our Community Finance Network has given trustees at Art Therapy Yorkshire greater confidence with their bookkeeping.
What was the challenge?

Art Therapy Yorkshire has specific room requirements for their therapy work and was finding that their room hire costs were extremely high. In addition, since appointing a new accountant, the trustees were finding that the different way of working and financial questions that were being asked needed more clarification. The trustees wanted more confidence in their bookkeeping skills and dealing with accountancy issues. They turned to the VCSE Support team for help.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Our development officer suggested that the trustee responsible for bookkeeping at Art Therapy Yorkshire join our Community Finance Network. The trustee wasn’t trained in bookkeeping and needed support with submissions to Charity Commission and greater clarity on terminology.

On joining the network the trustee was pleased to find that the blend of some network members being there in a professional role, coupled with volunteers more like themselves, was helpful and reassuring. Discovering that there was not always a straight answer to something, such as a reserves policy, gave the trustee more confidence.

The organisation’s accounts are in the process of being finalised. Attending the Community Finance Network has helped the trustee feel more confident about discussing the accounts. The trustee board is keen for the organisation to be more sustainable and knowing who to ask for help has been invaluable.

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What does the future look like?

Since working with us, Art Therapy Yorkshire are now signed up to receive our Funding Bulletin and would like the Board to attend trustee training.

About the organisation

Art Therapy Yorkshire is a Scarborough based charity providing Art Psychotherapy to children, young people and adults.

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?
  • benefiting 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

 

“It was a very helpful session. I found it to be more reassuring than delivering new information but that reaffirmed my knowledge. For next year, it has already helped me work out how to add other information to my spreadsheets but also make things less complex. This should mean it won’t be so phenomenally complicated for others and me.”

Green friendly community buildings: Hovingham Village Hall

We spoke to Mark Wilson from Hovingham Village Hall and Frank Colenso, project lead at Project Purple, who helped install electric vehicle charging points at the village hall.

Hovingham Village Hall turned to Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire to help their hall become a greener space.
How did Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire assist with the village hall’s green project?

Frank: “Project Purple’s aim is to support the Hovingham community in achieving a carbon neutral status. To do this, we’ve undertaken many projects, including installing electric vehicle charging points at the village hall, enabling residents and visitors to gain easy access to electric charging.”

Mark: “The electric charging points have been a brilliant way to work towards becoming a greener community. At first we were worried that they’d be an expense to the village hall, but after liaising with Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire, we’ve been able to get grants in place and have the costs reimbursed by our energy provider.”

In addition to the charging points, what other green initiatives have you introduced?

Frank: “We introduced repair cafes which have been incredibly successful and allow residents and visitors to bring their belongings, including clothing, furniture and jewellery, to get fixed by our expert repairers. Last year, 150 people visited Hovingham’s repair café, and we managed to repair 60 items.”

Mark: “The repair cafes have been an incredible way to waste less and repair more, and we are dedicated to continuing them throughout 2024. No matter how big or small a green project is, every little helps in creating thriving communities.”

About the organisation

Located halfway between Helmsley and Malton lies the picturesque village of Hovingham and its popular community village hall. With a modern kitchen, large main hall and fast wi-fi, the hall has become the bustling heart of the community and is regularly the host of a monthly market, community cafes, bowls club and more.

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.

Green friendly community buildings: Whixley Village Hall

We caught up with Sally Scales, chair of Whixley Village Hall, to hear about the hall’s green project to transform their old heating system.

Whixley Village Hall looked to turn their inefficient hall into a green friendly community building. They turned to Community First Yorkshire for support with their energy project.
Sally, why was the green initiative so important to your community?

“Our village hall truly is the hub of our community, with regular social events taking place including badminton sessions, dance classes, pantomimes and festive parties. The hall is regularly used by visitors of all ages, so preserving it for years to come is hugely important to us all.

“Our green project is truly a team effort, with many of the committee members getting involved in different aspects of managing the project.”

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

“We knew we’d need funding to undertake our green initiatives, so we contacted Community First Yorkshire and with their help we were able to gain support and advice about funding applications, which proved pivotal in gaining funding for the project.

“Using the available grants, we’ve been able to install cavity wall insulation and will soon be implementing air source heat humps, installing solar panels on the roof and upgrading our radiators.”

What’s your top piece of advice for village halls looking to make a green change?

