Major new mental health contract set to improve support for ethnically and culturally diverse communities
Local charities Mind in Bradford and Staying Put have won a joint bid to deliver a range of mental health treatment and services for ethnically and culturally diverse communities across Bradford district and Craven. The £4.5m contract was awarded by NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board through the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care…
Free support for parents launches in York
Parents-to-be and new parents in York can now get support and advice in a handy booklet, thanks to a new initiative as part of the Raise York Family Hubs network. Supporting your parenting journey in York – a short booklet focussing on key parenting themes and signposting to further sources of information – is now…
South Leeds adventure park reopens for the Easter holidays
An adventure park at a South Leeds garden centre has announced its Easter opening hours. Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre reopens on 23rd March with the launch of a new children’s annual pass and an adult ‘pay once’ initiative for the 2024 season. Suitable for children aged seven and over, Mission Out is a…
Bulls team up with Bradford Dementia Hub
To mark Dementia Action Week this week, non-profit mental health provider, Community Links, part of the Inspire North group, announces the launch of its new Bradford-based dementia information service. Bradford Dementia Hub will open in July to provide information and advice, supporting local people to manage their condition and live well with dementia. The service…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose re-launch their enterprise initiatives as ‘Made in Yorkshire’, encouraging young people to help shape the future of retail
Trinity Leeds and White Rose shopping centres’ joint enterprise challenge, Made in Yorkshire, launched on Wednesday 28th February, with Oulton Academy and Bruntcliffe Academy taking part. This is the first time that the competition has run in this format, following the two shopping destinations running separate initiatives in the past. The ‘Made in Yorkshire’ challenge invites participants…
York supports LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week
City of York Council’s fostering team and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and Humber, are showing their support for LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week (4-10 March). This year’s campaign, #DifferentTogether, reinforces the message that people from all backgrounds and sexualities make excellent adopters and foster carers, who…
Bradford College cements ambitious plans for transformational campus buildings
Work will begin on several large capital investment projects at Bradford College shortly. Over the last two years, Bradford College has successfully secured nearly £29 million in funding. The considerable investment will enhance, refurbish, and build new aspirational facilities in the heart of Bradford. The projects form part of Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy. The capital masterplan…
Blue Badge holders’ second route into footstreets opens one month early
One month ahead of time, Blue Badge holders’ access into the city centre has been fully restored. Holders of valid Blue Badges and their drivers will once again be able to drive into the city centre at any time via Blake Street from 1 March. Access through Goodramgate opened on 4 January 2024. By making…
Help shape Front Street improvements
City of York Council is seeking the views of residents and businesses on new ideas for Front Street in Acomb. In October 2023, £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money was approved by the council’s Executive for phase 2 improvements to Front Street. The council is now inviting residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders…
Make a difference this Great British Spring Clean
City of York Council is appealing to residents, schools, businesses and community groups to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean 2024. This year the ninth annual Great British Spring Clean will take place from 15 -31 March 2024. During the Great British Spring Clean, the council will lend a hand to support anyone…
How your business can support St Gemma’s Hospice and help provide vital care and support to local people in Leeds
St Gemma’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for people with life limiting illnesses. Care is based on a simple idea – that the person is more than the illness. Each of us – sick or well – has unique physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. St Gemma’s responds to these needs in ways which place…
The Fishermen’s Mission Charity grow in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire coastline, is a region with a rich and strong history of fishing. Our reputation in this region is second to none and we are highly respected for the life changing services we provide. As a team at the Fishermen’s Mission we provide welfare and pastoral support for active and retired fishermen as well…
Residents invited to in-person workshops to make York city centre more accessible
To help make York city centre more accessible for all, residents are invited to sign up to a series of in-person, detailed workshops. Blue Badge holders’ access to the city centre reopened on 4 January 2024 and we’ve been gathering feedback on users’ experiences and suggestions for improvement as part of an accessible and inclusive…
Fortem link with Hälsa Wellbeing, a forward-thinking wellbeing business based in North Yorkshire
At Fortem People we know that success isn’t just about finding the right fit for your team. It is also about creating a nurturing environment at work where staff thrive physically, mentally, emotionally and personally. We are thrilled to tell you about our link with Hälsa Wellbeing, a forward-thinking Wellbeing Business based in North Yorkshire….
