HADCA Impact Report 2021- 2022

Harrogate & District Community Action

Impact Report 2021 - 2022

Making a Difference Supporting Communities, Charities and Volunteers to make the Harrogate District a great place to live and work

Promoting voluntary and community action in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Masham Boroughbridge & Pateley Bridge

Contents

In 2021-2022 we:

Our Vision, Mission, Aims & Values

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Our Chair: John Fox

4

Our Chief Executive: Frances Elliot MBE

5

Support for Local Community & Social Action

6

‘Where To Turn’ Local Voluntary & Community Sector Information Services

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Support for Local Community Fundraising

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Helping people to stay safe and well at home

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How we are funded

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Who we are Our Staff Team

21

Our Board of Trustees

22

Our Members

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Names in our case studies have been changed.

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Supported 103 organisations to recruit volunteers for 247 different roles

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Connected 141 people at 13 network meetings

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Kept over 1,000 community contacts and local organisations informed and up to date with our weekly e-bulletins

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Linked people to over 800 services and activities supporting wellbeing through our Where To Turn Directory

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Carried out 2,043 shopping trips and prescription collections

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Responded to over 8,700 calls requesting support

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Made 4,191 journeys to help people get out and about

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Provided 2,045 hours of practical support

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Gave 4,275 hours of support to vaccination centres

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Involved volunteers giving 228 hours per week

We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. Thank you.

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Harrogate & District Community Action

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HADCA Chair John Fox It is with mixed feelings that I retire from the Board of HADCA after completing the maximum six year term of service as a Trustee. I am, of course, sad to leave this amazing organisation that I have been part of, but I am proud of what we have achieved in that time, particularly during the last few years.

We have shown how vital local community action is.

The HADCA team have risen to the challenge, with the benefit of their extensive local knowledge, to support local people, manage large numbers of volunteers and connect and collaborate within the community. I encourage you to read the Impact Report highlighting the tremendous work carried out by the HADCA team during the last 12 months.

In 2018 we took over ownership and management responsibility of Harrogate Community House. We thank those philanthropists and generous individuals who had the vision to create a building which offers reasonably priced serviced office accommodation for the voluntary sector and good quality affordable meeting rooms for community activities. We are now home to 15 not-forprofit organisations – a great asset for the local voluntary sector.

We have had another good financial year. Whilst I am delighted that the organisation is in a strong position for the future, the unknown implications of local government reorganisation, the long term impact of the pandemic, coupled with dramatically rising energy prices,

the sharp rise in living costs and the increasing challenges of fundraising, create an air of uncertainty. However, I am sure all local voluntary organisations will be feeling the same way at present and it is important that we are united to support our community at this time. Many people and families are going to find the times ahead very difficult, not just those on Universal Credit or State Pension. We need to be a reassuring presence and signpost people facing difficulty to those who can help them.

I cannot leave the organisation without offering thanks and acknowledgements.

Firstly to my fellow Trustees; I have worked with some great people and would particularly thank those who have supported me in the four years I have had the privilege to act as their Chair. I am delighted to leave HADCA with such a strong board of trustees.

To the amazing HADCA staff team under the leadership of Frances Elliot, who have been through some difficult periods, but who have remained dedicated and committed throughout. To the wonderful volunteers who are often the customer face of HADCA. Thank you for giving your time and energy to support our community.

Thank you to North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and all those who generously fund and support our work; we could not do it without you.

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HADCA Chief Executive: Frances Elliot MBE 2021/22 was the year that we responded to developing needs from our communities at a time when Covid restrictions were still very much part of all planning.

Rather than emergency response, it was about keeping pace with and sharing information about the regularly changing restrictions and the reopening of services.

We also helped people rebuild their confidence to go out after long periods at home. The huge influx of volunteers that happened at the emergency response stage of the pandemic abated, as people understandably wanted to do the things and see the people that they’d been missing.

However, groups involving volunteers are seeing increased demand and therefore connecting and collaborating to save time and enable best use of resources is as important as ever. Having seen generous support for the sector from a range of funders during the emergency stage of the pandemic, we understand that trusts and foundations are now seeing huge numbers of applications and it has been increasingly difficult for groups to secure funding over the past year. This reinforces the importance of The LOCAL FUND and THE LOCAL LOTTO providing much needed support for groups in our area, who can find it harder to compete for some national funds.

This report captures some of the impact we have had on communities, charities and individuals over the past year. It is set out based on our aims listed on page 3.

We hope to demonstrate how the actions of our amazing volunteers and staff team feed in to creating a stronger local community where people are able to access activities, services, advice or connections, enabling them to lead fulfilling and active lives and make a positive contribution to local community life, in line with our vision.

We have had a consistent vision, mission and aims for many years. These were due for review as the pandemic arrived, when strategic review was replaced by emergency response. The year ahead will give us further chance to decide whether this is still the right aspiration, both for our area and for HADCA as an organisation, wanting to support and be a part of a thriving local community.

One factor in our future plans will of course be the impact of local government reorganisation, as both current local authorities are important funders for us.

As detailed arrangements are made clearer, we will seek to review any gaps in provision stemming from this, but also from the longer term effects of the pandemic and the economic challenges our community is facing. Where we are best placed to address the unmet need, we will do so and where there is a more appropriate partner, we will connect and collaborate as always.

