Community links
Information from local community groups
Where to Turn Booklet
Children’s nature photography competition
Children aged 7 to 11 are encouraged to share their best nature shots. The winners will see their pictures turned into limited edition library cards that will be used by library members across the county.
Closing date: 13 September 2025.
Heritage Open Days 2025
12 to 21 September
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. There are lots of special places to visit in our area. Check out the Heritage Open Days website, the Ripon BID brochure and the Harrogate Civic Society listing.
North Yorkshire Libraries Health & Wellbeing Offer
Resources at our libraries include:
- Self-Care Toolkits (Teens)
- Wellbeing Bags (Adults)
- Reading Well Collections – help for people to manage their own health and wellbeing through recommended self-help books endorsed by health experts
- Tough Topics (Children) - Books and activities chosen by librarians and professionals to help children aged 3-8 years process their emotions and allow conversations about their feelings around big life-changing events
- Stim Kits - Sensory resources for use for autism-friendly events/activities to help create a friendly environment in the library for young people who are on the autism spectrum
- Books for people who find reading more challenging – dyslexia, eye strain, low literacy, tiredness
- Healthy Start Vitamins – Vitamins are available in some libraries, including Harrogate, where anyone with a Healthy Start card can receive their free vitamins
Crafty Llamas at Artizan in Harrogate - Inclusive fun for children with additional needs
A calm and supported space where children can explore arts and crafts and make friends in a supportive environment, and it’s completely free! If you know someone who this would be of interest to, they can register for the new term using this form, which can also be used to share what suits your child best, to help reach more young people who may benefit from these sessions.
The Village – School Uniform Grab Bags
The Village Uniform Shop reopens every Wednesday and Friday, between 9.30am and 11.30am from 12 September. School uniforms in easy grab bags, labelled by gender, size and what it contains. If you require other items you can fill out a referral form or fill out a form on behalf of someone else
Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation
HTAFFC is part of Premier League Kicks which enables them to engage young people of all abilities and backgrounds in football, sport and personal development. The Club has also relaunched Player Pathway, an inspiring new youth football programme designed to nurture players of all abilities and enjoy the benefits of playing football across the Harrogate community.
Managing child contact arrangements - quick help guide
Local charity IDAS have created a guide to help with parenting after domestic abuse. Whether navigating tricky child contact arrangements, trying to rebuild a relationship with your child, or simply needing time to care for yourself, there are some ideas in this guide.
Home Fire Safety Visits
These are aimed at properties where people live who have a physical and/or mental disability, a care support need, are over 65, there is someone in the property who smokes or there are children under 5. Guidance is given to help reduce the risk and severity of a fire. This can include identifying potential fire risks in the home; giving information about bedtime routines to keep safe at night and help to create an escape plan. Smoke alarms are checked (and installed if necessary) and guidance given on testing them. If would like to find out more, are interested in booking a home fire safety visit then please call 01609 780150.
British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Families Fund
Grants of up to £1,700 to help households struggling with energy debt on either prepayment or credit accounts. The Fund is open to eligible customers of any energy supplier, if that supplier does not have its own support scheme. Before applying, applicants must receive money guidance from a money advice agency or use the online budgeting tool available as part of the application.
Challenging behaviour in teens
Navigating the teen years can be tough. If you feel like you're walking on eggshells with your teen, dealing with defiance, aggression, or risk-taking behaviours, Family Lives free online parenting course can help by exploring strategies for handling these challenges, improving communication and strengthening your relationship with your teen. The course also explores how to look after yourself through self-care.
HADCA local resources
A reminder that our website has useful, local information on Cost of Living Support and Welcoming Warm Spaces (including for venues).
FREE drop-in spaces up for young people with Netmakers Youth and local churches in Harrogate
PAUSE at St John’s & St Luke’s
Tuesdays from 3.15-5pm
Drop in cafe space in St John's Hall, Bilton for young people in Y6-Y13. A warm, welcoming space, where there is someone friendly to chat to, some games to play, help with homework, food and drinks. Contact youthwork@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk for more information.
Teen Drop In Space
https://netmakers.org.uk/pf/youth-group/
Fridays 4-6pm in Term Time:
Wesley Chapel, Oxford Street, Harrogate
A free space for teens (11-17 year olds) to hang out and spend time with their friends. Free food, WIFI and charging.
