The magic when community shows up

The impact of our Nidderdale Drop-In

When the Grants Team headed out on tour to Nidderdale Plus’s office in Pateley Bridge this week, we knew there was interest. What we didn’t quite anticipate was just how much.

Before Katherine had even taken her laptop out of her bag, people were already waiting. By the time the official start time of 10.30am rolled around, Nidderdale Plus had kindly moved us from the library into the meeting room, simply because we needed more space and more seats. And before 10.45am, at least seven people were already queued with questions, ideas, and stories to share.

That buzz set the tone for the morning.

The Drop-in quickly became much more than a place to ask about funding. Yes, we talked through practical tips for making strong applications, what different funds could and couldn’t support, and whether specific items or staff time might be eligible. Conversations naturally focused on the Nidderdale Plus Community Fund and our Small Grants Fund, as well as the upcoming LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district.

But what really made the session special was the connection.

Groups shared experiences with one another; what had worked well in past applications, what challenges they were facing, and how they were adapting to meet the needs of their communities. Again and again, we came back to the same truth: it’s the people at the heart of a project, their passion, their understanding of local need, and their commitment, that truly bring an application to life.

We were joined by representatives from Killinghall Village Voices, Pateley Men’s Shed, Christ Church Community Centre, Streetlight and Hampsthwaite Wednesday Group. Trustee, Rolline, also popped in, adding to the sense that this was a shared community moment, rather than a formal funding clinic.

For us as a Grants Team, meeting people face to face was invaluable. We’d read their applications, spoken on the phone (sometimes many times!), and exchanged countless emails, but there’s something powerful about sitting across the table from the people behind the words. Hearing first-hand how vital these groups are, and listening to stories of neighbours supporting neighbours, made the impact of this work tangible.

Many who attended spoke about what their community group means to others: places where people feel less alone, spaces for connection, laughter, learning, and mutual support. The room was full not just of questions, but of generosity – generosity of time, experience, and encouragement.

One older lady from the Hampsthwaite Wednesday Group told us ‘she wouldn’t know what she would do without the camaraderie she found at the club’, and then went on excitedly to tell us how Santa had visited the group in the Christmas period, and how it was the highlight of the festive season for her!

And if this Drop-in showed us anything, it’s that when you create space for communities to come together, the impact ripples far beyond funding forms and deadlines. It strengthens relationships, builds confidence, and reminds us why this work matters in the first place.