A recent survey has shown how much our information services are valued and people and groups regularly turn to us to help navigate their way to the best outcomes for them. Our helicopter view of the area, the connections that exist, and those that we create in order to benefit people with common interests or challenges, have made us uniquely placed, helping people know “Where to Turn” in difficult times.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported us this past year: especially our staff and volunteer team, but also those who have fundraised, donated, given support in kind, shared information about us or provided feedback and ideas for the future.

Aware of rising living costs for everyone, there are many really valuable ways to support a charity or community group that don’t cost anything, but make a real difference. We will continue to use our voice to promote all the ways to contribute in the coming months.

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Support for Local Community and Social Action HADCA supports local voluntary organisations and community groups to strengthen their organisations by being better informed, increasing skills and being more aware of emerging local needs and priorities. We provide opportunities to network, work in partnership, be involved and to influence local decision making.

Connecting and collaborating underpins all our work.

‘HADCA does what it says on the tin, it is all about local community action. The team is very proactive in linking up organisations. Meetings and conversations are always positive and result in new ideas and projects, partnership working and positive outcomes for our communities.’

Through the Connecting Ripon Network we are now working with partners The National Trust and Nidderdale AONB developing the ‘Volunteering City of Ripon’ project, as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Skell Valley Project. The aim is to boost volunteering in the city through a variety of innovative approaches and sharing of good practice. The focus is on working together to create and enable a

‘HADCA makes a world of difference to people's lives. You connect people with activities, you stop social isolation, you share information, you support the community with volunteering, funds and I am only skimming the surface as to what you make a difference to.’

We connected 141 people working in Harrogate district at 14 network meetings.

Connecting Ripon is a thriving partnership group, supported by a small grant from Ripon City Council. This year the network grew to 126 members, representing 68 organisations. Voluntary, community and faith sector organisations work together to strengthen volunteering and community connections in Ripon and surrounding area.

‘HADCA facilitates a sense of community and all being able to be a part of it.’

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sustainable pipeline of young volunteers for the future of volunteering in Ripon.

Harrogate District VCS Chief Officers and Chairs Group is a network of 82 decision makers who share views and opportunities for partnership working. During the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis, meetings are a safe space to share concerns, challenges and ideas.

‘The help that HADCA provides is not offered anywhere else...it is essential for the development of the voluntary sector in the community.’

‘The team at HADCA are a fantastic support and are a great sounding board. I am not alone!’

Support for local community and social action HADCA celebrates and champions volunteering. Local opportunities and the benefits of volunteering are promoted through the HADCA Volunteering Directory, social media, the local media, promotional postcards, booklets of opportunities, partnerships with local organisations and at local community events.

We supported 103 organisations to recruit volunteers for 247 different roles.

Resurrected Bites Our partnership has enabled us reach out to people struggling with the rising cost of living. Our HELP team have attended weekly drop in sessions at community grocery stores in Harrogate and Knaresborough since March 2022, sharing information on energy saving, benefits checks and emergency support. We provided listening skills training to volunteers and staff, promote job and volunteer roles and share food donation requests. Our Community Fit volunteers have tidied the warehouse, enabling more food donations to be received and stored.

‘We are very grateful for and truly value the support from HADCA on so many different levels.

Our grocery members have found the HELP advice sessions very useful and we think over the coming months, their advice will be needed more than ever. The organisation has been flexible and proactive at looking for opportunities to help us, such as arranging a meeting for us with the Harrogate Foodbank and Citizens Advice to look for opportunities for us to work together.’

Michelle Hayes, Resurrected Bites CEO

The regular Harrogate District Volunteer Managers Network newsletter kept 670 local volunteer organisers up to date with resources to recruit, involve and support volunteers effectively.

March 2022 saw the start of a new project aimed at creating a community of people who meet to get active and social whilst giving time to Harrogate’s people and spaces. Community Fit is an NHS funded collaboration between HADCA and North Yorkshire Sport, supported

by Community First Yorkshire.

The first phase of the project has seen weekly group runs to a community project to help out for an hour or so and then run back to Community House. These weekly runs have so far seen the team contribute to indoor and outdoor improvements at local primary schools, a community garden and complete a wide variety of one-off tasks with local charities. Valuable connections are made and repeat visits requested.

The next phase of the project will be training to enable runners to safely help individuals in the community with simple one-off tasks.

‘As well as being a lovely group of people your energy and enthusiasm for completing the tasks was first class!’

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Support for local community and social action HADCA works closely with partners from all sectors to ensure a thriving local voluntary and community sector.

We have a place on the Harrogate District Public Services Leadership Board representing the local voluntary and community sector. We are also active in other local partnerships as opportunities and new needs arise, such as the recently formed Harrogate Ukrainian Support Network. This gives us the opportunity to share learning and issues gleaned from our wide range of connections.

Strong local networks continued to operate virtually and proved invaluable in planning and delivering community support and the re-starting of activities. We also collaborate at a county wide, regional and national level wherever we can see an actual or potential benefit back to our district.

15 charities provide vital community services from Harrogate Community House.

‘We had some outstanding sessions and the Polycom has played a very big part in us continuing as a group. It’s a wonderful addition to a great facility. Thank you to all who make coming to Community House such an enjoyable experience.’

The offices were fully occupied throughout 2021/22 and stayed in use by tenants throughout the lockdowns, following all Covid 19 guidance. We have an ongoing programme of improvements as funds become available, focussed on ensuring a safe environment for everyone and improving energy efficiency.

