HADCA

Harrogate & District Community Action 
E-Bulletin 2026 ISSUE 17 – 4 June
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• Add your volunteering opportunities to HADCA’s Volunteering Directory

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FUNDING

1.  The Green Community Grants Programme

One-year flexible funding for not-for-profit groups with an annual income between £10,000 and £1 million.  Grants of up to £25,000 are available.
Your organisation’s main aims and objectives must fit with one of the two funding themes:

1. Contributing to nature recovery and responding to the climate emergency
2. Improving nature-rich spaces and access to them

Whilst your organisational objects or purpose should fit one of these themes, funding can also be used for a wider range of sustainable activities, including recycling, litter picking, beach cleans or sustainable transport.
The fund will be open in 2026 for two further application windows:

• 24 June to 15 July
• 30 September to 21 October.

2. The AD Charitable Trust

Grants of typically £5,000 to £30,000 to UK registered charities supporting disadvantaged people, with a focus on self‑help, building confidence and enabling individuals to reach their potential. Funding is available for both revenue and capital costs, including core costs, typically for smaller charities or programmes requiring hands‑on support.

3. the 4814 trust

The Trust supports new and ambitious charities working to create meaningful social change. Key areas of interest include mental health, homelessness, injustice, exploitation, crime prevention, end‑of‑life care, disability and poverty.  Grants typically range from £10k – £50k.

4.  RSL Hawthornden Literature Matters Grants

Grants of £5,000–£30,000 for UK‑based organisations and individuals promoting literature, reading and writing in communities.

Operating Grants for organisations delivering or expanding established programmes, and Innovation Grants for new, experimental or one‑off literary projects.

Projects must engage people who read little or not at all and contribute to lasting reading‑habit change.
Deadline: 8 July 2026.

5. 7 Stars Foundation – Social Impact Funding

Support for the most vulnerable and overlooked young people in the UK (aged 18 and under), providing essential support, skills, and hope for a brighter future.

Two‑year unrestricted grants of £10,000. Throughout the year, The Foundation supports projects focused on: Child Exploitation, Child Mental Health, LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support, Anti-Racism, and Online Abuse. This round will accept applications related to: Anti-Racism |  Online Abuse
Deadline: 13 July. 

6. Persimmon Foundation

3 donations of £50,000 for registered charities for UK-based projects that focus on:

• children and young people aged 14 to 25
• employability
• areas of economic and social deprivation.

Deadline: 21 June.

7. Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation

Grants of £500–£5,000 for specific, time‑limited community projects (not ongoing costs), covering up to 75% of total project costs. Open to charities, community groups, not‑for‑profits, schools, councils and other eligible bodies, each application must be supported by a nominating sponsor.

The Foundation supports organisations working in health & wellbeing, relief of poverty, environment & conservation and supporting disadvantaged people. Two stage application process.
Deadline: 10 June 2026.

8. The CPF Trust

The Trust will consider making grants towards revenue or capital costs and for project or core funding. Only one-year grants are made, and most are in the £1,000 to £3,000 range.

Mainly charities working in the following areas are supported: the arts, education, support for carers and older people, early intervention projects for disadvantaged children and young people, animal welfare and health and disability.
Deadline: 30 September.  

9. The Heritage Revival Fund Capital Grant

Capital grants of up to £500,000 to support work to restore and reuse historic buildings in town centre locations. Capital grants can be used to fund up to 80% of your total capital costs, or as a smaller % of a larger capital project.

Costs can include professional fees, including design team fees, project management, repair and conservation work and/or work required to enable ‘meanwhile’ use or change of use.

• Stage 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest anytime.

• Stage 2 – next deadlines 22 June, 21 September and 24 December.

10.  Marie Curie research funding

Grants for research organisations and partnerships (e.g. universities, health and social care providers and relevant organisations) to improve palliative and end of life care in the community, including out‑of‑hours provision, with a focus on evidence gaps identified by patients, carers and professionals.
Expressions of interest open until 17 July.  

11. Strengthening Justice fund

£50,000–£100,000 per year for 3–5 years to UK non‑profit organisations that are using the law to drive systemic change and are accountable to the communities they serve. Funding is flexible (not project‑restricted) and can cover staff, legal work, campaigning, governance, participation costs and overheads. Applicants must show how they use the law to build power, challenge injustice and work in solidarity with communities facing harm.
Deadline:17 September. 

12. Legal Support Grant 2026–2029

A two‑and‑a‑half‑year grant programme funded by the Ministry of Justice and delivered by The Access to Justice Foundation for non‑profit organisations providing free legal support across England and Wales.
Grant information session on 8 June
Deadline: 25 June 2026.

