Thank you to everyone who joined us at our AGM event ‘Get Set for Supporting your Community' on Tuesday 10th October at  Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall  

We were welcomed by HARCVS Chair, Jackie Snape, and delighted that the Mayor of Harrogate Borough, Cllr Anne Jones, and the Mayor of Knaresborough, Cllr David Goode, attended the event.

Jackie reviewed the year for HARCVS, highlighting both achievements and challenges.  Throughout the period the team had maintained a strong determination to continue to meet the needs of member charities and beneficiaries. Jackie summed up with one of her favourite quotes, ‘Hard times are like a washing machine that twists and turns and knocks us around but in the end we come out cleaner, brighter and better than before.’

Our HARCVS Impact Report gives examples of how we have made a positive difference in Harrogate District over the last year. 

Two trustees were re-elected to our Board.  We are pleased Maurice Bull (Rotary Club of Harrogate) and Kevin Douglas (Harrogate & District Cycle Action) are serving a second term in office.   

Karen Weaver, our Chief Executive, gave a presentation ‘Getting Set for the Future’ explaining how HARCVS was moving forward, building on our long history of connecting and collaborating locally across our district. HARCVS is working in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Two Ridings Community foundation developing THE LOCAL FUND for Harrogate District to support our local voluntary and community sector.  THE LOCAL FUND will be targeted at local need, underpinned by evidence and research.  

Frances Elliot, Head of Practical Support Services at HARCVS, explained how HELP provides support to help people live independently in their own homes. Notable achievements during the year included completing 383 gardening, decorating and DIY jobs for vulnerable local residents and providing over 7,000 journeys with two voluntary car driving services.

We were pleased to welcome Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, and Cllr Richard Cooper, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council, as our guest speakers.

Jan gave a presentation explaining the impact of Two Ridings Community Foundation’s work and how a ‘Vital Signs’ report for Harrogate District would help donors become aware of the real issues in the area and the power of local philanthropy to make a difference through supporting local charities. THE LOCAL FUND launching in 2018 would provide grants to support local community groups and charities and encourage local giving for local causes.  

Cllr Richard Cooper said that Harrogate Borough Council shared values and priorities with HARCVS and our member charities to achieve vibrant communities. It was essential that partnership working continued. HARCVS provided valuable services and was the glue binding communities together. Harrogate Borough Council awarded £700,000 in local community grants every year and Cllr Cooper was excited about THE LOCAL FUND which would make additional resources available to local charities through dormant funds, local philanthropy and partnerships.