Persimmon Homes Donate 18,000 Bricks to Bradford College Construction Department
Bradford College cemented its partnership with Persimmon Homes after receiving a generous donation of 18,000 bricks. The gift is enough bricks to build the external walls of a four-bedroom house and will provide the college’s construction department with essential materials for vital hands-on training. To celebrate this support, Bradford College hosted a special event at…
TRU offer £250,000 in grants to local organisations
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has this week confirmed that £250,000 in grants has been awarded across 35 local organisations along the Transpennine route, as part of the 2025 TRU Community Fund in partnership with Neighbourly. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or…
Yorkshire Garden Centre Group exceeds its fundraising target
With three months of the ‘Charity Year’ still to go, a Bradford headquartered garden centre group has exceeded its fundraising target by 50%. At the beginning of April, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites in West and North Yorkshire pledged to raise £30,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, the independent charity that cares for…
Law firm knits 150 twiddle muffs for people in Yorkshire living with dementia in annual Christmas gift drive
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated over 300 gifts, including 150 twiddle muffs, as part of its annual festive gift drive in support of local care and healthcare units. This marks the firm’s largest festive gift drive to date, with colleagues donating or hand-making gifts for people living with dementia, homeless and vulnerable individuals, children in…
New adult skills funding set to boost careers in construction
An award of nearly half a million pounds from the Department for Education is helping Bradford College to support more young adults into the construction sector. Over £994k in Adult Skills Fund money was made available to regional colleges via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to deliver comprehensive construction skills, with Bradford College securing nearly…
10 ways to enjoy your first sober Christmas
A sober or sober-curious Christmas can feel unfamiliar, especially if your usual festive routine has always involved alcohol. However, with a little planning, it becomes far easier than you might expect, and you can still enjoy the celebrations, the people around you and the atmosphere without feeling like you are missing out. These 10 tips…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose unite with Retail Trust to tackle abuse towards retail workers this festive season
As the festive rush begins, Trinity Leeds and White Rose have both joined forces with the Retail Trust, the retail industry charity, to help protect retail workers from rising levels of abuse, with dedicated free training to help colleagues manage difficult interactions. Delivered through the charity’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign, Trinity Leeds, White Rose and…
How Mollie turned adversity into academic triumph
When Mollie Browes walked across the stage to collect her Master’s degree from the University of Bradford, it marked the start of a future she once thought impossible. “I’ve been given a second chance by this university,” says the 28-year-old. “They saw potential in me when no one else did. I would not be where…
Graduates leave legacy with women in STEM network
A pair of students behind a support network group for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have left a lasting legacy after graduating from the University of Bradford. Alex Troup and Maleeha Abbass, the Creator and President of the University’s STEMinism Society, which exists to promote STEM subjects, particularly to women and girls, driving…
York firm builds skills for the future thanks to support from City of York Council
A York conservation firm training up the next generation of expert craftspeople has thanked City of York Council for the business support that has helped it thrive. Pinnacle Conservation, established by managing director Adam Hickey in 2019, now employs 58 staff, including nine apprentices, who are all paid the Real Living Wage as part of…
Poverty Proofing© the School Day pilot for York pupils
Partners across the city are working to reduce the barriers faced by York pupils from low-income families in school, with a pilot scheme this autumn. Poverty Proofing© the School Day involves making changes to school policies and practices to reduce the barriers faced by pupils, including addressing issues like financial constraints, stigma, and lack of access…
Council thanks businesses and residents for their support for local young people leaving care
City of York Council is thanking businesses and residents across the city who have already contributed Christmas gifts for children in need and young care leavers in York. The festive season can be a difficult one for many children and young people, particularly those who have had a challenging start in life and who live…
York reaffirms its commitment to improving adult social care
City of York Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the best possible adult social care services following its first ever assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC assessed how York delivers its responsibilities under The Care Act (2014) in June 2025. It looked at nine areas of adult social care to see…
Boost your team’s skills with funded bootcamps
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is offering two practical Skills Bootcamps designed to help employers upskill their workforce and strengthen organisational capability. Both programmes are delivered face-to-face at Wakefield College, City Centre Campus, and run over 12 weeks. Skills Bootcamp in Digital Skills (IT Office Skills) Start Date: Friday, 9 January 2026 Schedule: Fridays, 9am–3pm This hands-on programme equips…
How AI can be used to help combat wildfires
The University of Bradford is using artificial intelligence (AI) to spot wildfires early and send alerts to emergency teams, helping them act quickly and reduce damage. Wildfire detection in remote areas is risky for responders, an issue raised at AI for All, the University of Bradford’s event at MyLahore in Birmingham on using new technologies…
Bradford College launches new academy for creative skills
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, officially opened Bradford College’s new skills development space for the creative leaders of tomorrow. ‘The Producing Academy’ is an exciting new facility designed to nurture the wave of creative talent needed across West Yorkshire, helping to position the region as a national powerhouse for the creative industries. Covering…
York set to boost NHS Health Checks for better health