13. Climate Action Fund – Food Systems

Funding for projects that strengthen our food system and reduce food insecurity for people and communities. Support for ways of producing enough healthy, affordable food without harming the planet. You can apply for a minimum of £2.5 million over 3 years.
Support for work that:

• works with nature to create resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems (this is called agroecology)
• addresses the root cause of long-term problems, not just the symptoms (this is called systems change)

14. THE LOCAL LOTTO for the Harrogate district

This week HADCA have taken over local operator management of THE LOCAL LOTTO from North Yorkshire Council.  The Lotto has flourished under their care since it was launched in 2018 and has so far raised £399,853.20 for good causes throughout the Harrogate district.

We are delighted to now have the opportunity to look after and continue to grow this important source of fundraising for many local charities, schools and community groups, either directly or via grants from THE LOCAL FUND, which also benefits from the lotto.

If you don’t already play you can purchase tickets at https://www.thelocallotto.co.uk/ and choose which local good cause you would like to support!

15.  HADCA Fundraising Network
Wednesday 10 June 10.30am – 12 noon
Harrogate Community House

Our Network offers peer to peer support for fundraisers in Harrogate or those who are responsible for fundraising in their charity/non-profit. It’s a friendly and supportive group aimed at strengthening the opportunities for attracting funding into our area and offering support to local fundraisers, with everyone asked to be generous in sharing their own experience and knowledge with others.

If you’re able to attend, please book your free place so we can make sure to put out enough chairs and biscuits!

NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCES 

16.  Month of Community

June is a month-long celebration of community spirit, connection and action, bringing people together to strengthen communities and create positive change.

• Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June): a national celebration recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make in communities and organisations across the UK every single day.
• The Big Help Out (5-8 June): A national volunteering event and community celebration, bringing people together to lend a hand locally, try volunteering and connect through community action and The Big Lunch.
• Great Big Green Week  (6-14 June): celebrating community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, bringing people together through local events, conversations and practical action for a greener future.
• Carers Week (8-14 June): Raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
• Loneliness Awareness Week (15-21 June) Creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations.
• Refugee Week (16-22 June): a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, and creating opportunities for connection, understanding and community action.
• The Great Get Together (19-21June): the UK’s annual celebration of everything that connects our communities, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.
• Small Charity Week (22-29 June): a week dedicated to celebrating the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK and the difference they make every day.

17.  Increase to Approved Mileage Rates

On 21 May, the government increased the approved mileage rate for employees and volunteers using their personal vehicles for business / volunteering purposes. For cars and vans, the new rate is 55p for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile over that. The rate changes apply for the whole of the 2026-27 tax year and so will apply retrospectively to all miles travelled since 5 April 2026.

18.  Learning Disability week 15 – 21 June 2026.

The theme for 2026 is “Do you see me?” which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued, and celebrating what people with a learning disability bring to society.

19.  Media Trust Resources Hub: 

Accessible charts and graphs: Make your charity’s data work for everyone

What is AI slop – and how can your charity avoid it?
How to spot AI slop, avoid creating it and how to make sure your organisation isn’t accidentally amplifying it. AI is making it easier than ever to create content and get less interesting tasks done quicker. But we’re seeing a rise in what’s being referred to as “AI slop”, which is content created by generative AI that is low in effort and quality, often produced as clickbait or to gain money. And as more of it fills our feeds, standing out (and staying credible) is getting harder. For charities, this matters more than most as our work depends on trust.

20. Age Without Limits Day  Wednesday 10 June

An annual day for all to come together and take action to end ageism as individuals, with friends and family, in communities and in workplaces. Further information, activity packs and resources are available here  

TRAINING, LEARNING & EVENTS21. Safeguarding Week 2026: free events in North Yorkshire to help you keep yourself and others safe

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board is supporting Safeguarding Week 15 -19 June 2026, working with partners across the region to share practical advice, learning and support to help people keep themselves and others safe.
Find the full programme and the link for bookings for a range of virtual and in-person webinars here

22.  Living Well in a Warmer World
11 June, 7:30pm to 9:30pm
West Park United Reform Church

Zero Carbon Harrogate are joining in with the Harrogate in Health 200 theme and exploring the impact that the changed climate is having, and will have, on our health here in Yorkshire.
Tom Gordon MP and health experts will speak at the event, followed by a constructive discussion.

LOCAL NEWS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES 

23.  Happy Volunteers’ Week everyone!

A HUGE thank you to all of you giving time to make our Harrogate district a kinder, happier place. Your time, passion, skills, care and enthusiasm, helping others and caring for our local places, often quietly behind the scenes, has such a positive impact for us all.

Special thank you to our Help Out and Community Fit teams helping out at local charities, groups, schools & community events; our Power of 10 young volunteers giving time, energy and new ideas to local projects; our HELP volunteers supporting people to live safe, well & independently at home and our HADCA trustees sharing their skills to guide & support our local charity through challenging and changing times.