More homes proposed for Council’s low-energy, 100% affordable Ordnance Lane site
A new planning application is proposing an extra 16 low-energy, 100% affordable homes at the Council’s Ordnance Lane site, to be set in even more green space. Following Executive’s decision in November 2023 to build 100% affordable homes off Fulford Road, these zero-carbon in use homes are proposed to increase in number from 85 to…
Bradford Bulls Foundation launches corporate partner packages
As a registered charity, the Bradford Bulls Foundation is on a mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in Bradford. With a commitment that extends beyond the field, the Foundation utilises sport as a powerful catalyst for positive change. Annually engaging with over 30,000 people face to face, and over 900,000…
National innovation award for AI powered help to cut household food waste
Data scientist from York St John University is on a mission to help us to keep track of what’s in our fridge and cupboards An artificial intelligence expert has won a national innovation award worth £50,000 to further develop a sustainability app that is helping to cut global food waste. Dr Somdip Dey, a Lecturer…
CSI York – Project to boost green construction skills
A new initiative which plans to create new jobs, boost green construction skills and in turn help tackle the climate emergency will be discussed at a meeting next week (20 February). The council, with partners on the Retrofit One Stop Shop York (ROSSY) project, has been awarded £3.37m from Innovate UK to support, promote and…
Council Executive to consider undertaking Front Street engagement
At a meeting next week (20 February), the Executive Member for Economy and Transport will be presented with the proposed approach and potential scope of works for Front Street in Acomb, one of York’s key secondary shopping areas. In October 2023, £570,000 of UKSPF funding was allocated to make improvements in Front Street. Since then,…
York is better by bus this half term
City of York Council is encouraging everyone to travel by bus this half term, and is encouraging families to take up the new, lower and free fares. The new fares, which were first introduced in September 2023, have been extended and updated in time for half term. Each subsidy will run until December 2024, to…
Two new self-build plots available on Dane Avenue
In response to the need for more homes in the city and following the success of Lowfield Green’s six self-build plots which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, City of York Council is offering two new opportunities for self-builders. These plots are to support people to get on the housing ladder by building their own…
Photo story: Free School Meals pilot extended to second school
An ambitious scheme to pilot free school meals for children in York has been rolled out to a second school, thanks to donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal. A pilot providing free breakfasts to children at Burton Green Primary School, York, started last week [Monday 29 January] and is already proving…
York gets set to celebrate female business leaders
For the third year running, York’s businesses are being invited to celebrate the achievements of women in business at an event aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship in the city. Empowering and Inspiring Women in Business in York will take place on Tuesday 5 March from 9:30am-2:15pm at the Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York…
Free School Meals pilot extended to second school
An ambitious scheme to pilot free school meals for children in York has been rolled out to a second school, thanks to donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal. A pilot providing free breakfasts to children at Burton Green Primary School, York, started last week [Monday 29 January] and is already proving…
The Bradford Bulls Foundation partners with Morrisons Foundation and BEAP
The Bradford Bulls Foundation is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Morrisons Foundation and BEAP Community Partnership to introduce rugby to South Asian communities within Bradford. This collaborative initiative aims to promote inclusivity, physical activity, and community engagement through the sport of rugby. The project, which kicked off in mid-December, has gained significant…
Why hiring refugees is good for business
Wednesday 27th March, 10am – 4pm Norcroft Centre, University of Bradford, BD7 1DP Bradford City of Sanctuary and the University of Bradford invite you to a free networking event on employing highly motivated and skilled refugees in West Yorkshire! Are you an employer looking to diversify your workforce and tap into a pool of enthusiastic,…
York’s fostering team joins York Residents’ Festival
City of York Council’s Fostering Team will be on hand at York Residents’ Festival on Saturday to chat to residents about becoming foster carers. Organised by Make It York, York Residents’ Festival 2024 offers a variety of exclusive deals for York residents. The council has launched a new campaign this new year to recruit foster carers…
Local partnerships help York students build their future in construction
Students in York have been learning about careers in the construction industry this month, gaining valuable real-world experience of a wide range of different roles. Year 11 students were given an opportunity to experience life as an apprentice at a range of local businesses across the city last week [18 January]. The construction sector is…
Survey of all York’s council homes begins ahead of developing investment plans
City of York Council is about to start looking at every single one of its council homes through a stock condition survey. This survey of council homes will gather the information needed to plan and fund an improvement programme which regularly invests £10 million per year in the modernisation of the council’s 7,400 homes. The…
Bulls announce Paul Gill as guest of honour
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Paul Gill – a familiar name to Leeds Rhinos and Rugby League in Bradford – will be our Guest of Honour on Sunday at Odsal Stadium. The hugely popular figure in the local Rugby League scene was sadly diagnosed with MND (Motor Neurone Disease) last summer. A BARLA tourist…
Over 90% of two year olds take up childcare places in York
Over 90% of two-year-olds eligible for government-funded childcare took up their place at a nursery or childminder in York last term, the highest percentage across the region. Regularly attending a childcare setting, such as a playgroup, nursery or childminder, can help children learn to play with others, develop new skills and get ready for school….
