In May 2022, THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District funded 14 charitable community groups to enable them to continue to support local people all over the Harrogate district.  

Focusing on small organisations making a big difference, the grants will help older people have activities they enjoy, make new opportunities available for young people, ensure sports clubs can continue, improve mental health and wellbeing and people affected by the cost of living crisis get the support they need. 

Lifeline Harrogate received £2,600 for food and room hire for a fortnightly lunch club to support local people who had recently become homeless. 

Harlow Hill Community Centre are using their funding to set up a Men’s Shed to support the wellbeing of men in the local area, creating a space for them to socialise, talk and share skills. 

Following on from the pandemic, many community groups are still recovering from difficult issues affecting their service; the pause in fundraising, the burnout and consequent turnover of key staff, poor mental health and the cost of living crisis now focusing on crisis services needed.

Both Mind in Harrogate District and Wellspring Therapy are using their funding to support people’s mental health; Wellspring expanding their counselling offer and Mind creating new therapeutic nature trips so their beneficiaries can get out and about.

Jennyruth Workshops near Ripon are refurbishing their kitchen with their £3,000 grant, so their beneficiaries, adults with learning difficulties and their staff and volunteers can take well-earned breaks in a pleasant environment 

All groups are passionate about reducing inequalities, improving wellbeing and providing a lifeline of activity to local residents. The full list of grants awarded may be read here.

Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said:

“Once again, a massive thank you to Harrogate Borough Council and local businesses and individuals who generously donate to THE LOCAL FUND to make the grant-making possible. 

We are delighted that 14 small community groups benefit, because we know they make a huge impact on the wellbeing of local people all over the district. 

We offer a warm welcome to new donors. If other local people and businesses want to think about their charitable giving, and, importantly keep their donations directly in the local area, investing in THE LOCAL FUND is a great option.”

Councillor Sam Gibbs, chair of Harrogate Borough Council’s voluntary and community sector liaison group and LOCAL FUND grants panel member, said: 

“Year after year, THE LOCAL FUND supports our local voluntary and community sector organisations and charities, who in turn support so many residents across the Harrogate district.

“The work these numerous organisations and charities do makes such a huge difference so I’d to thank everyone involved in providing this on-going support. I’d also like to thank those who have given so generously to THE LOCAL FUND, either directly or through THE LOCAL LOTTO.”

THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District has been running since 2017 funding local community groups and charities across the district to improve the lives of local people. It is supported by a partnership of Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate & District Community Action and Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Even with changes to local government boundaries in 2023, THE LOCAL FUND is part of a legacy from Harrogate Borough Council and will continue always for the benefit of local people in the Harrogate District area. 

As well as being a great fundraising opportunity for voluntary groups in the Harrogate district, THE LOCAL LOTTO also directly contributes to THE LOCAL FUND, with at least 10p from every ticket sale adding to the funds available and hence contributing towards a thriving community sector.