Through NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Action) we participate in the national VCS Emergency Planning Partnership (VCSEP), which has proved an invaluable source of information to share with our communities.

HADCA supports local voluntary action by providing a hub for local charitable organisations to work and meet.

Harrogate Community House offers reasonably priced office accommodation for charities and good quality affordable meeting space for a variety of community activities.

‘We genuinely wouldn’t have been able to have grown the charity as we have if we hadn’t been based at Community House.’

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Our reception team meet and greet a wide range of visitors and callers with a warm welcome and helpful information and advice. The Information Centre holds literature on local activities and services.

‘Thanks for your detailed response to my call. I now have several relevant things I can put my mind to.

Just what I needed; to know where to focus next.’

‘Where To Turn’

local voluntary and community sector information services We provide a wide range of information including funding, networking and learning opportunities. We promote voluntary sector services, activities, events, news, jobs and volunteering opportunities via our weekly e-bulletin and extensive networks.

The HADCA weekly e-bulletin kept over 1,000 local community contacts up to date.

Our bulletins, which moved from fortnightly to weekly at the start of the pandemic, continue weekly to keep local charity and community contacts up to date. This was helpful as guidance changed and activities re-started.

At the start of the crisis in Ukraine in February, information was quickly collated and shared, identifying the best ways to help and how to keep informed. HADCA continues to update this resource weekly with information for Ukrainian families, their hosts and potential hosts in the local area.

Our online Directories are at the heart of our information service. We work hard to keep them up to date, accurate and widely promoted so that they are the first port of call for people looking to get involved.

‘What an amazing and action packed bulletin! It has a local focus making it relevant, useful and informative.’

‘Its a massive help, particularly during COVID and the Ukraine Crisis - as soon as I receive the bulletin I get the info that I feel would help staff and I share with the team.’

‘It’s so important what you do - everyone who has a front line role in Harrogate should be aware of this bulletin.’

‘The HADCA bulletin is the most useful, interesting email I receive all week - I look forward to it!’ coming!

We promoted 274 events, 165 charity jobs and 824 charity services and community activities supporting good health and wellbeing through our website and networks.

‘A comprehensive directory, spanning lots of things; a trusted first place.’

‘Instant information, contacts, linking with other voluntary agencies...joining up the local voluntary sector.’

‘I have nowhere else I can think of to turn for help so you have just made my day. Thank you again for your help, this means so much to me.’

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Where To Turn information services We are active on social media promoting community action every day, with over 4,500 twitter followers. We also have strong links with the local media, contributing two monthly columns to highlight the work of charities and volunteers in the local newspapers.

420,100 tweet views in 2021/22 @HADCAcharity

Our Volunteering Directory helps people find local volunteering roles to match their interests, availability, location and needs. We have booklets too for people who are not online or prefer to browse this way.

‘Going through what was on offer in the Directory helped to focus in on what might suit me, my interests, capabilities, skills and experience, and on what I could gain from the opportunity.

Having filled out the short enquiry form for my chosen charity shop role, I was contacted in less than 24 hours by the Shop Manager who offered me a ‘Taster’ slot at my convenience. It went well and I now feel part of the team. The activity is turning out to be sociable and beneficial for me as well as for others.’

‘We have always appreciated your support and kindness whether it's sharing volunteering opportunities or giving advice.’

37 people participated in 5 online Introduction Sessions.

These connected new colleagues from statutory and voluntary organisations, as well as local residents and businesses. Health and care professionals became more aware of local voluntary sector services and how to signpost and refer. 100% of attendees found the session valuable and would recommend a colleague to attend.

‘Excellent session giving a great overview of the breadth and depth of HADCA's work - connecting communities and direct support to individuals within those communities.’

Over 23,500 website page views per month.

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Support for local community fundraising We work in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Two Ridings Community Foundation to provide THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District.

Together our ambition is to build a substantial endowment fund that can be easily accessed by local charities to help them meet the needs of local people.

In July 2021, £46,831 was distributed to 19 projects across the Harrogate District.

The focus for grants in 2021/22 was on helping to restart services and activities so people could reconnect, feel well and start getting their lives back after the pandemic. Resurrected Bites launched their community grocery store, supporting people on low incomes sourced from food intercepted from going to waste.

‘THE LOCAL FUND is all about addressing hidden needs, like loneliness and mental health. It’s so important there is a dependable fund for small groups that make such a massive impact. The fund supports them and they in turn support so many local people; 15,295 in 2021 alone.’

In partnership, we also support and promote THE LOCAL LOTTO for the Harrogate District, both to good causes and players.

THE LOCAL LOTTO, which launched in 2018 and is operated by Harrogate Borough Council, is played by more than 1,000 people who have collectively won more than £50,000, supporting over 100 local good causes.

‘We are proud to be a LOCAL LOTTO beneficiary.

We benefit monthly from supporters who have chosen us, giving a regular, reliable income.’

THE LOCAL LOTTO has raised over £200,000 for good causes in the Harrogate District.

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Helping people to stay safe & well at home supported by volunteers Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP) & HELP Ripon & Rural The challenges of living alone can be overwhelming for many people in our community, especially when they are in frail physical health or experiencing poor mental health. HELP offers services to support people on a practical and emotional level to stay safe and well at home and remain connected with their communities.

We have helped rebuild social connections lost during the pandemic, supported people to become more mobile and to overcome barriers to getting back out and about.

Our dedicated staff and committed volunteers have faced another challenging year but have used their wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to ensure people are well supported, whatever their circumstance, situation or location.

