• Submit a news story
• Add an event 
• Add a charity job 
• Add and update your services and activities in our Where To Turn Community Information Directory
• Add your volunteering opportunities to HADCA's Volunteering Directory

2.  TRANSforming Futures Fund (supported by National Lottery Community Fund)

A five year fund, with a funding pot of £100,000 from which grants of up to £25,000 will be made.
Funding for projects providing solutions to issues in healthcare and justice for transgender people focussing on communities-led, grassroots organisations that are led by and for trans people.
Broader LGBTQ+ organisations undertaking trans-specific activity that is being run by trans people will also be considered.

Projects should seek to improve existing outcomes, make changes to current systems or pursue different kinds of systems altogether. There are three areas in which grants will be made: Healthcare; Criminal Justice; Under 18s.
Deadline 20 March 2023.
 

3.  Barclays Community Football Fund

The programme provides access grants of £500 for groups wishing to start offering football, those keen to expand their existing provision to new audiences, or those already delivering football to under-represented young people. 

This includes girls, young people from racially diverse communities, young people with disabilities, young people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic groups.
 

4.  Reverberate Grants
 
Reverberate supports grassroots organisations to run small, locally-based projects that enable and empower young people (aged 11-25) to re-discover, re-imagine and re-create heritage through creativity, and share that vision with their communities.
 
You’re invited to explore connections to your local English Heritage sites and stories, to re-discover the places, voices, music and activities that make where you live unique. The scheme will support 10 projects, providing up to £2,000 each.
The deadline is 9am on 6 March 2023.
 

5.  SPAR Community Cashback scheme

A UK-wide £100k scheme which will give grants of up to £10k to local voluntary or community organisations and charities contributing to their community.
Deadline 15 March.
 

6.  Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund will re-open for Stage One applications on 20 February

The Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund has proved popular with hundreds of applications being received.

Village hall committees that haven’t yet submitted a Stage One application, can still do so as the fund will be reopening for applications on 20 February 2023, closing 3 March 2023 at 23:59. 
 

7. Still time to apply - Community defibrillator grant funding

If you are involved with the running of a community venue, you have until 28 February to apply to Harrogate Borough Council for a Community defibrillator grant. 
 

8.  Movement For Good

Nominations never close, so you can get your charity in the running early, all ready for the next round of giving which will kick off in April 2023.
 

NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCES  
 
9.  Financial Guidance for charities from NCVO

What reserves are, why you need to set reserve levels and what to consider when working out your organisation's reserves.

Budgeting: Who to involve, how to assess it and dealing with uncertainty
 

10.  Applications are open for Weston Communicating Climate Year 3

Charities have a critical role to play in shaping the dialogue on climate change and sustaining action on the environment. This programme will support 20 UK climate and environmental charities to enhance the reach, power and impact of their communications.

The six-month online programme, which will kick off in April 2023, gives charities free access to expert-led training, networking opportunities, resources and one-to-one sessions with media industry professionals to empower them to influence media discourse, policy and public sentiment on climate and environmental issues.

Online Q&A session on 21 February 13:00 - 14:00, with Project Manager Valerie Leisten to learn more about the programme and the application process.

Applications close at 9am on 7 March 2023.
 

11.  Good digital comms during a cost-of-living crisis

Charities offer vital support and services during a cost-of-living crisis. Here are some tips from The Media Trust on how you can use your social media to amplify the voices of your beneficiaries, raise awareness of the pressure they are facing, challenge misinformation, point people in need to where they can access help and donors to how they can give.
 

12. Room To Reward - Hotel Breaks for Hidden Heroes

Room to Reward is a unique volunteer-recognition charity created to say ‘thank you’ to the Hidden Heroes – inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it most.

Hotel and holiday park partners donate their unsold rooms, charities and community groups nominate their Hidden Heroes for a break.

Find out how to nominate here
 

13. YHA Breaks programmes

The programmes aim to reach young people and families with the most challenging lives and provide them with life-changing experiences.

YHA are taking enquiries from charities & community groups who are seeking support for a residential stay. Enquiries can be made for groups of young people and groups of families.
All groups must be able to provide pastoral staff to accompany the young people or families. This ensures that groups get the support they need as they prepare for and then take their break. All groups must organise and fund their own transport for their residential trip.

Enquiries are also being taken from school groups in the alternative provision sector of education along with special schools, and home education networks.
 

14. Plans for new Community Networks across North Yorkshire

If the approach is approved, the new council plans to work closely with town and parish councils, public sector partners, businesses and communities to ensure local priorities drive decision-making and action via the networks.
 

15. Places, spaces and social connection

What Works Centre for Wellbeing have recently published an updated review of how the changes made to community places and spaces impact our social relations and community well-being.
 

16. NHS Healthy Start

People with a child 4 years old and under could get a prepaid card to help buy healthy food and milk from the NHS Healthy Start Scheme. People eligible will receive either £4.25 or £8.50 per week, depending on the child's age.
 

17. Street parties to mark the King's coronation

North Yorkshire County Council are waiving standard street closure fees for communities across North Yorkshire who want to host a street party to mark the King's coronation.

This applies for Saturday, 6 to Monday, 8 May 2023 on residential streets.

Anybody wishing to host a street party must apply before 10 March, 2023.
 

18. King's Coronation: Organising a Safe Event

Zurich Municipal Risk Consultants provide 8 key points to think about when organising your event.
 

HAVE YOUR SAY 

19. State of the Social Sector Survey

This is a moment of rapid change for the whole sector, as the cost-of-living bites and service demands rise. By taking part, you will help inform government, media, and many others, of the pressures that charities, community groups and voluntary organisations are facing, across areas such as income, people, demand and impact.

