HADCA E-Bulletin 2026 ISSUE 9 – 16 March

Harrogate & District Community Action 
E-Bulletin 2026 ISSUE 9 – 16 March
Share and promote your news, events and opportunities with us and our networks for FREE!

• 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

If you haven’t received this bulletin direct from HADCA, you may wish to subscribe to receive future issues of our newsletters in your inbox.

FUNDING

1.  THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District open for applications

The Fund addresses needs of local people in the area around issues like:

• Support and wellbeing activity for children and young people
• inequality and hidden poverty
• loneliness and social isolation
• health and wellbeing

You can apply for an Activity Grant of up to £5,000, an Organisational Development (Children and Young People’s groups only) Grant up to £13,000, or both.
Activity Grants deadline:  5 May 2026.
Organisational Development full application deadline:  11 May 2026.

2.  Bettys & Taylors Group Community Fund – opening on 17 March

The fund supports initiatives that promote social mobility and employability, focusing on skill development in areas such as cooking, literacy, communication, and IT.

3. Ripon Charity Pantomime Group Funding

Do you have a group, charity, event or cause that you would like to be considered to receive a donation from Ripon Charity Pantomime group in 2026? Every request is considered.

Last year the Group raised £2,500, which was split between 11 local charities, groups and causes.

Email Joanne Johnson, Secretary at: rcpgsecretary@gmail.com
Deadline: by 18 March 2026.

4.  Two Ridings Community Foundation Small Grants Fund  

Remember this fund is open all year to help small community organisations with direct project costs or costs toward ongoing development needs to better support local people. Grants are up to £2,500.

5. Dobbies Community Gardens

This initiative offers support to groups to help transform, restore or start an indoor or outdoor green space.

All types of community and charity groups located within 20 miles of a Dobbies’ store are welcome to apply. (There is a Garden Centre in Poppleton)

Dobbies will donate plants, tools and gardening equipment to help bring your green space to life. In addition to this, there will be volunteer hours allocated, where possible.
Deadline: 31 March 2026.

6. Yorkshire Children’s Charity Grants for Organisations

Grants up to £10,000 for non-profit organisations, schools, nurseries, youth clubs, sports clubs, self-help groups and voluntary groups that support children and young people aged 19 or under.

The organisation must have income of less than £100,000pa (this only applies to registered charities) and must not employ a professional fundraiser.

7. The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund

Grants offers grants of £2,000 to £30,000 to run projects for children and young people (25 or under) to make, learn and earn in music. The project should trial work or test a new way of working, sustain a grassroots programme or disrupt the status quo (or all three!).
Next deadline: 10 April 2026.

8. Free the Fund Community Grant Programme

Four awards of up to £10,000 each to organisations to deliver fun, inclusive summer activities that improve adult wellbeing and community spaces, with projects aimed at people aged 21–65.

Funding supports revenue and small equipment costs, including improving outdoor or community spaces and purchasing arts, sports, theatre or music equipment
Deadline: 31 March 2026.

9. Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund (MHCLG)

New three-year fund aimed at ending homelessness to enable voluntary, community and faith sector organisations to:

• Increase community‑based support to prevent and reduce the number of people experiencing rough sleeping.
• Enhance or transform existing day support offers through staff capacity, physical infrastructure, service development and partnership working.
• Support individuals to live independently and prevent them returning to rough sleeping.

Targets local organisations with strong community knowledge to deliver tailored, locally relevant services that complement statutory support and strengthen homelessness prevention and recovery pathways. Organisations can apply for:

• Revenue funding: £50,000 and £200,000 per annum for any or all of the three programme years.
• Capital funding: £50,000 and £200,000 for either Year 1 or Year 2 only.

Deadline: 31 March 2026.  

10. The Speech Language and Hearing Foundation (SLHF) Grants

Grants to small UK‑registered charities working with children who have hearing impairment, speech delay, language or communication difficulties, or complex needs.

