This edition 'Summer of Community' celebrates making community connections, local giving, volunteering and exciting new partnership projects.
Since opening in 1997 Harrogate Community House on East Parade has been the home of a wide range of charities and community groups, providing good quality reasonably priced office accommodation as well as meeting rooms and an information centre.
An activity group launching in Harrogate next week is looking for new members to join them. The aim of Community Fit is to create a team of local people who meet to be social and active while giving time to Harrogate’s people and spaces.
Volunteers’ Week takes place 1-7 June during the Month of Community. It's a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and to say thank you.
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.
Our offices are closed for the Platinum Jubilee weekend from 4.30pm on 1 June until 9am on Monday 6 June.
During an exceptionally difficult couple of years, people from all walks of life have taken the time to volunteer and they make a huge difference in Ripon and the surrounding villages.
The NHS App is free to download and is a safe, secure and easier way to book appointments at your GP surgery, order repeat prescriptions, and view your medical records at any time, as well as getting medical advice and your COVID-19 passport whenever you need it.
At HADCA we're big fans of the Action for Happiness movement, and in particular their daily tweets of bright and cheerful graphics and inspiring quotes.
Our offices are closed from 4.30pm on Thursday 14 April until 9am on Tuesday 19 April.
Happy Easter and thank you everyone working and volunteering over the weekend to keep us all safe and well.
In 937, King Athelstan created a ring of sanctuary around Ripon by placing eight crosses on the roads approaching the city, with the Cathedral at the centre. Only one of these now remains but you can still follow the Sanctuary Way Walk around the city.
Help us to help you! We are seeking partners for an exciting new project launching soon in the Harrogate area.
The situation in Ukraine is devastating and urgent. Civil society organisations are on the frontline in the country, in its neighbours helping refugees, and around the world lobbying governments and raising funds.
The HADCA team is very proud and delighted this week as Frances Elliot, our CEO, received her MBE award at Windsor Castle.
It was awarded in the 2021 Queen’s birthday honours for services to the community during the pandemic.
Traditionally, January is a month when we reflect on the year that has passed and what we have learned, celebrate our achievements, and set out goals and resolutions for the upcoming year.
Like to know more about HADCA and our local voluntary sector?
Our free Introduction Session is an hour well spent if you’re interested in connecting with others to make Harrogate District a better place for everyone
A Happy and Peaceful Christmas from the trustees, staff and volunteers at HADCA and very best wishes to you and your organisations for 2022.
We hope you’ve found our information, newsletters, networks, directories and support helpful during 2021.
Where To Turn for support over Christmas and New Year
Harrogate District Community Fit is the name for an exciting new programme launching in the Harrogate District in 2022.
This Winter edition 'Positive Partnerships to Achieve More' celebrates local giving, volunteering and sharing knowledge, ideas and support.
2021 has been another difficult year in many ways. Although we can't change our situation, we can choose to respond with kindness and give people hope for a positive future, as so many people across Harrogate District have done this year.
‘Together Everyone Achieves More’ has been the motto of Jennyruth Workshops since the local charity was founded.
Local Community Groups, the Mayor and Mayoress of the Harrogate District, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Councillors and supporters came together at the West Park Hotel in Harrogate to celebrate a bumper year of funding distributed by THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District.
It’s no accident that HADCA's directory of community organisations is called Where to Turn, providing information on the network of voluntary groups and charities at the ready to help local residents (www.hadca.org.uk
Just like any business, charities must be financially viable. This can include selling products and services, whether via vast trading arms such as National Trust Enterprises or smaller local social enterprises such as Paperworks.
Charity shops have experienced a surge in donations and rising sales since reopening, but many shops are struggling to recruit enough new volunteers to fill gaps left by volunteers who have not returned following lockdown and to keep pace with the growing interest in buying second hand.
Our HADCA Impact Report gives some examples of how we have helped and connected communities, charities and volunteers over the last year.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our 2021 AGM (both in person at Harrogate Community House and via Zoom) to look back over a year of change, connections and community.
We hope colleagues from charities, community groups and partner organisations from across the district will be able to join us on Thursday 14 October, 2pm to 3pm via Zoom to celebrate community connections.