“Just like our village hall, many others were built decades ago, and over the years better technology has become available and it’s important to make a change to help preserve our halls for future generations. It may be difficult to know where to start, so be sure to ask for help and enquire about readily available grants.”

About the organisation

Built in 1935, Whixley Village Hall is a community hub in North Yorkshire which hosts dances, parties, quiz nights and sporting events. With a well equipped kitchen, a cosy supper room, a stage and a main hall, the village hall is regularly used for both village and private functions.

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.

Bespoke training: Esk Moors Caring trustee training support

With a training session tailored to their needs, we helped Esk Moors Caring trustees gain confidence

Trustees have more confidence in their role and understand their responsibilities through niche in-person training.
What was the challenge?

Esk Moors Caring needed help in understanding the roles and responsibilities of trustees to enable the charity to become more sustainable and help the board feel more confident.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

One of our development officers designed and delivered a series of bespoke training sessions by consulting closely with the group about their needs and priorities. The sessions were tailored to those identified needs and we travelled to Esk Moors Caring to deliver the training in person.

The training helped the organisation to gain clarity on many issues and roles and helped them to identify areas that needed improvement.

What does the future look like?

As a result of the training, trustees and staff feel better informed overall and have more understanding of policies and trustees’ responsibilities. The trustees and staff recognised the benefit of this knowledge and of keeping it up to date and relevant by committing to rolling reviews.

The training has helped Esk Moors Caring to be in a stronger position to deliver its charitable aims – of enabling people to live safely and confidently in their own homes for as long as possible in a very rural community in the North Yorkshire Moors. They will continue to grow and develop as they provide practical and personal support. The organisation feels more confident about delivering its social activity programme of leisure activities, fitness classes and craft workshops for all ages and abilities.

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About the organisation

Esk Moors Caring is a charitable organisation that was set up by people living in the Upper Esk Valley in the North Yorks Moors with the aim of enabling people to live safely and confidently in their own homes for as long as possible.

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 arefunded 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?
  • benefiting 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

 

 

“[It was] very useful to have someone from outside the organisation to present a professional, critical view of [us], enabling us to identify areas of concern and to plan to remedy shortfalls.”

Trustee, Esk Moors Caring

Governance: help with defining charitable structure

With our help, Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel were set up as a registered charity in just 3 months.

Deciding on the right charitable structure has allowed Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel to start their journey to improve a local cinder path for public access.
What was the challenge?

Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel are a group of local people keen to see the local cinder path used as a walking and cycling route for local children and families. They decided to set up as a charity and the Woodsmith Foundation referred them to Community First Yorkshire for support.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

Working with on of our development officers helped the group to get on track. The development officer was knowledgeable and supportive which helped the group feel as though they could make progress, which they did. Within less than three months of contacting Community First Yorkshire, and with the development officer’s expert support, they are now established as a registered charity.

Going through the process of becoming a CIO was challenging and the development officer helped the group to clarify what they wanted to achieve.

What does the future look like?

The difference for the group in being a recognised body means that they now feel they are being listened to, invited to the table for discussions and able to access start-up funds, as well as promoting what they do.

The group now has the confidence to talk to similar organisations across the country, sharing experiences and resources. In the long term they hope to shape the future of the cinder track alongside North Yorkshire Council. They want to raise funds themselves but also work in partnership with others, and they know that they can come back to Community First Yorkshire for help with this.

The group are visiting schools to raise awareness with the aim of facilitating children and young people to use the track to get to school. Ultimately, they would like to see the cinder path connect all the villages along the Esk Valley and to complete the National Cycle Route 1 between Whitby and Staithes.

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About the organisation

Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel promotes and facilitates the update of active travel in the Whitby 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?
  • benefiting 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.

“Having someone to talk to about this was a game changer. We would have been nowhere without you – we had no idea. The support has been excellent, and we are very grateful. We would definitely recommend to others.”

Trustee, Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel

Governance: policy checks helped with charity compliance

A review of their policies helped Access the Dales to identify their priorities and provide greater support to a wider range of people with disabilities

Access the Dales needed some support to refresh their policies and procedures, and to boost their volunteer recruitment.
What was the challenge?