11. Children’s Alliance – Community

Grants of up to £15,000 (typically £5,000) to deliver projects and activities that give children and young people under the age of 18 access to water for learning, developing, and playing.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Free swimming lessons and swim nappies for children who need them.
• Online learning programmes that teach valuable life skills for parents and children.
• Water splash areas to encourage play as well as water confidence and safety.

Priority will be given to grassroots initiatives delivering water-based projects for disadvantaged children. Applications will be considered from not-for-profit organisations and schools.
Next deadline: 30 March 2026.

12. Unlimited Theatre unAwards

The fund offers offers revenue grants of up to £5,000 to artists and companies working in collaborative theatre practice.
Deadline: 31 March 2026.

13. Royal Society of Chemistry: Inclusion and Diversity Fund

Support for projects that aim to improve representation, participation and accessibility within the chemical sciences community.

Individuals and organisations such as community groups, academic researchers, museums, libraries and not‑for‑profit bodies can apply for grants of up to £5,000.

Additional ring‑fenced support is provided by the Chemists’ Community Fund for projects that closely align with its focus on wellbeing, accessibility and engagement with under‑represented communities.
Deadline: 27 April 2026.

14. Music for All Community Grants Programme

Grants for schools, community groups, educational establishments, and other not-for-profit organisations to support initiatives that are seeking to bring music to their communities.

Applicants should be based in deprived or marginalised areas and be developing music education for those living in the area, including, but not limited to, social infrastructure.
Deadline: 7 May 2026.

15. Parkinson’s UK Grants for physical activities providers

Grants of £500 – £3,000 to support physical activity projects for people with Parkinson’s which:

• Support people with Parkinson’s to participate in movement‑based activities that build confidence and foster a lasting interest in being physically active.
• Engage people with Parkinson’s who are currently inactive to begin physical activity and maintain ongoing participation.

Will fund ‘Gateway Activities’ – these activities help people with Parkinson’s build confidence and develop an interest in movement-based activity. Examples include arts-based activities such as theatre, musical and circus skills, singing and movement, playing large instruments that require significant movement (such as samba drumming), and gardening or horticulture projects.

Applications will be accepted from activity providers, national governing bodies, Parkinson’s groups and branches, and sports and healthcare professionals.

Parkinson’s UK will be hosting some Meet The Funder webinars.

16. Grassroots Grants (funded through People’s Postcode Lottery)

Unrestricted funding of £500 to £2,000 to small, local grass roots groups, with an annual income under £25,000.

Funding can be used for core organisational costs that support the important work organisations deliver in their communities, including: access to food or basic essentials, improvements to local green spaces, cultural initiatives, support or wellbeing activities, volunteering opportunities to improve the local environment.

Priority to communities in the top 15% on the English Indices of Deprivation and organisations that work with and support communities classed as marginalised or vulnerable.
Open to applications until September 2026.

17.  HADCA Fundraising Network
Tuesday 24 March, 1.30pm – 3pm
Harrogate Community House

HADCA facilitates this Network which 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 like to join us,  please book your free place so we can make sure we put out enough chairs and biscuits!

NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCES 

18. Women Unlocked – Free mentoring opportunity available for young women aged 16-24 in York and North Yorkshire

Women Unlocked will provide individual and group mentoring to support young women to reach their goals in education, careers, and beyond.

This project will also focus on Gender Inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), with mentees having the opportunity to work in partnership with the Deputy Mayor, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and women’s organisations to represent young people’s voices and ensure services meet their needs.
The team are particularly seeking applications from young women who have lived experience of gender inequality or VAWG.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop confidence and new skills and set and achieve personal goals while tackling gender inequality.

More details and an information pack
Application form

If anyone would like to apply in a different way (Such as via a video, or informal chat) this can also be arranged.
Application deadline: 10 April 2026.

19. The Great British Spring Clean

Each year, during the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign, more than 400,000 volunteers clear litter from our streets, parks and beaches.