24. Fond farewell to Elaine

Last week it was fond farewell and thank you to Elaine, our HADCA CEO, from us all for such supportive and encouraging leadership, kindness, hard work and enthusiasm, working collaboratively with health and community partners to make life better for residents.

All of us at HADCA will miss Elaine, her cheerful optimism, warmth, positivity and fun, and her flip chart sheets!

We’re delighted that Lizzie Hughes, our Development Manager, is stepping up as our Interim CEO.

25.  HADCA Harrogate Children & Young People’s Network
Tuesday 7 July 11am – 12noon on Zoom.

If you work in the voluntary, statutory or education sector, you’re welcome to join our network to share experiences, ideas, knowledge, and a commitment to work together to make life better for children, young people and families in the town of Harrogate.

Hear the latest about Healthy Start Family Hubs to support 0-5s and families in North Yorkshire, and Children’s Mental Health Transformation – workforce development.

There is also an opportunity to share your news, opportunities, asks and offers and make new connections during our info exchange.
Please book your place and a Zoom link will be sent a few days before the meeting.

26.  Would you like to benefit from the energy and ideas of young volunteers?
Join our FREE ‘Exploring best practice for working with and recruiting young volunteers’ workshop
Tuesday 23 June, 10am – 12noon (refreshments available from 9.45 am)
Harrogate Baptist Church Hall, Harrogate HG1 5RD

We will explore best practice for welcoming young people into your organisation; safeguarding & policies; benefits of recruiting young people and creating safe and meaningful opportunities for them.

There will also be an introduction to our Power of 10, an awards and rewards scheme which rewards young people for their volunteering hours and provides them with tangible evidence to use for employability etc.

The workshop will be facilitated by Jo Thackwray, HADCA Power of 10 Co-ordinator, and Lucy Downes, CEO of Ripon YMCA.
Booking is essential – please book here

27. HADCA Intro Session
Join us on Wednesday 17 June, 11am -12noon on Zoom

Free for an hour? We’d love to share how we bring people together, how we can help and how you can get involved if you live, work or would like to volunteer locally.
Everyone welcome, especially anyone new to the area or in a new role with a local charity, business, council, health or care service.

The sessions are free, last one hour and are packed with info about HELP; Community Fit; Help Out; Power of 10; Harrogate Community House; THE LOCAL LOTTO; our Where To Turn and Volunteering Directories, and much more!
Please book your free place here  

28.  Carers’ Resource Carers Week local events 2026
Tuesday 9 June

• Wills, LPA and Care Fee Planning, with Jenny West of LCF Law, 10:30am-12noon, Carers’ Resource Harrogate.  An informative talk designed to help carers understand key legal and financial considerations for the future. For more details email rwaddington@carersresource.org
• Ripon Carers Group, Claro Lounge, 3-4pm.  Drop in for a chat and a brew with other carers. Email hfarmery@carersresource.org 

For more information, or for help and support in an unpaid caring role please call 01423 500555.

29. Charity and community events – learning, connecting and having fun!

Thank you to our local charity teams & volunteers working hard all year round to organise fantastic community events, bringing people together to have fun, learn & support good causes. You do a fab job!

Over 70 forthcoming events are listed here on our website, many are free. Please take a look, get involved, learn something new and show your support!

And remember to add your events here https://hadca.org.uk/node/add/events – we review and publish them daily.

30. Volunteers’ Week special bumper edition – Volunteering opportunities of the week

Volunteering strengthens communities while shaping you in the process. It builds confidence, teaches practical skills, and connects you with people you might never meet otherwise. Giving your time also boosts wellbeing — studies consistently show that helping others reduces stress and increases happiness. Volunteering creates a sense of purpose and reminds you that your actions genuinely matter

Mind in Harrogate District
Rewarding Volunteer roles include befrienders across the district, telephone support and wellbeing group volunteers. The team are particularly looking for Befriending Volunteers  who offer consistent, compassionate companionship to help someone feel less alone, more connected, and more confident in their everyday life. Your presence can be the turning point that helps someone rediscover hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
“I like how you can get out of your home when you find it hard to get out of the house. You can have great days out and great conversations with your volunteer”
“It has helped me massively, I feel confident and attend when mentally I didn’t want to. It has also prompted me to get on with my physical health as I had to cancel meetings due to fatigue”.
“It helps if I am having a bad week, I feel comfortable talking and he does not judge me”

RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Opportunities for Youth Volunteers aged 14 – 21 to work with the Horticultural Engagement Office at Harlow Carr, in and around the Teaching garden and to carry out a variety of horticultural tasks such as weeding, planting and harvesting. All welcome to apply, whether you have any gardening experience or not, whether confident talking to visitors or want to develop your engagement skills! The application deadline is 19 June and there are Youth Volunteering sessions between 22 July and 27 August.