City of Angels is a positive story of community and the value of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone special to bring an exciting volunteering project to life in and around the city of Ripon.
Just over £45,000 was allocated to enable local organisations to restart activities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our HADCA Trustee board to help to drive us forward during the Covid-19 recovery period and beyond.
This Summer edition 'Small but Vital and Valued', shared during Small Charity Week, celebrates the contribution our local charities make. Run by local people for local people they really understand what's needed for our community to thrive for everyone.
Small Charity Week celebrates and raises awareness of the essential work of the UK’s small charity sector who make an invaluable contribution to the lives of millions of individuals, communities and causes across the UK and the rest of the world.
Frances Elliot, our Harrogate & District Community Action CEO, will receive an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of her services to the community during the Covid 19 pandemic.
During Volunteers’ Week we have launched ‘Celebration of Volunteering 2021’
Every year between 1 – 7 June we celebrate the positive difference volunteering makes to everyone involved. Volunteers’ Week highlights and recognises the contribution of people who share their time, passion, skills and enthusiasm to do something positive for local people and our places all
How are we doing? Please help keep HADCA on the right track
If you’re interested in a varied and rewarding role here’s an opportunity to join our small, friendly and very busy local charity team based at Harrogate Community House.
The last year produced challenges for many local charities and community groups but work continued for the benefit of local people.
Youth services can be a vital lifeline providing a safe space for young people and positive, trusted guidance. Building relationships is important so young people are able to contribute ideas and experiences and have their voices heard to shape services.
The positive signs of spring are everywhere now, arriving at the same time as hopeful indications that life can return to something like normal as the lockdown restrictions are carefully lifted. Catching up with family and friends outdoors, enjoying a drink in a pub beer garden or a marquee
Community groups and projects can apply for grants from THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District, supported by donations from THE LOCAL LOTTO and Harrogate-based Full Circle Funerals.
HADCA and HELP Easter Holiday Closing Times
Along with so many of our local charities, our team has been working very hard over the last 12 months, often behind the scenes, and we’re looking forward to taking a short break at Easter.
The Lloyds Bank Foundation has recently published an excellent report “The Value of Small in a Big Crisis” available via https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/.
At the beginning of March 2021 groups heard about the outcome of their recent applications to THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District.
We’re looking for special people to join our small and hard-working team dedicated to supporting charities, volunteers and communities across the Harrogate District.
At HADCA we’re fans of the Action for Happiness movement and their inspirational online daily posts, accompanied by beautiful and quirky graphics.
At our network meetings we hear about the contribution of people who give time in many different ways to support the vital work of local community organisations.
The staff and trustees of Harrogate and District Community Action have been saddened by the news that former trustee Claire Kelley has passed away.
If volunteering was your New Year Resolution, it’s not too late to start! You really can make a positive difference to your community and your own life, whatever your age.
Where To Turn for support over the holiday period
We're very pleased that our fully seachable community directories are now back up and running, after a few problems during the last couple of days.
A Happy and Peaceful Christmas from the trustees, staff and volunteers at HADCA and very best wishes to you and your organisations for 2021.
We hope you’ve found our information, newsletters, networks, directories and support helpful during 2020.
This Winter edition 'The Gift of Kindness and Care' includes just some of the many examples of people coming together in Harrogate District to tackle unprecedented challenges this year.
2020 has been a difficult year in many ways. Although we can't change our situation, we can choose to respond with kindness and give people hope for a positive future, as so many people across Harrogate District have done.
HADCA is proud to be a THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District partner with Harrogate Borough Council and Two Ridings Community Foundation.
Sadly this year’s Harrogate & District Volunteering Oscars arranged for Friday 30 October 2020 have had to be cancelled.
This year our volunteers have never been more needed and they have stepped up to provide vital services to local people who have no-one else to turn to.
Our HADCA Impact Report gives some examples of how we have helped and connected communities, charities and volunteers over the last year.
We hope colleagues from charities; community groups and partner organisations from across the district will be able to join us on Thursday 15 October, 11:00am to 12:00pm via Zoom as we share how we connect people in our communities and celebrate community action.
