Community links
Information from local community groups
Items 1-16 provided by HADCA March 2025
- National Lottery Open Week - Sat 15 – Sun 23 March 2025
Free events or discounted entry into lots of Yorkshire attractions including Ripon Museums, Fountains Abbey, Beningbrough Hall, Harewood House, RSPB sites and Harlow Carr. Just show a National Lottery ticket or scratch card at the door! https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers?region=yorkshire-and-humber&page=2
Did you know? If you receive selected income support benefits, including Universal and Pension Credit, you can visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr for £1 per visit all year round www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/national-lottery-open-week
- Birk Crag Centre Open Day
Saturday 22 March, 10am-2pm, Birk Crag Centre on Cornwall Road.
Go along and take a look at the amazing progress that has been made with the build, show your support for Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, have a brew and buy a cake! www.birkcragcentre.org.uk
- Transdev Bright Sparks Club
Join Transdev’s FREE Bright Sparks Club for free activities and invites to special events at the electric bus depot in Starbeck
www.transdevbus.co.uk/brightsparks
- Family Lives – online parenting courses
FREE online parenting courses for all ages and stages of family life and parenting. Helpful techniques and ideas developed by experienced parenting professionals to help become a confident and happy parent www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/online-parenting-courses
- FEAST – FREE holiday activities and meals for families this Easter
A fantastic range of activities to keep children active, fed and having fun during the school holidays. Everyone across North Yorkshire can get involved, with free places and a free meal for children and young people receiving benefits-related free school meals. Families with a child eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals or who is made eligible by exception (see the FEAST FAQs for details), will receive a voucher from their school so they can book holiday activities for free, using the online platform HolidayActivities. There is a step-by-step video guide on how to redeem your FEAST voucher and book free activities. Visit the FEAST website to discover the activities available.
- *New* Foodbank in Jennyfields
Harrogate District Foodbank has launched a new foodbank at Jennyfields Evangelical Church to meet local need. This is in addition to their foodbanks in Starbeck, Knaresborough and at Mowbray Community Church in Harrogate. The foodbanks work using a voucher referral system.
Wednesdays, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Grantley Drive, Harrogate, HG3 2XU
If you're able to drop off food donations, please visit the website to see what's needed and take to one of the food centres during opening hours or to Waitrose or Morrisons supermarkets.
- NSPCC Building Connections
Building Connections is an online support service where young people aged 9-19 can receive direct support to manage and overcome feelings of loneliness. Young people are provided with 11 sessions, working with a trained befriender who guides them and champions them each step of the way. The sessions are completely free of charge. The only thing young people will need is access to the internet via any device and an email address https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections
- Money Matters – Let’s Chat
Tuesday 25 March, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub, 16 High Street, Starbeck with Harrogate Vineyard.
Coffee, cake and chat. Discover how you might be able to get some support for your ongoing household costs https://hadca.org.uk/events/money-matters-let%E2%80%99s-chat
- The Village Baby Bank Pop Up
Saturday 22 March, 10am – 1pm
Gracious Street Methodist Church, Knaresborough.
Pre-loved clothes age 0-6 years, toys and books, baby equipment, maternity clothes, children’s crafts, baby item needs, children's crafts, complimentary refreshments. www.thevillageharrogate.co.uk
- The Living Room, Starbeck
Community Café with lots of free activities including a Stay & Play on a Tuesday between 9am and 11am. Lots of toys for all pre-school ages and the session finishes with singing. Everyone who attends gets 20% off in the cafe after/before the session
https://livingroom-starbeck.co.uk
Teen/secondary school information
- Wellspring Empower – teen courses to improve self esteem
Starts on Thursday 1 May, 6.30-8pm, in the Garden Room at Wellspring House, Starbeck. A free 8-week course for teens to explore, explain and improve self-esteem. This course is for young people aged 11–13. The aim is to create a safe and confidential space so young people can talk about real stuff and experience the positive power of group work https://wellspringtherapy.co.uk/youth/empower
- North Yorkshire Youth – Youth Clubs
Safe, warm places to meet for young people in school years 7+ with a mix of activities each week, indoor sports, cooking, crafts, games/x-box, music. For more information, contact Rachel at North Yorkshire Youth on 07881 797716 or email rachel@nyy.org.uk www.nyy.org.uk/development/youth-clubs
Bilton Youth Club
Tuesdays, 7pm - 9pm (term time)
Bilton Methodist Church (access via Bar Place)
Jennyfield Youth Club
Thursdays, 7pm – 9pm (term time)
Jennyfield Styan Community Wellbeing Hub, Grantley Drive
Knaresborough Youth Club
Tuesdays, 7pm - 9pm (term time)
Gracious Street Church, Chapel Street, Knaresborough
- *New* Netmakers youth drop in
Netmakers have launched a new drop in for young people age 11 – 17 at the Wesley Centre in Harrogate town every Friday between 4pm and 6pm. Offering fun, faith, friendship and food, the activity is open to all. For more information on Netmakers visit https://netmakers.org.uk/youth
- Space to CREATE with Yorkshire Create
Saturdays 5pm-7pm. A new initiative for young people aged 11-17 - a free space to explore your creative side through arts-based activities.
A variety of fun, hands-on workshops and classes, including specialist workshops across a range art forms (including drama, singing, painting, creative writing, pottery painting and more), as well as an arts-based games club supported by Warhammer Alliance, at Knaresborough Revolution's Space Bus and Gracious Street Church Hall. The chance to work towards Arts Award qualifications
Register your young person here
- SEN Youth Club
Harrogate Skills for Living and Artizan International are working together to offer social nights aimed at those with Special Educational Needs aged 16+. Events take place, usually on Thursday evenings, at the Artizan Café or Chocolate Factory Café in Harrogate and include comedy, film, games and karaoke nights. Contact cafe@hs4lc.org.uk or info@artizaninternational.org to find out more and to book.
- Know Yourself resources for autistic teenagers
A collection of free resources, tailored to provide support to autistic teens supporting them to understand themselves via listening to autistic experiences, and gaining invaluable insights www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/resources-for-autistic-teenagers
HADCA local resources
A reminder that our website has useful, local information on Cost of Living Support and Welcoming Warm Spaces (including for venues).
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
Crafty Llamas at Artizan
Every Monday, 4pm-5pm at Artizan Café & Creative Space, Cambridge Road (next to McDonalds)
FREE crafty and fun after school session at Artizan Cafe & Creative Space for young people age 10-15 with additional needs. Get in touch to book your place today liz.cluderay@artizaninternational.org
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+.
Pause at St John’s, Bilton
The youth team at St John’s & St Luke’s are beginning a new weekly young people's group called PAUSE on a Tuesday from 3.15-5pm. It is going to be a drop in cafe space in St John's hall for young people in Y6-Y13. The aim is to provide a warm, welcoming space, where there is someone friendly to chat to, some games to play and some food and drinks. Contact Emma on youthwork@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk for more information.
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.
Birk Crag Centre Open Day
Saturday 22 March, 10am-2pm, Birk Crag Centre on Cornwall Road
Go along and take a look at the amazing progress that has been made with the build, show your support for Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, have a brew and buy a cake!
https://www.birkcragcentre.org.uk/
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