At HELP we recognise that people may have complicated lives and multiple needs, potentially benefiting from several of our services. Where we can’t directly support them, our Here to HELP service can signpost them to other people or services which can.

We continue to measure the impact of our work, listen to what people want and adapt our support to everchanging needs during such an uncertain time. Above all we remain committed to providing a service which continues to be affordable and accessible.

Thank you to all our volunteers who make such a difference to so many people’s lives and to the organisations and individuals who have so generously supported our work this year.

‘I love volunteering with HELP, the main benefit is seeing the pleasure Driving Force brings to people.

‘I feel I can make a difference for passengers, particularly those who live in more remote areas.’

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‘I have really enjoyed meeting lots of different people and have made some lovely new friends.’

‘Volunteering as a vaccination centre marshal boosted my own mental health having been made redundant. It gave me a sense of purpose.’

Helping people to stay safe and well at home Our Help at Home service provides practical support around the home and garden to improve people’s living environments and make their space safe and accessible.

‘It’s an absolutely fantastic service, I’d be lost without it! I am particularly pleased that you provide help for small tasks as well as large.’

Gary’s story Gary became a telephone befriender at the start of the pandemic. He had previously had a very active life and a full time job. Sadly Gary became very poorly, losing his speech and some of his mobility. Gary had to give up work and found himself housebound with nothing to do. He felt volunteering might help him get back to normal life, help his confidence and aid his recovery.

Gary was matched with a gentleman who was feeling isolated. He was supported in his role and mentored in listening skills. Gary has continued the calls on a regular basis and they have built up a great relationship.

As Gary was interested in outdoor volunteering, we let him know about local opportunities. After volunteering at a garden and training centre for people with learning disabilities he was offered a part time paid job. His speech, mobility and confidence have vastly improved and he is very content in his current situation.

Following the lockdowns, the team were helping more people with overgrown gardens, decluttering and moving furniture to make space for hospital beds and equipment. We were also able to restart our larger indoor jobs, with Covid risk assessments in place, decorating people’s homes, doing repairs and odd jobs.

In 2021-22, the Help at Home staff and volunteer team provided 2,045 hours of practical support preventing falls and reducing worry.

‘Massive thank you for sending Andy over to refit the cupboard door that was hanging off its hinges, he did a marvellous job. He was courteous, professional and kind. You are so important to us, you are a lifeline.’

‘The support that I have received has been wonderful. I am not at all worried to get in touch with HELP and feel they are part of the family.’

Over half of the people we help turned to us as they didn’t know who else to trust.

‘The HELP Team are so professional and efficient that it is a great pleasure to volunteer for them.’

Help at Home Often it’s the smallest tasks around the home that can cause the most concern. A lightbulb that needs replacing or a carpet that needs securing becomes a safety concern for many who are living independently and can no longer maintain their own property.

92% of people we help think it’s important we ask for donations rather than charging a fixed fee and 76% like having the option to contribute what they can afford.

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Helping people to stay safe and well at home John’s story John has dementia and lives independently with support from his daughter. John has a large garden that had become very overgrown with branches growing into his conservatory. His daughter was unable to afford a gardener and her own health conditions meant she was not able to help.

The Help at Home team and volunteers from Crowne Plaza Hotel spent a day clearing the garden, cutting back the bushes making it a safe space for John to enjoy.

John’s daughter called to thank us and to say that John had opened his bedroom curtains again for the first time in ages, so he could look out and enjoy his ‘new’ garden.

Our friendly volunteer drivers use their own cars to help people get to where they need or want to be. But it’s not just the practical support people appreciate. Our volunteers are a friendly face, a listening ear and a reassuring presence for many who are nervous about getting out and about during the Covid recovery period.

‘I have the greatest respect for my volunteer as he went out of his way to help – he was absolutely wonderful, it lifted my heart in a way it hasn’t been lifted for over a year.’

‘I have found the support so helpful and important, and the volunteers are friendly and reliable.’

‘Active’ Travel

Driving Services Driving Force and Ripon & Rural Voluntary Car Driving Service are a lifeline for people who would otherwise struggle to get out and about. Transport can often be the biggest barrier to accessing medical appointments and social activities that link you with your community.

‘Your drivers were always courteous and made Dad feel a real gentleman.’

‘I think you provide an excellent service. Good office and communications, always cheerful.

Brilliant, safe drivers.’

Our volunteer drivers supported people with nearly 4,200 journeys.

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Our volunteer drivers in Harrogate help people with Parkinson’s disease to stay active. Six members of the local Parkinsons UK group are transported to various activities each week including an exercise group, a golf rehab group and Dancing for Wellbeing classes.

Our drivers also provide transport for Parkinson’s related hospital appointments. These journeys are coordinated and funded by Parkinsons UK and, by using Driving Force, the group can make their money go further and support more people. The passengers can be reassured of a trusted service and a friendly face.

‘Because Driving Force charge a lot less than taxis, more people can go to classes. Your drivers are always on time and help the person to get in and out of the car. All in all, a great service.’

Christine Taylor, Parkinsons UK

Helping people to stay safe and well at home During the year we supported 253 people with journeys for the first time.

The demand for our service has steadily increased within the year with people gaining and as hospitals and GPs catch up with a backlog of appointments. Our drivers continue to help older people access their Covid and flu vaccination appointments.