Bilton Conservation Group
The Group was established in 1982, and its volunteers have been pledged to conserve our local wildlife and countryside ever since – committing about 500 worked hours every year to everything from bird boxes, habitat restoration, tree planting, guided walks and talks to woodland access/footpath maintenance.

This summer the Group will have three vacancies to fill to maintain the momentum the group has achieved over the last 44 years.

Find out more about these opportunities to join a friendly, passionate, and long-standing volunteer team at the links below:

Social Media Manager help the Group connect with the local community, promote conservation work, and encourage volunteer involvement.

Membership Secretary play an important role in keeping the Group welcoming, organised, and connected. Full support and handover will be available.

Treasurer This role will suit you if you have some basic financial or bookkeeping experience (no professional qualification needed), a few hours per month free and want to support local conservation in a practical way. A full handover and ongoing support will be provided.

New Beginnings Peer Support
Are you passionate about supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse regain ownership of their lives? Volunteer roles vary from one-to-one client support or group walks to organising events or delivering donations such as clothing, toys, and household items.
The team are particularly looking for Walk and Talk Peer Volunteers during term time and Family Activities Support Volunteers for the holidays.

31. Help start a Men’s Book Club at Ripon library

Ripon Library Action Group has received funding to establish a men’s only book club, in collaboration with Ripon Library.

They need a male facilitator to help set up and guide a relaxed, supportive reading group. As part of the funding, there will be a small payment available for the facilitator (up to £50 per month for the first 12 months), alongside covering library book club subscription costs and potential venue needs.
The aim is to bring men together who might not otherwise meet, building friendships, support networks and a sense of belonging.
Email ripon.library@northyorks.gov.uk

32. Community Fit Fantastic Fundraising Quiz
26 June 7:00pm to 10:00pm at The Bilton Club

An evening packed with fun and friendly competition with Quizmaster Munro. Teams of up to 6 people. Don’t have a full team?  No problem – let us know when you book and we’ll match you up with others.

Tickets – £15 per person to include posh nibbles and entry into a free draw to win a £20 bar voucher for your table. Plus there will be a great raffle with exciting prizes to be announced soon!

Proceeds from the night will go directly to support our HADCA Community Fit project which will soon be celebrating its 4th birthday.
Buy Your Tickets Here 

33. Starbeck Fest 2026
4 July 11am – 5pm at Belmont Field

Rides; Food; The Star Inn Bar; Cocktail bar; Bubbles; Juggling; over 40 vendor stalls and live music; Fairground; Arts & crafts!  Free entry. Hosted by the brilliant, hardworking team at Joyful Brew and Susie June’s Café.

34. The Washburn Heritage Centre – enjoy teas, lunch and local heritage

The Centre celebrates the history and natural beauty of the Washburn Valley and the surrounding areas.  At weekends refreshments are provided in the Centre’s Tea Room which is adjacent to Fewston Church.  Volunteers provide delicious home-made cakes served alongside lunches and drinks.

Exhibitions describe a variety of aspects of local heritage. The Tea Room is open on Saturdays and Sundays in summer from 11-4pm.
Every year the Centre nominates a charity to support, and this year has supported Resurrected Bites.
For more information and details of exhibitions and events visit www.washburnvalley.org

35. Harrogate Homeless Project  Craft and Cakes Event
11 June 10am – 2pm
Wesley Chapel, Harrogate

Browse and purchase a range of handmade crafts all made by volunteers. Enjoy coffee, tea and homemade cakes.

36. Open Garden and Tea
14 June 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Norton Conyers, Near Ripon

Amnesty International Harrogate And Knaresborough Branch warmly invite you to the Orangery at Norton Conyers, by kind permission of Sir James and Lady Graham. Admission £6.00 cash only, children under 12 free. Dogs on leads please. All proceeds to the work of Amnesty International.

Local voluntary and community sector job opportunitiesOpportunities to work with HADCA member organisations and our partners will appear on our HADCA website
Carers’ Resource – Carer Locality Worker (closing date 7 June) 

Saint Michael’s Hospice – Shop Manager – Cold Bath Road (closing date 7 June) 

Saint Michael’s Hospice – Registered Nurse (Hospice / Palliative Care) (closing date 12 June) 

Saint Michaels Hospice – Business Intelligence Project Co-Ordinator (closing date 17 June) 

Carers’ Resource – Carers’ Time Off Volunteer Coordinator (closing date 18 June) 

Ripon YMCA – Session Youth Support Worker 

If you would like your opportunity to appear you can  Add a Job to our website. This is a free service for HADCA member organisations

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in these updates is correct at the time of circulation.  HADCA cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.