City of York Council has announced plans to recommission its NHS Health Checks programme, reaffirming its commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across the city. The NHS Health Check is a free, nationally recognised programme designed to identify early signs of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions among residents aged 40–74 who do…
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – Information for Employers – Please give your views (2 minute survey)
What is Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)? In a nutshell, and in the context of providing employers with higher skills training packages for employees, LLE consists of Higher Education modules from high value technical courses delivered as standalone training opportunities for employees or individuals. Scheduled to start in 2027, LLE training packages will be fully funded…
NHS worker, who became a patient in her own hospital after being hit by a taxi, launches charity Christmas appeal as demand for its services increases by 40%
An NHS worker who ended up as a patient on the very trauma ward she worked after being hit by a taxi, is backing a charity’s Christmas Appeal to help other major trauma survivors. Chloe Boobier, 30, from Acton, London, suffered catastrophic injuries, including a broken spine, pelvis and shoulder, when she was hit by…
York St John University academic calls for emotionally intelligent dementia care at UK Dementia Congress
Focusing on the emotional experience must be the foundation to person-led dementia care, according to experts from the Institute for Health and Care Improvement at York St John University. The future of quality dementia care relies on understanding and emotional awareness that the experience of dementia heightens feelings and lessens thinking, according to Professor David…
Online auction launches to support Tiny Lives Appeal
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity has launched an online auction to help raise funds for the Tiny Lives Appeal, supporting the Neonatal Unit at York Hospital. Local businesses and supporters have shown incredible generosity by supporting the appeal which launched earlier this month to support premature babies and their families. This year, the charity hopes…
YorEnergy retrofit event to help York and North Yorkshire residents cut bills and make homes warmer
Residents across York and North Yorkshire are invited to discover how to make their homes warmer, greener, and cheaper to run at the YorEnergy Retrofit Futures event on Tuesday 25 November 2025 at York Guildhall. The event also marks the public launch of YorEnergy, a new end-to-end home retrofit service developed through the Retrofit One…
York has cut city-wide emissions by 16% in just two years
City of York Council has confirmed there’s been a 16 per cent reduction in city-wide carbon emissions since 2021, as the council acts to improve health and cut costs, whilst marking significant progress towards the city’s ambition to reach net zero by 2030. The figures, published in the latest City-Wide Emissions Report, show emissions fell from…
Project update: Roof conservation project on track – stonemasons add their own message to York’s Historic Walls
Work on York’s historic City Walls continues to progress smoothly as part of the Bootham Bar conservation project. City of York Council’s Ancient Monuments team and in-house stonemasons are carrying out essential works to replace the roof, which is now almost complete. The project remains on schedule to finish by mid-December, as originally planned. The…
York celebrates its amazing care leavers as part of National Care Leavers’ Month
City of York Council is celebrating the positive impact young people leaving care have on communities across the city during National Care Leavers’ Month (November). The month-long event aims to raise awareness and celebrate care leavers, with this year’s theme being “Rising as Me: Overcoming challenges, transforming, and finding your identity”. Around 30 young people…
Local sexual violence charity, Survive launches ’35 Years of Healing’ campaign
35 years of healing. Thousands supported. Hundreds still reaching Out. This November, Survive proudly marks 35 years of providing specialist support to adult survivors of rape, sexual assault, and Child Sexual Abuse. Many survivors of sexual violence and abuse experience psychological distress and PTSD symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. Suicidal thoughts and…
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity’s first golf day raises over £10,000 for hospital breast unit
Eighty golfers from across the area teed off for a sell-out charity golf day supporting York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity. Held on Thursday 2 October at the stunning Sandburn Hall near York, the event was hailed a huge success by the Charity, with local businesses and community supporters uniting to make a real difference. Proceeds…
Bradford Energy Network to slash University’s carbon footprint by 90%
A ground-breaking city-wide heat network is set to cut the University of Bradford’s carbon emissions by 90%. The Bradford Energy Network (BEN), developed by low-carbon infrastructure firm 1Energy, is a £75 million initiative that will transform how buildings across the city are heated. The University is the anchor partner and main sponsor of the project,…
York Talk Money fortnight
York residents can access a wealth of information and support that could save them £1000s as part of this autumn’s York Talk Money fortnight (3-16 November). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help…
‘Tackling poverty today and turning the tide to create lasting change in York
A landmark anti-poverty strategy for York council will be reviewed by City of York Council’s Executive next month [4 November], before being considered for approval by Full Council [6 November]. The strategy – entitled ‘Tackling Poverty Today and Turning the Tide to Create Lasting Change’ – sets out to create a ten-year strategy and action plan to…
Inspiring commitment of York’s longest serving foster carers celebrated by the civic party
The inspiring life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony. Seven fostering households were welcomed to the Mansion House and awarded certificates by the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM, for completing 20, 30 and 40 years of fostering. Throughout…
Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Xscape Yorkshire launch mental health initiative in partnership with Mind
Landsec, owner of Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Xscape Yorkshire, has announced a new partnership with leading mental health charity Mind to champion mental health awareness and support. The initiative launches today to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October). Mind is a national charity dedicated to supporting those experiencing mental health challenges by…