Nearly three quarters of journeys in Ripon were for medical or health related appointments.

Befrienders flag up issues where they are concerned about deteriorating mental or physical health and this triggers a chain of support where our team provides direct assistance or referrals to medical, statutory or other voluntary organisations.

53% of people say meeting their befriender is the only chance they get to socialise.

‘I so look forward to Brenda coming on a Friday. I can speak to her about anything.’

Ripon and Rural Befriending Service A lack of confidence following the enforced lockdowns has left many older people feeling lonely and forgotten.

People we support tell us they can still go days without seeing or speaking to anyone and feel like prisoners in their own homes.

Unsurprisingly this had a knock-on effect on mental and physical wellbeing with people experiencing practical and emotional barriers to re-joining their community.

‘My befriender lifts me up when I’m feeling so down. They help me with odd jobs such as tidying wires and understanding utilities and bills online. I was utterly depressed before I met you and my volunteer, I’m not now.’

Our befriending volunteers provided regular conversation and companionship for over 80 people, with home visits and phone calls. People need an impartial listener, a friendly ear and the knowledge they are not alone. Our volunteers provide this reassurance.

‘My befriender is easy to talk to and has a broad knowledge and a good sense of humour. I am extremely grateful for the care and compassion I’ve received from you all at HELP.’ Our service is not time limited, which helps to ensure longer term changes in wellbeing will be noticed .

The social isolation experienced by people we support has made some of their needs very complex so extra support from HELP staff team has been crucial in ensuring these people don’t slip through the net.

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Helping people to stay safe and well at home Catherine’s story Catherine was in a vulnerable position without support due to complex needs and family dynamics. After a long stay in hospital, Catherine needed extra support and care to continue to live independently at home.

Assisted by our staff team, our befriender has been instrumental in organising support with carers and local services, and provided ongoing emotional support as Catherine’s situation meant she was restricted to living in one room.

When the care agency couldn’t continue to provide care, Catherine was in a vulnerable position and fearful of not having anyone to take over day to day care visits.

We helped in placing adverts and provided moral support through recruitment of a new care team, arranging installation of a stair lift, helping to prepare for taxi journeys to medical appointments and coordinating decorating via our Help at Home service.

Information and signposting A significant barrier to accessing support in the local community is simply not knowing what is out there.

Our Here to HELP information and signposting service aims to overcome these barriers and provide people with a place to find out ‘where to turn’, in addition to our online HADCA directory of the same name.

We significantly increased our face to face support by launching a drop in at Resurrected Bites Community Groceries in Harrogate and Knaresborough, where we provide information to those struggling financially. We started drop ins at Bilton Community Library and Ripon Library and continued our important telephone support.

This provides a stepping stone to help people to help themselves. We are able to draw on our large network of contacts within the charity sector, NHS and statutory services to ensure people don’t slip through the gap.

We provided information to 327 people, referring 23 people to the Green Doctor for support with fuel bills and saving energy.

Amy’s story Amy, who has severe anxiety, was referred to us by Harrogate Borough Council as she was experiencing financial difficulties due to benefit payments changing.

Amy had just 50p on her gas and electricity to last for a week and no money for food for herself and her son.

We arranged an emergency food box, a £30 emergency top of gas and electricity and made an application to The Local Assistance Fund for food and fuel vouchers.

Amy was also given information about ‘Warm and Well’ for support with sorting out her fuel payments.

Many people we support are not digitally connected and prefer the reassurance of a phone call or a letter. During 2021-2022 we provided information around energy saving, fuel poverty, the Priority Services Register for utilities, emergency food provision as well as our biannual newsletter.

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When we spoke to Amy a couple of weeks later, we found out her financial situation had changed again as Universal Credit were taking £70 a month to pay for arrears on her water bill and ongoing costs. We referred her to Citizens Advice and Turn2Us for a benefits maximisation check and arranged for a local Italian restaurant to provide a meal for her and her son which was delivered by one of our volunteers.

Helping people to stay safe and well at home ‘After losing my wife through illness I lost my world. Just recently I was contacted by Ceri through a letter through my door, she lifted my spirits by organising one of your volunteers who helped me get my TV reception back!’

Covid support & vaccination centre marshalling

Volunteers in Harrogate supported wellbeing by making befriending calls to people they had got to know during lockdown. Some of these connections still continue.

‘It’s lovely to have a laugh and talk about silly things at this really difficult time. It helps me to look forward to the future.’

We continued our support as the Community Support Organisation for Harrogate town and worked alongside Ripon Community House, the Community Support Organisation in Ripon.

Although numbers decreased due to people returning to work, our volunteers were dedicated to helping people in practical ways as we emerged from the third lockdown in April 2021.

Elaine’s story Elaine had used our Help at Home service and turned to us when lockdown lifted as she was lacking the confidence to venture out by herself. Elaine has balance and eyesight problems and had lost her husband.

Elaine requested an accompanied trip to a café to see how she felt being in public. We arranged for a husband and wife team of volunteers to take her for a coffee at Horticap. The outing went very well, and Elaine felt much more confident about being out with support for shopping and socialising. Since then, the volunteers have accompanied Elaine on over 20 occasions, supporting her to build her confidence and enabling her to reconnect with her community.

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Helping people to stay safe and well at home In the year 165 volunteer marshals helped at 77 vaccination centre shifts providing 4,275 hours of support. We continue to support Covid and Flu vaccination programmes.