We’re looking for special people to join our small and hard-working team dedicated to supporting community action and volunteering across the Harrogate District.
Covid-19 has given rise to unprecedented times and completely changed the way we live and work. This is true for our local charities keeping people safe, happy and healthy, offering opportunities to connect through online and physically distanced learning, creative and social activities. Charity teams have remained passionately committed to supporting people who need their services.
This Summer edition 'Community Makes Us’ includes an update on the fantastic local community response to the coronavirus crisis and our focus as we move to the ‘recovery’ phase.
This Volunteers’ Week is a time to say a special thank you to all volunteers across Harrogate District for their dedication and the positive difference they make in our communities.
This Spring edition 'Time for Community Action' includes our plans to focus more on supporting local community action and our front line services, under our new name Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA), and the fantastic local community response to coronavirus.
Our round up of advice, guidance and community information to support charities, volunteers and communities in Harrogate District will be reviewed regularly during these challenging and changing times caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Some thoughts from our HARCVS CEO, Karen Weaver
19 March 2020
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, HADCA has been supporting people in Harrogate and Ripon to help them stay safe and well at home.
On Tuesday 24 March Harrogate Community House closed to visitors until further notice. We look forward to welcoming visitors and meeting room users back to Community House in the future, when it is safe to do so.
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK, it is hard for people to maintain their social connections. Looking out for our neighbours has never been more important. We can all do our bit to ensure that people who need a little extra help are not forgotten at this time and remain safe – be they family, friends or neighbours.
From 1st May 2020 HARCVS will undergo a major change as it restructures to concentrate on the provision of services for older and vulnerable people delivered across the District under the umbrella of the Harrogate Easier Living Project.
Whatever the size of the charity or voluntary organisation, it is the trustees or management committee members who hold this responsibility, and they must equip themselves to ensure their good cause is valued, visible and viable.
Christmas can be a time when people are at their most generous but the many people supported by local charities need our help all year around. Volunteering is not just for Christmas.
Following a successful launch of the second funding round in July 2019, the LOCAL FUND Panel (made up of donors, Friends of the LOCAL FUND and representatives of Harrogate Borough Council) met in October and awarded over £35,000 to 16 groups from across the Harrogate District.
This Autumn / Winter edition 'Sharing, Solving and Contributing' includes news of how HARCVS and our member charities have been bringing people together and giving hope for a positive future, which seems even more vital right now.
Thank you to John Fox, all sponsors and partners and most of all the amazing volunteers who made the 12th Annual Volunteering Oscars Awards Ceremony on 1 November 2019 such an inspiring, humbling and special event.
The HARCVS team recently welcomed Lev Pedro, NCVO Senior Consultant, to Harrogate District as he visited towns around the country. Lev shared his blog on his day with us ....
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our AGM event on Wednesday 9 October at The Arches @ Holy Trinity, Ripon.
Our HARCVS Impact Report gives some examples of how we have helped communities, charities and volunteers over the last year.
Connecting and Collaborating in our local communities we work hard to promote and support local community and social action, giving hope for a positive future.
Do you know someone who does a lot for the local community? It could be a friend, family member, a volunteer you work with or even a local business. Why not show your appreciation by nominating them for a Volunteering Oscar.
The Summer edition of our Care in Action Newsletter 'Giving Hope for a Positive Future' includes news of how HARCVS has been connecting and collaborating over the last few months to grow social and community action across Harrogate District.
This summer we’ve had the pleasure of being joined by Bernie, a student on her work experience placement. We think it’s a good opportunity to be able to share with young people the experience of working in a charity team in their local community and it’s good for us to have an extra pair of hands and to see things through a fresh pair of eyes. Bernie shares her story of her week with us...
Volunteers' Week is a time to celebrate and say a special thank you to all the volunteers across Harrogate district for their dedication and the positive difference they make.
The Spring edition of our Care in Action Newsletter 'Time Well Spent Helping Others' includes news of funding opportunities for local charities and community groups and recent research confirming that 'enjoyment' is a key factor in volunteering.
