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HADCA Bulletin
To see the links on this Bulletin Go To: https://hadca.org.uk/https://hadca.org.uk/
Harrogate & District Community Action
E-Bulletin 2026 ISSUE 21 – 21 July
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FREE/LOW-COST LOCAL SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
With children facing an extended 7 week summer holiday this year, we’re encouraging families to make the most of our guide to free & low-cost local activities and ways to have fun without breaking the bank.
Please take a look here and share, there’s so much brilliant creative stuff going on!
FUNDING
1. Two Ridings Small Grants Fund
Open all year round, the fund offers grants from £200 to £2,500 to small charities, voluntary groups and not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of under £150,000. It’s designed to be simple, flexible and accessible.
A small grant could help you:
Bring people together and build confidence
Support healthier, more connected communities
Improve local community spaces
Train and develop volunteers
Buy equipment or make improvements to buildings
Cover essential running costs.
Every year, Heidelberg Materials make £10,000 available for projects in the area surrounding their Pateley Bridge Quarry.
Projects in the Bewerley, Thornthwaite with Padside, Dacre and Thruscross area that provide a benefit to nature, the community, or the local economy can apply for funding.
3. York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Fund
Grants from £500 up to £30,000 for community groups, voluntary organisations and individuals to support projects focused on early intervention, prevention and community safety, helping local initiatives that make communities safer, stronger and more connected.
Funding is available for projects including:
• Activities for children and young people
• Reducing fear of crime and anti-social behaviour
• Supporting victims
• Community cohesion projects
• Crime prevention initiatives
Next deadline: 6 August.
Grants of £1,000–£5,000 to small charities with limited resources (annual income under £100,000), who are working to deliver vital services in their communities.
Deadline: 30 September.
5. NFU Mutual Charitable Trust
Grants of £1,000–£75,000 to charitable organisations that deliver significant impact in rural communities, with a focus on agriculture, rural development, education, research, poverty relief and social welfare.
Deadline: 9 October.
6. The Sheldon Trust – Youth development projects supporting young people aged 16-25
The focus of these grants is to address the needs of 16-25 year olds, who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). While individuals will not be selected and supported directly, the Trustees will consider applications from programmes which encourage young people to expand their experiences and challenge their capacities.
Deadline: 31 July.
7. Olive and Norman Field Charity
Grants are available to support people facing hardship due to illness, changed circumstances or exceptional events where financial help could improve their quality of life.
Grants can only be made available to individuals or families. The Trustees cannot award funding to organisations, groups or other charities, but monies awarded to individuals or families can be channelled through such bodies.
Deadline: 3 September.
8. D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
Grants from £500 to £8,000 with a focus on three areas: participation in the performing arts, creative health interventions and heritage crafts and skills – with a focus on increasing access for disadvantaged communities.
Small Charity grants (deadline 2 October) for those with an income of £5m and below per year, or Large Charity grants (deadline 31 July) for those with an income above £5m per year.
9. The CLA Charitable Trust grants
The Trust offers grants of up to £10,000 to support the most disadvantaged, and especially disadvantaged young people, to access the benefits of the countryside.
Their charitable objects are:
· Advancing people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing through financial support of charities, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises, which are delivering access, recreational and educational opportunities within and about the countryside.
· To promote and encourage education in sustainable farming, food production and rural land management.
EOI deadline: 27 July.
10. Foundervine in collaboration with Lloyds – Breakthrough
Eight-week programme for UK disabled entrepreneurs offering expert led masterclasses, one to one mentorship, business development support and access to a £21,000 funding pot.
The programme helps founders build vocational skills, strengthen operations, access grants and subsidies, and connect with peers and investors, culminating in a Showcase Day. It supports founders with lived experience of disability and embeds accessibility throughout.
Deadline 19 August.
11. Two Ridings Learn and Share Drop-In
5 August, 2pm on Teams
The grants team will be demystifying the grant application process. They will take you through the whole process, from applying to being awarded, including what happens behind the scenes. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you have.
12. Looking for monthly unrestricted income and free marketing tools?
Sign up to THE LOCAL LOTTO!
The Lotto is a simple and free way to raise regular unrestricted funds from your supporter base and a good way to help raise awareness of your cause with free marketing resources provided.
There are no set up costs or admin fees, just a simple online form to set up your own lottery page, with HADCA now as the local operator.
Find out more and sign up here
NEWS, INFORMATION & RESOURCES
13. A new report from Locality and Power to Change: Keys to the future: How we build a new era of community ownership
Community ownership is a proven, scalable driver of local economic renewal and resilient, connected communities.
Research shows:
• Community-owned assets already contribute nearly £220m a year to the UK economy, generating around £2.50 in local value for every £1
• Community ownership reduces social isolation, improves health outcomes, strengthens cohesion, and creates inclusive employment
• Community Ownership Fund projects leveraged £2.26 of additional local investment for every £1 of government grant
The report calls for coordinated action across government, funders, and investors to help catalyse a £1bn community assets fund and build a new era for community ownership.
HAVE YOUR SAY
14. Connecting with Nature in the Ripon Area
What could be improved to help people in and around Ripon connect more with nature?
Lower Ure Conservation Trust (LUCT) are looking to submit a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the Trust’s ongoing engagement work.
To support the bid, they would like to hear from people in the Ripon area what they feel might be missing currently in terms of opportunities to better connect with nature.