Social activities Friendship Club To address the issue of decreasing mobility as a result of the pandemic, we launched a new weekly Ripon Friendship & Exercise Club in August 2021, attended by 28 people. This winter people will be able to enjoy hot soup and a roll at the Club too.

‘I am so pleased I came to Friendship Club. I have made the loveliest friend who’s so supportive.’

‘We enjoy coming and look forward to seeing people. The exercise is good for us and I feel that we benefit from it.’

Our befriending team issue a quarterly local interest magazine which combines targeted information to keep people up to date with changes to local services and information about where to turn for support, as well as articles written by or about our volunteers and the people they visit.

We were also delighted to restart our trips to local garden centres and places of interest with the support of the Happy Wanderers.

Craft Group Our Craft Group is a great example of beginning to adopt the Asset Based Community Development model which recognises that everyone has something to contribute to their community. Our members and volunteers are all crafters bringing skills and opportunities to the group.

Jenny’s story Jenny experienced poor mental health and lives out of town. She needed help to get to appointments. Her needs were complex and a falling out with her family meant that she was in a very vulnerable situation.

Communication could be complicated and challenging and setting up volunteer car journeys was hard as Jenny wasn’t always in a position to respond.

During the pandemic we kept in touch as we knew Jenny was on her own. She accepted our help of regular food deliveries and a relationship started to grow.

When the Friendship Club started we encouraged Jenny to come along. Shy at first, she eventually came out of herself and really enjoyed the Club and other events we put on. Jenny says she’s much happier now than when we started supporting her.

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Harrogate Centres for Voluntary Harrogate&&Ripon District Community Action Service

The group continued to meet on Zoom throughout the pandemic but as restrictions relaxed, members were encouraged to start meeting face to face with support from the HELP staff and volunteer team.

‘I would not have coped very well during lockdown without my befriender. The craft zooms also helped me a lot.’

Helping people to stay safe and well at home Doreen’s story We had been helping Doreen, who has dementia and mobility issues, to get to church and to the supermarket whilst her daughter was ill with Covid.

After Doreen attended Craft Group, her daughter rang to say how she enjoyed it and was looking forward to the next one. At the group, Doreen walked without her walker. Her daughter said she enjoyed it so much she had forgotten her pain temporarily. Her mood had improved so much she was able to go grocery shopping happily, which was not usually the case.

Fundraising We welcomed the return of face to face events and were delighted to receive unexpected donations from groups and individuals who had heard about our Covid support work. A team took part in the postponed Nidderdale Walk, raising over £1,000 for HELP.

Partnership working The challenges we have faced over the last couple of years have only been overcome thanks to people working together and pooling resources, knowledge and skills for the wider benefit of the community. We know that by working in partnership we can achieve more and make precious resources go further.

Cathedral Community Connections HELP Ripon & Rural is one of 8 charities chosen as Ripon Cathedral’s C3 partners, linking the cathedral’s work with the local community. Their volunteer guides were receiving an increasing number of visitors seeking solace, company and a chance to chat following isolation during the pandemic. We provided seven members of the team with listening skills training so they felt better prepared for people wanting to talk, and also a list of activities, groups and helplines for signposting.

Crowne Plaza

Washburn Heritage Centre HELP was chosen as the nominated ‘charity of the year’

by Washburn Heritage Centre in March 2020 but with the Centre closed for most of the year, it was agreed to keep the partnership running into 2021. Its popular tea room opens its doors to visitors at the weekends and raises money for charity by the donation of its cake makers’ expenses. Over the two year period, the volunteers at Washburn donated over £570.

We were delighted that Crowne Plaza Hotel approached us in 2021 to offer support in kind for the year ahead. So far their fantastic team has provided function rooms for volunteer training and team meetings, helped stuff envelopes for our newsletter and spent two days gardening with our Help at Home team. They also hosted a Jubilee Afternoon Tea for people we support, our first get together following the pandemic.

All Together Now This local community choir were delighted to perform once again and organised a number of events including a ‘Singing in the Taproom’ gig at Roosters. Their annual festive singing on Knaresborough Waterside raising £312 for HELP. Harrogate & District Community Action

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How we are funded Income Donations and legacies Community Action activities

Networks and Events Service Delivery Investment income Total income

2022

2021

£48,018

£67,918

£111,693

£109,780

£4,640

£3,222

£269,560

£277,878

£17

£46

£433,928

£458,844

Expenditure Community Action activities

Networks and events Service delivery projects Costs of Generation Funds Total expenditure

Income for community action activities Income for community services delivery Investment income, fees and donations

HADCA Expenditure 2021/22 Support for Voluntary and Community Action

£95,137

£88,850

£5,540

£2,672

£322,342

£327,915

£980

£808

£423,999

£420,245

HADCA finished the year with an overall surplus of £9,929.

This was made up of surpluses of £32,318 within unrestricted funds and losses of £22,389 within restricted funds.

Total income was £433,928 (£458,844 in 2020/21).

Our expenditure in the period was £423,999 (£420,245 in 2020/21).

The trustees were pleased with the overall results.

Thank you to the following for their financial support: The main sources of funding were via the Wellbeing and Prevention contract with North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) and vital annual funding support from Harrogate Borough Council for community action activities.

Income was also received from NYCC to support our Covid-19 work as a Community Support Organisation.

We are extremely grateful to all the trusts, community groups, and organisations who have provided us with the funds necessary to carry out our work in 2021/22.