The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean are back for 2026 and are taking place from 13 to 29 March 2026. 

North Yorkshire Council can help community groups with voluntary clean-ups by providing equipment and advice.

HAVE YOUR SAY

20. Share your views and ideas to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer in our region

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is seeking your views and ideas to inform the development of the 10-year Humber and North Yorkshire plan for cancer in order to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with cancer in our region.
They want to hear from:

• current and past cancer patients and carers
• people working in cancer services
• people working in other healthcare settings which support cancer patients general public
• general public

Complete the short survey by 31 March 2026.

21. Talk Listen Change – The Relationships Survey 2026   

TLC: Talk, Listen, Change are a relationships charity supporting people through abuse, crisis and relationship breakdown.

This survey is the first in a series that aim to provide a snapshot of the nation’s relationships, asking about experiences with friends, family and romantic partners.
Responses will help TLC understand what changes they should be fighting for so that everyone in the UK can access relationship support when they need it, and everyone has the capacity to enjoy safe, healthy, happy relationships.

The survey is open until 30 June 2026 and takes no more than 5 minutes to fill out.

Respondents can leave their email address for the chance to win a £50 voucher of their choice.

TRAINING, LEARNING & EVENTS

22. Yorkshire Energy Doctor Learn Energy Skills

A free and unique learning opportunity for individuals living in York or North Yorkshire who:

• want to develop new practical and transferable skills
• enjoy learning at their own pace and in their own home
• want to gain confidence and re-engage with education
• are interested in environmental or sustainability issues

As the project centres around energy in the home, you will also be learning practical ways to manage bills, reduce energy use and save money.
Register here for more information.

23. Papyrus SPEAK Suicide Prevention – Explore, Ask, Keep-Safe. An introduction to Suicide Prevention skills
24 March, 9.30am -1pm online

The key objectives are

• To consider the attitudes, myths and stigma that surround suicide
• To recognise and explore the ‘signs’ that may indicate someone is having thoughts of suicide
• To encourage an open, safe and sensitive conversation about suicide with a person having thoughts of suicide
• To support a safety plan with someone thinking of suicide.

24. Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance
Free 15-minute Prostate Cancer Online Awareness Sessions

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with over 50,000 new cases being diagnosed each year.

Learn more about:

• the prostate gland
• the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
• BRCA gene testing instead of screening, as agreed by government
• How to reduce your risk of prostate cancer

Find more information and booking link here  

LOCAL NEWS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES 

25. The More in Common Fun Festival
Saturday 20 June 2026, from 12.30  to 4.30 p.m.
West Park Centre, Harrogate

More in Common Harrogate and Knaresborough are inviting everyone in Harrogate and Knaresborough to join this year’s More in Common Fun Festival – part of the national celebration inspired by Jo Cox MP’s message that “we have more in common than that which divides us.”

The free event promises an afternoon of fun, friendship, and local pride.

Expect live music, dance performances, crafts, storytelling, games, and delicious world food. It’s open to everyone – families, friends, neighbours, and newcomers alike – and aims to celebrate kindness, connection, and community spirit.

Organised by More in Common Harrogate and Knaresborough, part of The Jo Cox Foundation’s national network, this year’s Fun Day builds on the success of 2025’s event and forms part of the group’s mission to bring people together and strengthen our local community.

Get Involved
The team is currently welcoming volunteers to help with activities on the day – from stewarding and serving refreshments to running craft and games stalls – and would also love to hear from local groups and businesses interested in partnering or hosting their own Great Get Together events across Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Anyone interested can get in touch at  moreincommonhandk@gmail.com

26.  HADCA Intro Session
New to the area or in a new role?
Join us on Wednesday 25 March, 11am -12noon on Zoom

All are welcome, whether new to the area, in a new role, or just wanting to find out more about what is happening locally and how HADCA can help.

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 FUND; our Where To Turn and Volunteering Directories, and much more!