This Spring and Summer we are working with our partners to bring funding opportunities to local charities and community groups in Harrogate district
On 5 February 2019, THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District partnership team was delighted to be joined by over 50 guests to celebrate the 1st anniversary of THE LOCAL FUND, kindly hosted by the Majestic Hotel.
Charities and community groups need two things to operate successfully – cash and volunteers. A thriving local voluntary and community sector means there is intense competition for them.
HARCVS is one of several local voluntary and community organisations which hold the Duke of York Community Initiative (DOYCI) Award. This is a Royal Award presented to community projects based in Yorkshire.
After eighteen months of hard work behind the scenes by the trustees of both Harrogate Community House Trust (HCH) and HARCVS, responsibility for the ownership and management of Harrogate Community House has now been transferred to HARCVS.
The Autumn / Winter edition of our Care in Action Newsletter includes news of exciting developments for THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and a new era at a much loved home for Harrogate voluntary and community groups.
Thank you to John Fox, all sponsors and partners and most of all the amazing volunteers who made the 11th Annual Volunteering Oscars Awards Ceremony on 2 November 2018 such an inspiring and special event, with over 350 people attending.
Our HARCVS Impact Report gives some examples of how we have helped communities, charities and volunteers over the last year.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our AGM event on Thursday 11th October at The Hub @ St John’s, Knaresborough.
Connecting and Collaborating in our local communities we work hard to promote and support local community and social action. As HARCVS exists to serve our local member charities we need to know that what we are doing reflects local needs.
The Summer edition of our Care in Action Newsletter includes news about another exciting new project HARCVS has been involved with as a partner this year, THE LOCAL LOTTO for the Harrogate District, and the recent 'Value of Small' research which found that local charities ‘reach the people others can't, provide the support others don't, stay engaged when others won't.’
17th July 2018 is an important day for the Harrogate District, especially for local charities, community and voluntary groups. THE LOCAL LOTTO for the Harrogate District has launched for ticket sales.
It’s a busy summer with Ripon Together events and the launch of THE LOCAL LOTTO for the Harrogate District. HARCVS supports these two new initiatives which aim to strengthen local community connections.
Back by popular demand the HARCVS Social Media Surgery visits Knaresborough on 2nd July and Ripon on 15th October.
The bunting is out for Volunteers’ Week, the annual national celebration of volunteering. The Week is a chance for us to say a special thank you for the fantastic contribution of our volunteers and promote the huge range of opportunities to get involved.
This Spring edition of our Care In Action Newsletter includes the latest news about two exciting new projects which HARCVS has been involved with as a partner over the last year. THE LOCAL FUND is important to grow local giving and to provide a dedicated, sustainable fund for smaller local charities - a fund which understands the local context and local needs. Ripon Together is for people who live or work in the city, who care about its future and want to make a difference.
Friends are like-minded people and organisations who wish to encourage charitable giving and gain support for THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District. A ‘Friend’ would act as an ambassador at events and meetings to encourage support for the Fund.
Help shape HARCVS plans and services.
There are many fantastic charities and groups with great ideas and projects making life better for people in our area. They all deserve excellent support and HARCVS would like your help so that we can improve the service we give.
THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District will provide grant funding to local community groups and charities across the District. It will focus on addressing local need by supporting the work of community groups and charities whose work is dedicated to improving the lives of local people. The Fund is being formed by a three-way partnership between Harrogate Borough Council, HARCVS and Two Ridings Community Foundation, in the face of ongoing pressure on public budgets and over subscription to existing funds.
This Autumn/ Winter edition of our Care In Action Newsletter includes the latest news about THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and photos from the glittering 10th Annual Harrogate District Volunteering Oscars Celebration. There are resources to support local people to manage money and keep warm and well, and for organisations to find funding, get ready for GDPR and to support good mental health in the workplace.
HARCVS Introduction Sessions last for around an hour. The session comprises informal presentations by HARCVS staff on the support services we provide, our projects and information about the local voluntary sector.
Our HARCVS Impact Report gives some examples of how we have helped communities, charities and volunteers over the last year.