York secures £479k to help prevent homelessness
Recognising the needs of York residents facing homelessness, £479,438 has been secured to help the Council prevent homelessness and provide accommodation and support where it’s most needed. This Government funding supports the Council’s aim to make rough sleeping rare, brief and non-recurring. A proportion of this funding will be used to support homelessness prevention and…
Professor’s vision for future cities inspires international award
The next generation of architects and urban planners will be honoured through an international award created in memory of a University of Bradford academic. ‘The City of My Future – Professor Claudia Trillo Award’ will promote the work of young researchers in the field of sustainable urban regeneration. The award celebrates the work…
New community wellbeing hub opens in York
A much-anticipated community wellbeing and mental health hub, based in Acomb Garth, York, is opening its doors to the public on 13 October. A much-anticipated community wellbeing and mental health hub, based in Acomb Garth, York, is opening its doors to the public on 13 October, the week after World Mental Health Day on Friday…
White Rose Shines a Spotlight on Local Heroes
White Rose Shopping Centre has celebrated some of Leeds’ most inspiring individuals and organisations at its annual Community Awards, which recognise grassroot leaders, dedicated volunteers, and life-saving specialists who make a real difference. This year’s Community Awards honours the incredible local people working hard to benefit their community, with just a few of the 2025…
A mountain of inequalities: York St John academic campaigns to raise the profile of women in mountaineering
Dr Jenny Hall to open Kendal Mountain Film Festival with panel discussion honouring the first woman to summit Everest “For too long, mountaineering adventure has been portrayed through a narrow lens: white, fit, fearless… and male” In May 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest, but her incredible story is still…
SEND CENTRAL York’s new hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities launches
SEND CENTRAL, York’s new city hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is now open to families across the city [Monday 22 September]. The hub was officially opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells on Saturday [20 September]. The new hub is York’s flagship Family…
TRU launches second round of Community Fund with £250,000 for local communities
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is launching the second round of its Community Fund, offering £250,000 to support local community groups, schools and charities along its major railway route. Building on the success of last year’s scheme, the TRU Community Fund will provide grants of £1,000, £5,000, £10,000 or £20,000 to organisations within five miles…
New initiative launches to give West Yorkshire’s unpaid carers a well-deserved break
The Caring Kind Project. A bold new initiative supporting West Yorkshire’s unpaid carers officially launches this month. The Caring Kind Project offers carers the chance to take a well-deserved break – breaks that have been gifted by businesses from the hospitality, leisure, tourism, and culture sectors across the region. Unpaid carers are family members, friends,…
From Bronze to Silver: Heart of Yorkshire Education Group Excels in National Diversity Accreditation
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity, recognising its commitment to creating a truly inclusive workplace and learning environment. This achievement follows the Group’s earlier Bronze accreditation, which focused on laying the foundations for inclusion by embedding the FREDIE framework –…
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity to host golf day for breast cancer unit
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity is hosting its first ever charity golf day this autumn to raise funds for York Hospital’s breast cancer unit waiting area. Teams of four are invited to sign up for the 4BBB (four-ball better-ball) format, with exciting competitions like ‘closest to the pin’ planned throughout the day. After a round…
Details of Council’s first Passivhaus homes for shared ownership released
Details of shared ownership homes at Duncombe Square have been released today (27 August), meaning that the 200 people who have expressed an interest in them can consider taking the next step towards buying a home. Duncombe Square is City of York Council’s first Passivhaus development of 34 high quality, zero carbon-in-use homes, built to…
Friends of York Against Cancer Campaign Launched
York Against Cancer, an independent charity helping people affected by cancer in York, North and East Yorkshire, have launched their Friends of York Against Cancer campaign. The charity provides a range of support services for cancer patients and their loved ones, including a free minibus that takes people from York to St. James’s Hospital in…
Yasper takes on oarsome brief for £57m charity rowers
Leeds-based PR agency Yasper has signed up to support a charity rowing initiative, aimed at raising £57m over the next four years in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The ROW4MND challenge brings together a crew of highly experienced rowers, who hold multiple ocean-rowing records, taking on some of the toughest endurance challenges…
Impact Hub Yorkshire launches first zero-rate product to the UK social investment market
A new zero-rate funding product has entered the UK social investment market. The product, which is the first of its kind in the UK, was developed by Kamran Rashid, CEO of Impact Hub Yorkshire, following consultation with organisations and social enterprises most affected by financial exclusion. The Local Access Bradford District (LABD) programme, which…
Bradford named University of the Year for Social Inclusion
The University of Bradford is today named as University of the Year for Social Inclusion in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. The University is also shortlisted for overall UK University of the Year 2026 and its ranking has increased to 42nd in the country (up from 48 in the 2025 guide and 49 in…
£2.3 million investment secured to launch innovative Vale Park Community Campus
Port Vale Football Club, Port Vale Foundation, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have secured £2.3 million in Government funding to transform Sproson Park and surrounding areas into a dynamic, multi-purpose Vale Park Community Campus. The project marks a significant milestone in the club’s long-term community facilities strategy and commitment to local regeneration, health, education and community…