Celebrating 25 Years of community impact, told by the voices that matter most

This year is a big one for us at Two Ridings Community Foundation. We’re celebrating 25 years of supporting grassroots communities across North & East Yorkshire, and we thought it was about time we told our story in a new way… from the voice of those who helped write it. 

Since 2000, we’ve awarded over £23 million in grants to local groups and charities. That’s everything from warm spaces in winter, youth clubs, mental health support, food banks, and all the quiet, vital things that are the fabric of society and keep communities going, often without fuss or praise. 

To mark the milestone, we created a new video, but even when we started to think about what this might look like, we knew that it couldn’t just be about us, or it couldn’t be just us telling the story… because it’s never been just about us. 

“It’s the people and projects we support who do the real work. We’ve just helped them keep going, growing, and doing what they do best. This film is about their voices, not ours.” Bec Horner, Head of Communications and Partnerships 

So earlier this year, we hit the road (quite a few roads, actually) with the exceptional team at Media Partnership, who really understood what we were trying to say. We travelled from Hull to Harrogate, Selby to Scarborough, York and everywhere in between, visiting some of the amazing groups we’ve had the privilege of funding. 

Groups like Giroscope, a housing charity in Hull who also support young people into meaningful employment. Or the Scarborough over 50s friendship group, who tackle the challenges of loneliness and isolation in one big team.  

A special thank you to the following groups who took part… 

Essential Needs, Futureworks NY, Gallows Close Centre, Giroscope, Peel Project, Pickering Road Orchard, Rainbow Centre, Resurrected Bites, Rooted in Hull,  Scarborough Over 50s Friendship Centre, Taking Baby Steps, Tang Hall Community Centre and The Hut. 

It is their stories that brought our film to life.  

When we premiered it at our 25th Anniversary Celebration event, it was very special. A few tears, a few laughs, and a whole lot of pride. It is not something we will forget in a hurry. 

And now it’s your turn to see it. Watch our video here…

We’d really love to hear what you think. Email us your thoughts at hello@tworidingscf.org.uk. Your feedback means a lot.