£63,005 distributed to 17 community groups across the Harrogate district by THE LOCAL FUND

THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District has recently supported 17 community groups with over £63,000 in grants, helping them continue their vital work across the region.

Many of the funded projects will work with people who might otherwise struggle to access help, particularly in and around the Harrogate district. This year’s recipients reflect a wide range of communities and experiences, including young people, new parents, people living with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.

Focusing on small organisations making a big difference, the funding is helping older people access activities they enjoy, supporting people in rural communities, tackling loneliness and isolation, and improving mental health and wellbeing for people facing challenging circumstances.

An estimated 1,303 people are expected to benefit from this round of funding.

Grants ranged from £5,000 for Holding Space, who are delivering two eight‑week creative wellbeing projects for vulnerable women and people experiencing homelessness, to £500 for Mental Health First Aid training for two team members at St Mark’s Church in Harrogate.

Here’s how some of the local groups are using their grants:

• Aphasia Support is delivering sessions for people living with aphasia, helping reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through communication support, confidence-building and community participation.
• The Principle Trust have funding for five respite breaks for families affected by domestic abuse or facing complex challenges.
• Killinghall Parish Council cares for The Glebe, a fabulous recreational space in the heart of Killinghall village. Funding will be used for refurbishing and modernising ageing wooden play equipment, keeping the space safe and attractive for the community.
• Dancing for Wellbeing runs gentle exercise classes for people over 60 in Boroughbridge, with strong pastoral care and signposting for anyone needing extra support. The grant allows them to continue running sessions in Boroughbridge.
• Orb Community Enterprise is running monthly cooking and healthy-eating sessions led by Season Well, using free and low cost ingredients from Orb’s Garden and Resurrected Bites.
• Boroughbridge Community Charity is continuing to deliver their digital support sessions to help people use the NHS App, laptops, smartphones, WhatsApp and Teams to stay connected.
• Emerging Voices delivers a weekly inclusive wellbeing choir for adults with lived experience of mental ill health, building confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
• The Village Harrogate (Part of Hope Church Harrogate) is launching a six‑week Babies Matter parenting programme focused on bonding, attachment, support networks and building strong relationships.
• Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA), an independent charity supporting communities across Harrogate and North Yorkshire, received funding to support the coordination and delivery of their Help at Home service, providing practical support for people who can no longer manage tasks themselves or can’t afford professional help.
• Reflect provides 1:1 support and a group retreat for individuals and couples affected by pregnancy or baby loss, including their structured ‘Reflections: Walking through Loss’ programme.
• Funding for Harrogate Baptist Church has gone to the running of a young people’s group aimed at secondary school age. The space gives young people a safe place to connect, be heard, and work on their wellbeing.
• Harrogate District of Sanctuary are delivering two courses specifically for Afghan women, supporting personal development, language skills and confidence.
• Lifeline Harrogate provides supported housing for people experiencing homelessness. Their funding is covering the costs of an annual seaside outing, an important opportunity for residents to build relationships and informal support networks.
• Wellspring Therapy & Training is increasing counsellor hours to expand access to mental health support for adults and young people and reduce waiting times.
• Kirkby Malzeard Bowls Club have purchased essential equipment, including a lawn mower, sprinklers, fertiliser and new bowls sets, supporting this rural club’s role as a shared

Get involved

Now in its ninth year, the THE LOCAL FUND continues to support voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations delivering vital, community-based support. In that time, 180 grants, over £473,000, has been distributed.

Backed by a partnership of North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate & District Community Action, and Two Ridings Community Foundation, THE LOCAL FUND continues to benefit local people and communities. Despite changes to local government boundaries in 2023, it remains a lasting legacy from Harrogate Borough Council.

As well as being a great fundraising opportunity for voluntary groups in the Harrogate district, THE LOCAL LOTTO also directly contributes at least 10p from every sale to THE LOCAL FUND.

Applications for THE LOCAL FUND are currently closed, but to find out more about the fund and the grants made, please visit: tworidingscf.org.uk.

If you want to get involved and donate to this collective fund to benefit the communities in and around the Harrogate District, donate here.