Please share your thoughts at the one question survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8SFB7TV
TRAINING, LEARNING & EVENTS
15. Design & Development of a new Neighbourhood Mental Health Resource Centre for Harrogate & Rural District – Co-production Workshop
Tuesday 11 August
Harrogate Pavilions, Wetherby Road, Harrogate HG2 8NZ
The aim of this workshop is to understand and design the support that will be delivered within the new centre.
The day will be divided into two parts:
1. Morning (9:30-12:00): TEWV staff and partners from Primary Care, The Local Authority and the local Voluntary & Community Services.
2. Afternoon (1:30-4:00): People with Lived Experience and Carers.
Please confirm that you would like to attend and which session (morning or afternoon), by 31 July by emailing Charlene.hoggard@nhs.net
Invite for afternoon session to share
16. NEA Introduction to Domestic Energy Efficiency Webinar
22 July (1:30pm – 4:00pm)
05 August (1:30pm – 4:00pm)
18 August (9:30am – 12:00pm)
07 September (1:30pm – 4:00pm)
23 September (9:30am – 12:00pm)
Designed to provide a basic introduction to domestic energy efficiency for frontline staff providing householders with energy efficiency advice.
Funded places are available to non-commercial organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers who encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty. For those not eligible for a funded place, fees start from £75 plus VAT.
LOCAL NEWS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES
17. Recruit, involve and support volunteers?
Here’s our July HADCA Volunteering update with resources, top tips and food for thought especially for everyone involving volunteers, co-ordinating community projects and charity services.
18. FREE Men’s Bushcraft Wellbeing session with Project: WILD C.I.C.
Tuesday 4 August, 10am to 4pm
Carlton Lodge, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, YO7 4NJ
For men, & anyone who identifies as a man. who are 18+, who live in North Yorkshire & experience either diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as stress or loneliness.
Relaxed, whole-day, friendly, inclusive sessions in nature. Sessions may include foraging, firewood gathering, fire lighting, campfire cooking, shelter building, archery tournaments, mindful activities, nature walks…and more!
Complete the ‘Expression of interest’ form or email admin@projectwildcic.com
Travel and mileage expenses can be reimbursed for those for whom it would not otherwise be possible to attend.
19. Nominate your Ripon community heroes for the St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards
Every day, local people give their time, energy and enthusiasm to make Ripon a better place. Many will be volunteering at events and activities over the summer. The St Wilfrid’s Stars Awards are your opportunity to recognise those individuals, groups, businesses and organisations whose efforts deserve to be celebrated.
Organised by Ripon Together, the awards celebrate local volunteers, community champions, young people, sports clubs, businesses, environmental projects and many others whose efforts often go unnoticed.
Nominations are now open and everyone is invited to take part. If someone deserves a thank you for their contribution to city life, why not nominate them? All nominees will be invited to a special celebration event at Ripon Cathedral in October.
Find details and nomination forms on the Ripon Together website https://www.ripontogether.com/st-wilfrids-stars/
20. Volunteering opportunities of the week with North Yorkshire Police and Riot Act Theatre
If you’re looking for a volunteer role with purpose, challenge and real impact, beginning your journey as a Special Constable with North Yorkshire Police could be your next step. It’s a chance to balance your career, family life and personal commitments while making a meaningful contribution to your community. You’ll get help to develop skills – from leadership to responsiveness – that will enhance every aspect of your life. Whatever their background, Special Constables are truly valued as an integral member of the force.
Do you have experience, or an interest in: Stage Management; Costume; Backstage Crew; Front of House; Ushers/Marshalls? Riot Act Theatre is a new theatre company based in North Yorkshire, creating ambitious, high-quality productions with storytelling at the heart. They are looking for people to join the growing company as they prepare for their first immersive production Blind Jack’s Last Road, a ghost story to be staged in Knaresborough during FEVA 2026, and for future productions. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with Riot Act by emailing james.reilly@riotact.co.uk
21. Fantastic Plastic Free World
Saturday 25 July, 11am – 3pm
Harrogate Chocolate Factory Cafe next to the Odeon on East Parade
Find out more about the fabulous new shop Harrogate Fair Trade are planning, with a refill station and plastic-free products alongside even more recycled and sustainable fair-trade goods. Hear more about why Fairtrade are partnering with Harrogate Skills 4 Living and Zero Carbon Harrogate on this exciting new venture
Harrogate Chocolate Factory
Refill station & plastic-free cleaning products
Wooden toys & recycled gifts
Harrogate Chocolate Factory Chocolate
Handmade crafts by HS4L learners
Food and Fairtrade drinks available in the cafe
Bring your own bottle and enjoy a FREE 250ml refill
Simple swaps to your everyday shopping can make a big difference to plastic pollution.
The first Tuesday of the month walks are being paused and replaced with NEW evening walks throughout the summer months. These will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday 28th July – from 5:30pm
Tuesday 11th & 25th August – from 5:30pm
The weekly Friday walks will continue as usual.
23. Pine Street Allotments Open Day
Sunday 26 July, 10:30am to 2:30pm
between King Edwards Drive and Woodfield Road, Bilton
Jams, chutney, pickles, marmalade. Plants, vegetables, flowers, fruit. Garden Tools, Crafts, Books, Tombola, Raffle. Tea, Coffee and Cakes. Live Music. All proceeds in aid of Artizan Café.
Local voluntary and community sector job opportunities
Opportunities to work with HADCA member organisations and our partners will appear on our HADCA website
Harrogate Homeless Project – Trust and Foundations Officer (closing date 19 August)
Ripon YMCA – Session Youth Support Worker
North Yorkshire Youth – Youth 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.
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