Please book your free place here.

27. Free Climate Fresk workshop…and pizza!
22 April 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Starling Bar, 47 Oxford St, Harrogate

Speak Carbon Collective are coming to Harrogate to run this interactive card game that helps you get to grips with the complexity of the climate crisis and explore how you might take action. More than 2 million people have played around the world – now it’s your turn!
Spaces (and pizza) are limited so book now!

28. Introduction to Mindful Photography
23 March, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Harrogate Chocolate Factory Café, 63 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LP (first floor)

Find some calming techniques to help you relax and see the world through a new lens with a lovely friendly group. No expensive camera needed – just your enthusiasm. Bring a smartphone and a small packed lunch. Snacks will be provided.
Find out more and book your place.

29.  New Harrogate Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) support group
First meeting Thursday 19 March 2026, and then weekly Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Harrogate Community House, East Parade, Harrogate HG1 5LT (Entrance via The Annexe at the side of the building)

A safe, peer-led space for adults affected by growing up in families with alcoholism or dysfunction. The meetings are confidential, welcoming, and open to anyone aged 18 or over.
Contact: harrogateaca@gmail.com
https://www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk/

30. Sing When You’re Winning  

This new project is seeking 40 men to meet up on a weekly basis from April 22nd: to learn to sing together and then perform in a charity concert in July at Harrogate’s West Park Centre, in aid of Andy’s Man Club.

Volunteers, with a variety of some, little or no experience of singing, will be guided through a mixture of musical styles by a professional musical team at St Robert’s Club in Harrogate. The culmination of the project will be a fundraising concert in July.

The free-to-attend sessions will only ask that men come and have fun. To sing, learn music and perform all the while making memories and new friends is an opportunity not to be missed.

‘Sing When You’re Winning’ is supported by Harrogate Male Voice Choir.

Singers have until the end of March to sign up. For more information and to sign up, visit the form online or contact swywharrogate@gmail.com.

31. Volunteering opportunities of the week with HELP and Jennyruth Workshops 

As our HELP at Home service moves into the gardening season, we’re looking for volunteers who would like to lend a hand. We would love some extra help with tasks like general gardening; planting, tidying and hedge trimming. You don’t need to be an experienced gardener, just willing to get involved. A few hours of your time can make a big difference helping people stay safe and well at home, with clear paths and outside spaces they can enjoy. Please contact Vicky on 01423 813096 or email help@hadca.org.uk if you’d like to know more or get involved.

Would you like to be part of a vibrant social enterprise? Jennyruth Workshops has a range of opportunities where you will be enabling and supporting workers, who have learning disabilities. Get crafty with sewing, baking and cooking; bring products to life in the Paintshop; Cut out wooden items and assemble products; Join in with packaging, designing, publicity, gardening and much more! Call 01765 606620 or email volunteers@jennyruth.co.uk to find out more.

32.  Out Of The Darkness – A Walk Of Hope for The Jordan Legacy
12 April, 6:00am to 10:00am

Walk 3 laps (approx 5kms) of the Stray in Harrogate, as part of a powerful community event bringing people together to walk in memory of those lost to suicide.

33. Harrogate Neighbours Casino Night Fundraiser
11 April, 7.30pm
St Roberts Club

Doors open at 7.30pm, and tables open from 8pm. Everyone who attends gets £100 of fun money to play on 6 casino tables. Even if you have no idea how to play, the friendly team will ensure you learn quickly and have the most fun possible. There will be entertainment throughout the night, including Live Music and close-up magic.
Tickets just £20.  

Local voluntary and community sector job opportunities

Opportunities to work with HADCA member organisations and our partners will appear on our HADCA website

Disability Action Yorkshire – Personal Assistant (closing date 23 March) 

Resurrected Bites – Assistant Warehouse Manager (closing date 23 March) 

Resurrected Bites – Chief Executive Officer (closing date 27 March) 

North Yorkshire Youth – Youth Worker

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.