In addition to these funds, HADCA receives income for its various services from donations from individuals and charges for some support services.

Thank you to everyone who has supported HADCA and HELP this year.

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HADCA Income 2021/22

Harrogate Centres for Voluntary Harrogate&&Ripon District Community Action Service

Networks and Events

Projects supporting people to stay safe and well at home

Thank you to the following for their financial support: All Together Now Community Choir Asda Bellway Homes Caroline & Stuart Baldwin Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust Community Partnering Fund Coop Community Fund Councillors Don Mackenzie, Matt Scott, Michael Harrison and Richard Cooper (NYCC Locality Budgets) Evan Cornish Foundation Forrester Family Trust Hampsthwaite Wednesday Group Harrogate Beer Week Holy Trinity Church Ripon Knit & Natter Group Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation NHS One Stop Stores Procter & Gamble UK Presence Church Ripon Cathedral Ripon City Club Ripon City Council Robert McAlpine Foundation Rotary Club of Harrogate Saints Plant Stall St James’ Place Charitable Foundation Stonebridge Community Foundation Stray Notes Swinton Estate Charitable Trust The Brelms Trust CIO The LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District TK Maxx & Homesense Foundation Two Ridings Community Foundation Washburn Heritage Centre.

Who we are October 2022

The HADCA Staff Team Frances Elliot Karen Weaver Angela Jones Val Longley Phil Newby Joanne Ploix Carole Ramsden Carol Rowe Julie Boothman Jo Thackwray

Chief Executive Strategic Lead (Community Action) Information & Communications Officer Support Worker (Admin) Finance Officer Support Worker (Admin) Support Worker (Admin) Finance Assistant Support Worker (Admin) Volunteering City of Ripon Project Co-ordinator

HADCA services supporting people to live independently at home:

HELP (Harrogate Easier Living Project) Lizzie Hughes Katie Lee Anna Glazier

HELP Ripon and Rural Ceri Naylor Susan Wells Nicola Woolfenden Debra Jones Alison Bradley

Service Co-ordinator Service Support Worker Service Support Workers and Voluntary Car Schedulers Administrator

Goodbye and thank you to those staff & volunteers who have left us during the past year Anna Woollven Christine Turner Clare Pascall Kevin Kelsey Laura Crossley

Project Development Worker Service Co-ordinator Property Manager Service Support Worker & Vaccine Marshal Supervisor Service Support Worker

Development Manager Community Fundraising & Marketing Assistant Community Fit Task Organiser

Harrogate based services Service Co-ordinator Jen Sonley Service Support Workers Andy Storr Richard Warburton Sarah Addison Service Support Worker and Voluntary Car Scheduler Morag Bennett Vaccine Marshal Supervisors Jayne Mitchell Harrogate & District Community Action

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HADCA Board of Trustees Representatives of Member Organisations John Fox

Friends of Harrogate Hospital Chair

Ian Bergel

Washburn Heritage Centre Vice Chair

Caroline Shead

Macmillan Cancer Support

Thank you also to those trustees who have served on the Board during the year Kevin Douglas

Harrogate & District Cycle Action (Vice Chair to October 2021)

Maurice Bull

Rotary Club of Harrogate

From October 2021: Alistair Ratcliffe Rotary Club of Harrogate

Ruth Newton

Sharow & Copt Hewick PCC

James Plummer

The Avalon Group

Beverly Richardson Co-opted trustee

Phyl Hughes

Ripon Cathedral

Independent Auditor

Individual Members Helen Bourner From October 2021: Ann Allen Victoria Pilkington

J W P Creers Genesis 5 Church Lane Heslington York YO10 5DQ

Representative of Statutory Partner Sam Gibbs

Harrogate Borough Council

Our Trustee James says: ‘It has been a fantastic first year getting to know the team, and the people HADCA supports. I’m proud to have been part of HADCA and proud of the charity’s work developing and growing local services that mean so much to people. It’s a charity built on passion and dedication to our communities, and that’s why it makes, and will continue to make, an enormous positive difference.’

Our Trustee Alistair says: ‘I was made very welcome and given valuable support in getting up to speed with the impressive portfolio of services HADCA provides.

I am deeply impressed with the professionalism, commitment, and the proactive approach of the HADCA team in making the most of opportunities in changing times.’

Thank you to our Individual Members, including those from the following organisations: Barchester Healthcare Belmont House Care Home Carefound Home Care Goldsborough Hall Harrogate Borough Council Home Instead Harrogate Ann Allen, Olga Allinson, Helen Ashworth, Helen Bourner, Jane Brown, Charlotte Butcher, Chris Brackley, Sharron Cooney, Nicki Eyre, Hannah Gostlow, Catherine Jackson, Harriet Macleod, Jack Newby, Mandy Partridge, Victoria Pilkington, Daniel Rhodes, Joe Starmer, Lindy Webb, Louise Wilson, Kieran Young.

