Ripples of connection & waves of community spirit in Scarborough

What a joy it was to be in Scarborough, celebrating the amazing community organisations that are making a real difference here on the coast. The event was hosted at CaVCA’s welcoming and vibrant space, The Street—a perfect setting for an evening that felt more like a gathering of old friends than a formal event.

Community leaders from all sorts of groups funded by the North Yorkshire Coast Fund came together to share their stories, swap ideas, and talk about the impact they’re having in Scarborough, Whitby and all along the coast. It wasn’t just about reflecting on the difference they’ve made , but also about finding ways to collaborate, support each other, and build something even bigger together.

Celia McKeon got things started with warmth and energy, speaking about the power of community action and the way people in the room are making life better for others—whether through comfort, joy, care or just a good chat when it’s needed most. You could feel the pride in the room.

We also heard from Mel Bonney, who brought the story of CaVCA to life and reminded us what a gem of a space we were standing in. Her words made it clear how much of an anchor CaVCA is for the Borough.

Then Bernard from the Over 50s Friendship Centre spoke, and wow—it really brought home the impact of their work. Thanks to their funding, they’re able to run activities for over 150 older people in the area, offering friendship, fun, and for some, a literal lifeline after losing a partner. It was moving, heartfelt stuff.

Matt from The Wave Project added a wave of optimism with stories of how surfing is opening doors for young and disabled people. You could see eyes lighting up as he explained how their funding has helped them push forward with even more support for those who need it.

As the evening rolled on, small group discussions turned into lively conversations about what everyone had learned from their projects, the rewards and challenges of the work, and their hopes for what comes next. It was clear: times are tough for a lot of local people, but working together really does make it easier—and a whole lot more powerful.

As the sun started to dip over the Scarborough skyline, you couldn’t help but feel a buzz in the air. This was all about people coming together with purpose, open hearts and shared ambition.

By the end of the night, ideas were already flying around the room. People were chatting about ways to share resources, team up on projects, and keep that sense of connection alive. For anyone thinking about how to give back to Scarborough and the Coast, supporting the North Yorkshire Coast Fund isn’t just a donation—it’s being part of something really special that’s creating change, one conversation, one project, one connection at a time.