Access the Dales contacted us as they needed help to make the charity compliant and follow all the correct procedures. The charity had grown very quickly, and they unsure of which direction to take and what to prioritise. They also wanted to grow the charity further by involving and recruiting more trustees and volunteers.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

One of our development officers worked with the charity to motivate and uplift the group by helping them to work through a range of key policies. After a full diagnostic an action plan was drawn up and key areas prioritised. Much of this was ensuring correct policies were in place to support safe activities and legal compliance in governance.

The group firmly believe they would still be floundering without our help.

What does the future look like?

In the long term, the support provided will help the charity to diversify their offer and broaden the types of disability rather than limit support to wheelchair users. Their aim is that any activity happening in the Yorkshire Dales should have disability at its heart, providing training and education and bringing more people to the countryside. By assisting people who wouldn’t otherwise know how to do it, Access the Dales plants the seed of what is possible.

Inspired by the support they have received, Access the Dales are now looking at developing roles and responsibilities across the organisation.

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About the organisation

Access the Dales is a non-profit organisation that provides free access to the outdoors for everyone. Their mission is to reduce the barriers for people to access the outdoors and be more active. They want to make sure that no-one is left behind, or excluded. They do this by providing all-terrain wheelchairs in different locations in the Yorkshire Dales and in the Forest of Bowland.

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?
  • benefiting 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.

“Lizzie was just amazing. An absolute oracle who went above and beyond. She brought light, was methodical and made things so much easier.”

Trustee, Access the Dales

Governance: policy health check to ensure a sustainable future

Having a policy review helped Malton Free Fridge celebrate their achievements

Malton Free Fridge had been nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Service and wanted to ensure that their policies and procedures were up to date. They turned to Community First Yorkshire for support.
What was the challenge?

As part of their nomination, Malton Free Fridge felt that a outside view was needed on their policies to make sure that they were up to date.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

One of our development officer’s helped the organisation to review and update their policies. It was a good exercise for the organisation to put all their policies into writing. The development officer helped the group to see the benefit and sense of having everything in place. The process also helped the organisation celebrate the value of all that they had achieved and how they work.

Initially the three local Free Fridges in Malton worked together, and the development officer provided support for all three. After this, each Free Fridge was able to select what they needed as an individual organisation. The project also looked at DBS checks as part of our support.

The project is now secure in the policies that underpin their work. As a result, they are confident in the support that they are offering to the community. This underpins the sustainability of the project, and they can continue to divert waste food from landfill. The community continues to benefit from access to free food in a prolonged cost-of-living crisis. It strengthens volunteer opportunities and provides a warm and safe place, helping with both wellbeing and connections.

What does the future look like?

Because the organisation has a full suite of up to date policies and procedures, they feel confident in applying for any more suitable funding in the future. They know that they can come back to us for further support if they need it.

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About the organisation

Malton Free Fridge is a waste food project and has already prevented over 100 tons of food from going to landfill. Anyone can access this service and, in addition to food, they provide chatty tables with free tea and coffee. The project helps people to connect and build friendships and with support from Wesley Chapel they have become a recognised warm space and information hub.

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?
  • benefiting 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.

 

“We had a visit this week from the Kings Award panel. It was very good to feel confident in all our policies. So, a huge thank you for all your time, trouble and patience. It’s furnished my thinking, helped with succession and actually, though against the grain for me, there have been good benefits.”

Trustee, Malton Free Fridge

Network members invited to Partnership Development Workshop

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As part of our work to build on our vision for the Age Friendly Network, we are holding a Partnership Development Workshop on 8 February in Northallerton and would like to invite Network members to attend.

We are keen to engage with members who are passionate about improving the physical and social environments of our North Yorkshire communities and want to identify and understand the challenges faced by an ageing population. This means listening and responding to current needs and opportunities across all areas from transport, communication and social participation to health and social care, housing, outdoor spaces and employment.

Your insights, ideas and lived experience will help shape the future of this initiative and the development of the network partnership group.  The workshop will be a face-to-face event, however video access via a zoom link will also be available.

When is the event?

Date:     Thursday 8 February 2024, 1pm- 3pm
Venue:  The Cottage Meeting Rooms, Northallerton Methodist Church, High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8EG

The venue is fully accessible and refreshments will be provided.

Parking: There is on street parking directly in the front of the building and additional parking close by at The Northallerton Forum.

Please let us know if you plan to attend

Please confirm your attendance by emailing Jeanette Hague or call 07825 380052.

We very much look forward to seeing you.