This survey is backed by all the major membership organisations in the social sector, and the findings will be fed straight into government as it makes decisions about which sectors will get support with their energy costs.

By completing this survey, you can ensure that what’s happening with your organisation is heard. 
The survey should take around 15-20 minutes to complete and closes on 20 February.
 

20. People in North Yorkshire are being asked to help shape a wide-ranging plan to tackle climate change

Have you say on the North Yorkshire Council climate change strategy 2023-2030 here
You can see a printed copy of the draft strategy or get help to respond if you don’t want to do this online at your local library.

There will be three virtual briefing sessions for the town and parish councillors, the voluntary and community sector and an open event for all residents and businesses.
The consultation is open until 7 April.

Climate Change Strategy Consultation meeting
9 March, 2-3pm online
Community First Yorkshire is hosting a virtual meeting for VCSE colleagues to hear about the Strategy, ask questions and share views. The strategy will highlight how the new North Yorkshire Council will work with communities and partners to support the ambition to become carbon negative by 2040.
 

TRAINING, LEARNING & EVENTS

22. Crisis Comms for Charities
1 March, 10am – 12noon online

Don't let a crisis catch you off guard! Join this Media Trust webinar and learn how to handle negative media attention, anticipate risks and protect your charity's reputation. There will be tips on how to manage yourself, your organisation and the media under pressure, leaving you feeling prepared to protect your reputation in a PR crisis. 
 

23. Health & Safety – Risk assessments
27 June, 10-11am online

This Community Matters session is for anyone who is new to health and safety and looks at the basics of assessing risks, why we need to do this, and what to do once you’ve assessed the risk.
 

24.  How to Take Minutes
4 July, 10-11am online  

Minute taking – Dark art or not really that difficult? This Community Matters introductory session helps outline the fundamentals of effective minute taking.
 

26. Volunteering Journeys: Growing the Volunteering Generation
28 February 2023, 12:30 – 13:30 online

This free seminar draws on research funded by the UK Government Department for Culture, Sport, and Media and examines how young people perceive and experience the current volunteering ‘offer’, and how it could be reshaped to strengthen and sustain their life-long civic participation.
 

27. Going Green - Committing to a sustainable charity sector
Wednesday 8 March, online

Directory of Social Change’s online conference will focus on a more sustainable charity sector. The event is for anyone interested in making their charity more environmentally friendly. It has been designed with both larger and smaller charities in mind and will include useful information for those just starting out on their green journey as well as those looking for more advanced ideas on improving their sustainability.
 

28.  Volunteer Co-ordinators Network Meeting: Involving LGBTQIA+ Volunteers
16 March, 10am - 12 noon  online

The Community First Yorkshire session aims to raise awareness and confidence of the language we use, and offer an insight into the intersectionality of all in our communities.

By looking at the barriers and conflicts people can face in engaging in a variety of settings, the session will challenge unconscious bias and provide further details of support services and networks available.
 

29. Improving Communication using British Sign Language

Basic level British Sign language sessions which usually run for 6 weeks and cover different topics such as emotions, weather, food etc.
Groups of adults or children can range from 3 -20 people per session, and be as extra-curricular activities, during half term or at after school clubs. The price is £70 (per session not per person).
Contact aftab@bslcommunication.co.uk
 

LOCAL NEWS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES 

30.  Sights and Sounds of Ripon 2023
Saturday 18 March, 11am – 2pm
Community venues around Ripon, including Ripon Cathedral and Ripon Library. 

A great day to explore the city. Families especially welcome. Crafts; games; choirs; dancing; opportunities to get involved and meet some of the local charities and groups in the city. 

HADCA will be in Ripon Cathedral with about 20 community organisations. There is also a lot planned at Ripon Library and free entry to Ripon Museums on the day for Ripon residents, upon production of proof of address in HG4 postcode.
 

31. Students share their tips on how to spread community joy

This Student Volunteering Week, we’re delighted to share a guest blog from our friends at Harrogate College, with their experiences and top tips for volunteering.
 

32.  Mamas Matter CIC support all mums but especially those who have struggled with their mental well-being

Free, funded places on sessions in Harrogate at Oatlands Community Centre and St Mark's Church. 

Daytime and Evening Mama You Matter Course - For mums to attend either with their toddlers (from approx 12 months to 4yrs) or alone.
Mama And Me Mindfulness classes - For mums to attend with their babies (age up to 9 months old, pre crawling)
"Top Up" Wellness Sessions suitable for mums of children of any age, babes, to school age, to teens, but are designed for mums to attend alone, a bit of time just for you. 
Apply for places and find out more here
 

33. New Nidderdale Men’s Group
Starting Tuesday 21 February, 10.15 – 12
Nidderdale Plus Community Hub, Pateley Bridge

An opportunity to meet and socialise in a warm and friendly space every fortnight with a variety of activities including film mornings, sport and music quizzes and guest speakers.

Places are free but booking is advisable. Please call Nidd Plus on 01423 714953 or email admin@nidderdaleplus.org.uk or befriending@mindinharrogate.org.uk
Supported by Mind in Harrogate District and Nidderdale Plus
 

34. Volunteering opportunities of the week with Zero Carbon Harrogate and Friends of Harrogate Hospital

Do you enjoy the outdoors, planning and organising nature based activities? Are you interested in the role nature recovery plays in resolving the climate emergency? Zero Carbon Harrogate are looking for a volunteer coordinator to organise volunteers to do tree planting, acorn collection and other nature based activities connected with the Trees for Nidderdale, the White Rose Forest and 1000 Tree Challenge partnership projects.   

Friends of Harrogate Hospital are looking to recruit volunteers to join their existing team, raising funds to purchase equipment to enhance the patient experience. A ‘can do’ attitude is all you need! If you’re interested please contact John Fox on 07801 273 704.