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Harrogate Centres for Voluntary Harrogate&&Ripon District Community Action Service

HADCA Members Thank you to the following organisations for supporting us: Abbeyfield (Ripon & District) Society Ltd Action for Children Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show Alzheimers Society Ark Ripon Arkendale Community Hall Artizan International ASBAH (North & West Yorkshire) Autism Angels Autism Plus Avalon Group Badapple Theatre Company Balance Wellness Centre Barca Better Connect Bilton & Woodfield Community Library Group Black Swan Bowling Club Boroughbridge & District Community Care Boroughbridge Feathers Badminton Club Boroughbridge Junior Football Club British Heart Foundation British Red Cross British Thyroid Foundation Canal And River Trust Candlelighters Carers’ Resource Catholic Care Chain Lane Community Hub Chapel of our Lady of the Crag Christ Church Community Centre Claro Enterprises Cliff House Community Support Services Compass Copt Hewick Village Hall Craven & Harrogate District Citizens Advice Dalesbus Ramblers Dancing For Wellbeing Dechen Buddhist Centre Dementia Forward Dignity Through Education Disability Action Yorkshire (DAY) Downs Syndrome North Yorkshire Essential Needs Fairfax Wellbeing Community Hub Farming Community Network Fearby and Healey Village Hall Friends of Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity Friends of Ripon Hospitals Friends of the Library in Knaresborough (FOLK) Friends of Valley Gardens Gracious Street Methodist Church (COGS) Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Happy Wanderers Harlow Community Centre Association Harrogate & District Cats Protection Harrogate & District Cycle Action Harrogate & District Neighbourhood Watch Association Harrogate & District Parkinsons Harrogate & District Sea Cadets Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library Harrogate Amateur Bowling Association Harrogate Baptist Church Harrogate Choral Society Harrogate District Biodiversity Action Group (HDBAG) Harrogate District of Sanctuary Harrogate District Over Fifties Forum Harrogate Fairtrade

Harrogate District Foodbank Harrogate Dramatic Society Harrogate Gateway Football Club Harrogate Heart Support Group Harrogate Homeless Project Harrogate Hub Harrogate International Festivals Harrogate Lions Club Harrogate District MIND Harrogate Neighbours Housing Association Harrogate Rethink Support Group Harrogate Theatre Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation Harrogate Women’s Project Headway Harrogate and District Healthwatch North Yorkshire Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Henshaws Humanist UK IDAS - Independent Domestic Abuse Services In2Out Jennyruth Workshops Killinghall Village Hall Trust Knaresborough Museum Association Leeds Federated Housing Association Leonard Cheshire Lifeline (Harrogate) Ltd Lime Tree Farm Earth & Sky CIC Lower Ure Conservation Trust Macmillan Cancer Support Martin House Children’s Hospice Masham Town Hall Community Charity Mashamshire Community Office MHA MNDA Yorkshire Dales Branch MS Society (Harrogate Branch) National Trust - Fountains Abbey New Light Nidderdale Plus North Yorkshire Horizons North Yorkshire Rotters North Yorkshire Sport North Yorkshire Youth NSPCC Oatlands Community Group Ohana Open Country Opening Minds Training and Consultancy Orb Community Enterprise Our Angels Charity & Support Group Out and About in Yorkshire (U3A) Oxfam Pannal Village Hall Paperworks PATH Yorkshire PCC Bilton St John & St Luke PhysioNet Pinewoods Conservation Group Presence Church (Harrogate) Pride in Diversity Rainton With Newby Village Hall Re4M Reflect Remap - Harrogate, Knaresborough & Ripon Panel Renaissance Knaresborough Resurrected Bites CIC Resurrection Bikes RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Ripon Cathedral Ripon Community House Ripon Community Link Ripon Girl Guiding Division Ripon Library Action Group Ripon Museums Trust Ripon Parkinsons Support Group Ripon Salvation Army Ripon YMCA Road Safety Talks Rotary Club of Harrogate Rotary Club of Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Club of Ripon RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch Saint Michael's Hospice Samaritans Harrogate and District SASH Scope Scuba Diving For All Sharow & Copt Hewick PCC Shelter Soroptimist International of Harrogate & District SpeakWithIT St Cecilia Youth Orchestra St Mark’s Church St Mary Magdalen’s & St John’s Bondgate Trusts St Peter's Church, Harrogate St Wilfrids RC Church Starbeck Community Library Starbeck in Bloom Stockeld Park Riding for the Disabled Stroke Association Supporting Older People Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide The Jordan Legacy CIC The Unity Time For God Time Together Tu Vida Tockwith Community Hub Two Ridings Community Foundation Vacation Chamber Orchestras Vision Support Centre (Harrogate District) Washburn Heritage Centre Wellspring Therapy and Training Wesley Centre White Rose Sailing Association Whixley & District Community Cricket & Sports Club Whixley Village Hall Wilf Ward Family Trust Willow Tree Primary School PTFA Women of Faith Today Yorkshire Cancer Community Yorkshire Cancer Research Yorkshire MESMAC Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Zero Carbon Harrogate

Why Not Join Us? Be part of a network with a shared sense of community. We are working together to enable people to benefit from leading fulfilling and active lives and to make a positive contribution to local community life.

HADCA membership is free. hadca.org.uk/HADCA-Membership

Harrogate & District Community Action

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Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) Tel: (01423) 504074 E-mail: hadca@hadca.org.uk www.hadca.org.uk Community House 46 - 50 East Parade Harrogate HG1 5RR Community House Sharow View Allhallowgate Ripon HG4 1LE Donate: www.hadca.org.uk/donate

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www.hadca.org.uk Harrogate & Area Council for Voluntary Service Limited Company limited by guarantee Registered in England and Wales Registered Charity No. 1144758 Company No.7760477

Affiliated to the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)

Harrogate Borough Council and Ripon City Council financially contribute to the provision of support to charities and volunteers in Harrogate District. North Yorkshire County Council financially contribute to our services to support people in the community.