St Andrews, Starbeck Thursdays 3.30pm – 5pm
For years 5/6/7. Free food, crafts and games.
Life Destiny Church, Starbeck Thursdays 3.30pm – 5pm
For years 10-13. Free food, arts, crafts and games.
Inspire Youth - Inspire Together, inclusive youth provision for all aged 11+
https://www.inspireyouth.uk/whats-on/
Mondays, 4-5.30pm
Inspire Youth Yorkshire Community Hub, Knaresborough
Activities and experiences in a safe place, promoting independence, health, wellbeing and friendship. Cost: £6.50, includes refreshments. Booking essential at bookings@inspireyouth.uk or 07547 287982. If any young person would like to arrive a little early, or meet the team before, or parents would like to stay, email info@inspireyouth.uk to arrange.
Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation
Comets Disability Football for ages 5-11
Friday evenings, 5.30-6.30pm at St John Fisher Catholic High School
A recreational, pan-disability football programme for boys and girls with disabilities. Pan-disability is the largest format of disability football, which sees players with a broad range of impairments and health conditions play together. Comets offers a new, flexible and inclusive way of playing, one that’s all about playfulness, friendships and having fun. There is wheelchair/walker access. https://hadca.org.uk/directory/organisation/21804
LEAP – the energy and money saving service
You could be eligible to receive FREE energy advice to help cut your bills if you are: on a low income, receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, if you receive an income or disability related benefit. https://www.communitysupportny.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LEAP-flyer-2024.pdf Call 0800 060 7567 www.applyforleap.org.uk
Household Support Fund
The Fund was set up to help people who are struggling with the increase in living costs and feeling the financial pressure of paying their bills. Anyone who has received a letter telling them that they are eligible for a Household Support Fund payment, must select their supermarket e-vouchers by 13 February 2025. Everyone who is eligible will have received a letter by 21 January 2025. Because the guidance has changed, some people who received a payment as part of a previous phase of the Household Support Fund may not this time. Find more information on the North Yorkshire Council website
Renew HG1 YP
https://www.renewhg1.org.uk/young-people
A space where young people in Years 7, 8 and 9 can come and be themselves, Renew HG1 YP is specifically designed to support young people who lack self-confidence, are anxious, find it hard to make friends, often express feelings of loneliness, struggle with their mental or emotional wellbeing. Tuesdays, from 3.30 - 5pm, at Harrogate Baptist Church Community Hall, opposite the Odeon cinema.
Free weekly football sessions with Harrogate Town AFC and Inspire Youth
Monday: 6:30-8pm and Thursday: 4:00-5:30pm, King George V Playing Field Knaresborough HG5 0LG
Wednesday: 6:30-8pm Boroughbridge Muga, Church Lane, Boroughbridge, YO519AY
A great activity for young people, with lots of social and physical benefit. Contact community@harrogatetownafc.com for more information or sign up here. Find out about other Inspire Youth local sessions here, including Inspire Together an inclusive youth and accessible youth club for ages 11+.
Meals and mini supermarket at St Peter’s Church, Harrogate
Hot Breakfast 8.20 - 8.45 am Monday - Saturday
Mini Super Market 4.30 - 4.50 pm Thursdays - an opportunity to stock up on tins and bread
Breakfasts and mini supermarket produce are provided for those in need on a no questions asked basis.
If you have food or tins to donate, please place them in the hamper by the West door or contact the Parish Office. (07425 161 425 or stpeterschurchhgtoffice@gmail.com)
Essential Needs
The charity re-uses and redistributes good quality used furniture, household items and white goods to residents in need of support. They stock tables, chairs, beds, chest of drawers, cupboards and wardrobes. The also stock appliances including cooers, washing machines, driers, fridges, freezers and small electrical items such as lamps, toasters and kettles. Open to everyone, they run a two-tier price system – anyone in receipt of a means tested benefit or on a low income (less than £21k for an individual or £26k for a couple) can register with them to receive a 35% discount. Check out what’s in stock right now at https://essentialneeds.org.uk/in-stock
Community transport in Harrogate
TVCSA provides community transport in Harrogate. Volunteer drivers provide door to door transport for individuals to attend medical appointments (e.g. doctors, hospital, dentist, etc.), shopping, or other social activities. Non-emergency service, bookings need to be made with at least two days’ notice. To book a journey please call 01423 206008.