New fund to help lift inequalities from York’s most deprived communities
A new, city-wide pot of £100,000 aims to deliver projects which support those communities in York which are most in need of better health, greater fulfilment and prosperity. Applications are being invited from organisations across the city’s wards, and can be for a maximum £10,000 share of the funding. Reflecting the vision of the Council…
City of York Council launches appeal for foster carers for York children and young people
City of York Council is launching a new campaign this new year to recruit foster carers to support children and young people who can’t live with their own families. The council cares for around 200 children and young people in York and urgently needs local foster carers to provide them with safe, loving homes. It’s…
Archbishop of York calls for ‘Hungry Minds’ support
City of York Council and The Archbishop of York have launched a joint appeal for support for the City’s Hungry Minds Free School Meals campaign. The City Council’s newly adopted Council Plan, ‘One City, for all’, contains a pledge to start the journey towards becoming an anti-poverty city, including supporting young people and families, reducing…
Bulls encouraging businesses to match donation
We’re thrilled to announce we generated a total of 371 engagements in response to our CEO Jason Hirst’s Christmas Message – where he pledged support for local charity Homeless Not Hopeless. (CLICK HERE TO READ) The Bulls are rounding that number up and will be making a £400 donation to chosen charity partner, Homeless not…
Over £50,000 injected into good causes by chemical company
Dozens of charities and community groups have benefitted from donations throughout 2023 from a North Yorkshire chemical company. Airedale Group, chemical specialists based in Cross Hills, has given contributions totalling more than £50,000 to local organisations as part of its ongoing commitment to its communities and the environment. Beneficiaries have included Manorlands hospice, Sutton-in-Craven Community…
City of York Council moves to rebuild Equalities partnerships with City’s Human Rights and Equalities Board
City of York Council’s Executive committee is set to agree proposals to move forward with a refreshed structure for York’s Human Rights and Equalities Board, in agreement with York Human Rights City Network. A report to this evening’s Executive Committee meeting notes that this follows significant discussions to reset the relationship between the Council and…
The Bradford Bulls are proud to announce the return of “The Big Bradford Bulls Sleep Out” on the 19th of January at Odsal Stadium
Building on the success of last year’s Sleep Out, this initiative aims to raise awareness and vital funds to support local charities – Focus4Hope, Homeless Not Hopeless, Calderdale SmartMove/ Happy Days, and the Bradford Bulls Foundation. The event will start at 5pm at the back of the Stainforth Construction Stand, where there will be Live…
Inspectas sponsors multi-generational Yorkshire rounders team
A rounders team which shot to the top of its division during its first season has received a sponsorship boost from property compliance business, Inspectas. The Birkenshaw Blue Dogs rounders team formed in 2022 from a desire by parents to “do something for us” in a male dominated sporting community. Today the team has more…
City of York increases support to rough sleepers with new emergency beds
City of York Council is offering up to 29 extra emergency beds to accommodate rough sleepers this winter. Emergency winter provision is put in place to ensure every rough sleeper has the option of a warm place to stay as the temperature drops and the health risks of sleeping rough increase. York’s emergency winter bed…
Calling all ‘parent champions’ in York
City of York Council is looking for volunteer Parent Champions to help other parents and families in York, as part of the Raise York project. Raise York is the name for the city’s new network of Family Hubs, a project funded by the Department for Education to bring together organisations supporting children, young people and…
National Adoption Week – A portrait of adoption through the generations
City of York Council and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for the York, North Yorkshire and the Humber, are supporting this year’s National Adoption Week (16-22 October). In the North and Humber area there are currently 55 children of all ages, including groups of brothers and sisters, who are waiting for their…
Helmsley Group demonstrates further high street commitment with Big Tent festival sponsorship
Property investment and development specialist, Helmsley Group, has announced its support of the Big Tent Ideas Festival in York. Taking place on Saturday 17th June, the Big Tent Ideas Festival invites political representatives and prominent names in media, business and academia to take part in a wide range of discussions on subjects including devolution, social…
Families enjoy Easter egg-stravaganza at Drax’s Skylark Centre
Hundreds of visitors are joining the fun at the Skylark Nature Reserve this week for a special Easter-themed set of events including egg decorating and a scavenger hunt. The three days of events during the Easter half-term holidays feature activities to suit children of all ages including exploring the science behind the melting points of…
Another £5,000 donated to York’s Special Care Baby Unit by Register Office
The team at City of York Council’s Register Office has raised another £5,000 for York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, thanks to the generosity of new parents in the city, which will benefit the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at York Hospital. Parents registering a birth are offered a folder in which to keep their new…
Charity and social enterprises encouraged to apply for university community research grants worth £54,000
York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice (ISJ), established in 2020 to pursue positive change through research, is now accepting applications for its second year of Community Research Grants. Voluntary, charity and social enterprises (VCSE) can now apply to the innovative scheme that invites community groups to work in partnership with university academics. The…
International project AgriLoop is launched to accelerate the future of circular agriculture by converting residues into high-value, eco-friendly products
Thirty-five academic and private partners from across Europe and China are now working together on the AgriLoop project, which will develop sustainable processes to convert agri-food residues into high-value, eco-friendly products for use in food, feed and bio-based materials. This new collaboration will find new uses for agri-food residues: currently an underexploited resource for both…
Sustainable Hosting that won’t cost the Earth
Sustainable Hosting. One of the easiest but most important changes to make to minimise your online carbon footprint and improve your reputation. Yet it’s a consideration a lot of companies overlook when developing their sustainable strategy. But sustainable hosting doesn’t have to cost the Earth. Neither environmentally nor financially! York based web hosting company, HA,…