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
The HARCVS team would be delighted if you could join us for an informal network lunch on Tuesday 10 October from 12.30pm at Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall. Our AGM event will take place at 1pm.
This summer Sian joined us as a student work placement volunteer to share her skills with HARCVS. We think it’s a good opportunity to be able to share with young people the experience of working in a charity team in their local community.
Beginning 1st February 2018 (1.00-4.00pm)
at Community House, 46-50 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5RR
Are you looking for an opportunity to build your skills, boost your confidence or refresh your CV?
We’re looking for a special person to join us at our Harrogate office and become part of our hard-working team dedicated to supporting communities, charities and volunteers across the Harrogate District.
This Summer edition of our Care In Action Newsletter shares how we're getting set for the future, building on 50 years of history of connecting and collaborating locally and thanks to strong and supportive local relationships.
Thank you to Councillor John Fox, all sponsors and partners and most of all the amazing volunteers who made the 10th Annual Volunteering Oscars Awards Ceremony at the Old Swan Hotel on 27th October 2017 such a special event. Congratulations to the winners and highly commended volunteers in each category.
This Spring edition of our Care In Action Newsletter includes information about the services HARCVS will continue to provide after 1 April and a Comment from the HARCVS Board of Trustees on the change to provider and the new service model.
From the 1st April 2017 HARCVS will cease to provide:
- The Advice Service for charitable organisations
- Advice for people who wish to volunteer
Thank You for to our members for sharing your views of our HARCVS service to voluntary and community organisations in our annual survey.
From 1 March 2017 the support for homeless and vulnerable people provided by Corrina’s Homeless and Vulnerable Project (CHVP) will be relocated.
It has been confirmed that from 1st April 2017 HARCVS will no longer receive funding from North Yorkshire County Council and the NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Groups to carry out their role as the local support and development charity for the Harrogate District.
Our online Where to Turn directory is free to use and contains information about over 600 charity services, support groups and community activities across Harrogate district.
Were you one of the many people who made a New Year's Resolution this year to keep in shape, meet new people or learn new skills?
The HARCVS Care In Action Newsletter is published 3 times a year and contains articles and information on a range of topics such as special events, training, consultations
The latest Autumn/ Winter 2016 HARCVS Funding File contains details of over 120 funders to help your community project.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our AGM event 2016 to look back over the last year and to look ahead at the challenges we face together.
Our HARCVS Impact Report gives some examples of how we have helped communities, charities and volunteers over the last year.
Celebrate local voluntary and community action and face opportunities and challenges together.
We would be delighted if you could join us for an informal network lunch from 12.30pm.
As an independent local support and development charity we provide specialist support to around 200 small charitable groups.
The Summer 2016 HARCVS Funding File is a special edition - a must read if you need funding to make life better for adults in the Harrogate District.
The Care In Action Newsletter is published 3 times a year and contains articles and information on a range of topics such as special events, training, consultations, new services and resources and news from HARC
Over twenty charities and organisations across North Yorkshire, including HARCVS and HELP, have joined forces to bring warmth to cold homes and tackle rising rates of fuel poverty.
The community facebook page Yorkshire Floods is co-ordinating offers of support.
Making Harrogate District Happier for Everyone
Thank you to everyone who joined us to look back over the last year and to look ahead at the challenges we face together.
This year we worked hard
In summer 2015 Abu joined us as a student volunteer to share his skills with HARCVS. As a student of accountancy, Abu’s experience and ideas have been valuable looking at budgets, costings, processes and funding applications.
In summer 2015 Rebecca joined us as a student volunteer to share her skills with HARCVS.
In this blog, Rebecca shares her story of her time with us...
This year, HARCVS hosted a joint event with Healthwatch North Yorkshire on 21 October bringing people together to look at how we can reduce rural disadvantage, loneliness and isolation and improve health and wellbeing in our district.
During July 2014 the HARCVS team was delighted to welcome Suzanne Elsdon on a 2 week work placement. Suzanne was a really helpful member of our team and enthusiastically completed a variety of different jobs. In this blog Suzanne shares her story of her time with us...