Online wellbeing
This NSPCC guide discusses the steps you can take to manage children and young people’s digital/online wellbeing.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-wellbeing/
Wondering what to do with your used stamps?
The Girl Guides are collecting them as part of their fundraising drive for the new Birk Crag Centre. They have an office in Community House, so you are welcome to drop them off here at reception any time during opening hours: Mon – Thurs 9am – 4.30pm. Community House, 46-50 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5RR.
Free Priority Services Register (PSR)
Extra support and advice in the event of a power cut, water leak or planned works
Power cuts or water shortages can cause a worry, particularly if you, or someone you care for, needs power or water for medical reasons, are elderly, sick or disabled or have trouble communicating. You may have young children to look after at home.
You can find out who your supplier is and apply at www.thepsr.co.uk
Our HELP team have a number of FREEPOST PSR application forms for Northern Powergrid they can send out for you or someone you care for or they can help over the phone too. Get in touch on 01423 813090 help@hadca.org.uk
Yorkshire Children’s Charity Grants
Help for young people aged 19 years and under
- Grants for Wheelchairs
- Grants for Specialist Equipment for individuals and organisations, including sensory rooms and outdoor spaces.
- Helping Hand grants of to £200 per child for essentials and things to make life better and create memories. The needs of each child will be looked at so there is not a set list of what will be funded. A representative from the child’s school or agency/charity working with the child can recommend for funding.
https://yorkshirechildrenscharity.org/charity/charity-how-we-can-help/
Don’t forget:
Resurrected Bites Community Groceries
A weekly shop from as little as £3
The community groceries are run through a subscription scheme and are for people who are in financial hardship. It costs just a fraction of a normal supermarket shop and it saves thousands of tonnes of food from going to landfill every week. You can join for £5 then have access to a weekly shop for just a few pounds (a 4+ family can get their shop for £6). They run at New Park School and Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough twice weekly https://resurrectedbites.co.uk/#groceries
Support with your fuel bills and energy saving
Struggling with increased utility bills?
HELP can refer families to Warm & Well North Yorkshire or the Green Doctor for support with energy bills, energy debt and energy efficiency as well as advice on keeping warm in the home. Contact the charity on 01423 813090 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
If you’re struggling with any of the above or don’t know where to turn for other support and advice in the local area, please contact Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP) on 01423 813090 or email help@hadca.org.uk
HELP
A referring organisation for the Trussell Trusts Foodbanks (at Mowbray Church in Harrogate, Life Destiny Church in Starbeck and Holy Trinity Church in Knaresborough). If any of you are in crisis requiring food, please get in touch with the school office and we will refer you. There is also the NY Local Assistance Fund to access supermarket and energy vouchers www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund – no referral needed, people can just call them direct – 01904 550030.
They can also refer families to Warm & Well NY or the Green Doctor for support with energy bills, energy debt and energy efficiency as well as advice on keeping warm in the home. You can give them a call on 01423 813090 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Harrogate Clothes Bank
Provides free, good quality pre-loved clothes from their base on Hornbeam Park - see below
Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library
Toys and resources to borrow from St Mary’s Church in Knaresborough www.hktl.org
Warm Spaces
This year there are a number of ‘Warm Spaces’ people can access if they’re struggling to heat their homes. Community venues, churches and local libraries are friendly, safe and inclusive places, offering not just warmth but a place to enjoy the company of others, and maybe a hot drink. Venues across the Harrogate district are being added to HADCA Where To Turn Community Information Directory, searchable under the theme ‘Warm Space’ https://hadca.org.uk/wheretoturn
You-Are-Not-Alone-leaflet
The NHS-funded service enables children and adults to get convenient access to advice and treatment where appropriate for seven common conditions, without the potential delay of having to wait for a GP appointment. Accessing the service may mean that children feel better and back to school as quickly as possible, as well as supporting parents/carers to also get better if they are unwell with one of the conditions covered under the service. There is no need to make an appointment; parents or carers can pop into their local Boots pharmacy with their child and ask for help under the service.
Click on the link below to find out further information.
NHS Pharmacy First Information
