City of York Council Executive approves new Equalities approach
City of York Council’s Executive has endorsed its new ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024-27’, pending the outcome of public consultation. Equality objectives are required as part of meeting the council’s Public Sector Equality Duty and are a core commitment in the approved Council Plan, ‘One City, for all.’ The Executive has also approved that…
£750,000 funding secured to extend and improve Acomb Explore Library
£250,000 has been secured to add to the Council’s committed £500,000 capital investment to extend and redevelop Acomb Explore Library. The additional £250k is the result of a successful application to the Arts Council’s Libraries Improvement Fund. It will support significant upgrades to the popular library learning centre in Acomb to ensure it continues to…
Drax Community fund donates nearly £20k to Yorkshire organisations
First round of funding from the Drax Community Fund will see donations given to 33 organisations across the UK. This includes donations to more than 20 organisations in the Yorkshire area, which deliver STEM education and skills development, enhance green spaces or improve communities. Renewable energy leader, Drax Group has announced the support it will…
New advertising rules to support children’s health
City of York Council is proposing to introduce new advertising rules across York to support children and families with healthy eating. The new advertising policy will be taken to an Executive meeting next week, and aims to restrict high fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) adverts being displayed across the city. The council is following in…
Bradford Bulls Foundation empowers local community clubs and the development of rugby
The Bradford Bulls Foundation continues its mission to revolutionise the landscape of rugby league development, proudly welcoming 19 local Community Clubs for the 2024 season. This initiative underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting grassroots rugby and fostering strong ties within the community. “At the Bradford Bulls Foundation, we believe in the power of rugby…
One In A Million charity launches CHANGE campaign
One In A Million charity is delighted to have been chosen as Mark Cowgill Bradford Chamber of Commerce president’s chosen charity during his two year tenure. Mark invites you to support him with his ‘CHANGE’ campaign. As a local business, we are asking you to join us by signing up today to support our CHANGE…
Bradford Bulls are delighted to become the 1st Rugby League club in the UK to sign up as Muslim Friendly Employers
The Bradford Bulls believe in the power of diversity and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected and appreciated. We have received support and guidance from Muslim Friendly Employers’ CEO Humayun Islam BEM BCAc in recent weeks, with a number of exciting developments still to come from this partnership. Humayun Islam BEM…
St Gemma’s Hospice to stage innovative fundraising appeal
The precious time appeal will see donors get their support instantly doubled On Sunday 21 and Monday 22 April, St Gemma’s Hospice will stage a first for Leeds – an online fundraising appeal using the CharityExtra platform, where donors will have their support instantly doubled. To enable this, the charity has persuaded a group of…
Yorkshire Building Society supports customers and colleagues with hidden disabilities
Yorkshire Building Society has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, showing its support for customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities. It is estimated that around 80% of disabilities are non-visible, including physical, mental, sensory and chronic conditions. Branches and offices will display “We Support the Sunflower” stickers and colleagues have taken part in training. Colleagues…
Candlelighters receive donation of 50 Easter eggs from local housebuilder
Local housebuilder Barratt Developments Yorkshire West has donated Easter eggs to children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters, after hosting a 24-hour Easter egg collection challenge. The housebuilder received generous donations throughout the collection from their employees. The donation to Candlelighters allowed the charity to distribute Easter eggs to patients on the paediatric oncology ward at Leeds General…
New Yorkshire Building Society mortgage helps first-time buyers get on the housing ladder earlier, for just £5k
Yorkshire Building Society is today launching its new and innovative £5k Deposit Mortgage to help tackle one of the biggest issues preventing people from achieving their homeownership dreams. The new mortgage is available directly to customers and via brokers through Accord Mortgages – the lender’s intermediary-only arm. This new and innovative product, believed to be…
Council commits additional £100k to York’s free school meals pilots
An ambitious scheme to run pilots providing free school meals in primary schools in York has received a £100k boost, thanks to a commitment from City of York Council. The authority agreed to allocate a further £100,000 towards the scheme in 2024/25, in addition to the £100,000 provided in 2023/24, at its recent budget meeting….
With video: RISE programme is transforming lives in York
A groundbreaking programme is proving to be life changing for adults who face barriers to employment. RISE (Reducing Inequalities, Supporting Employment) is a support programme that offers one-to-one advice and employability support, empowering those involved to overcome both personal and professional challenges. These include; unemployment, mental health issues, physical health challenges, autism and neurodivergence, financial…
£13k worth of illegal vapes seized by City of York Council’s trading standards
£13k worth of illegal vapes have been seized during ‘Operation Hunter’ by City of York Council’s trading standards team. The team targeted businesses selling oversized e-cigarettes, which are non-compliant because they contain more than 2ml of nicotine liquid. Typically, legal vapes produce no more than 600 puffs. Operation Hunter took place over two days, where…
Partnership delivers digital skills training to over 1,000 people from ethnically diverse communities in Bradford
A partnership to help improve digital and employability skills in Bradford district has celebrated one thousand people completing its programme. The Yorkshire Building Society Digital Skills for Employability in Bradford project is a partnership between the mutual and Good Things Foundation and was established in 2021. The programme aims to provide digital skills training, support…
Bulls partner with Scouts to donate kits to Morocco
Bradford Bulls, in a gesture of goodwill and community spirit, have collaborated with Bradford Scouts to extend a helping hand to communities in Morocco. Through a heartfelt initiative, the Bulls have generously donated playing kits to the Bradford Scouts groups, who, in turn, carried them to Morocco, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie across borders. The partnership between…
Extra pitches planned to meet community’s needs and to improve health
An Executive report being discussed by councillors today will consider how the Council can fulfil its responsibilities to the city’s Gypsy and Traveller Communities on various sites across the city. The Council is landlord for sites at James Street, Osbaldwick and Clifton on which it collects rent for 61 pitches. The draft Local Plan identifies…
Photo story: we will not tolerate domestic abuse in York
Far too many lives are impacted by the devastating effects of domestic abuse – an estimated 32,500 adult victims alone in York and North Yorkshire. A new strategy has been adopted by City of York Council (CYC) with a clear message that we will not tolerate domestic abuse within our region. The strategy will help…
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…
We’re listening – now we’re adding hearing loops to our buses!
For World Hearing Day, Yorkshire-based bus operator Transdev reveals plan to add induction loop technology to help hearing aid users travel with ease Yorkshire-based bus operator Transdev is marking World Hearing Day this Sunday (3 March 2024) by unveiling plans to install hearing loop technology to more than 60 of its buses. Hearing loops, also…
Sustainable Green Globe launches social enterprise to support emerging artists
Sustainable Green Globe, a SME that provides eco-friendly wall art for commercial and residential properties, recently established Sustainable Artist, a social enterprise focused on helping emerging artists advance their careers in the visual art sector. Through Sustainable Artist, Sustainable Green Globe aims to provide support for artists from all backgrounds. Initiatives include skills development workshops,…
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…
Leeds-based Walker Sime delivers social impact at The Barnum
Chamber members Walker Sime, a Leeds-based construction consultancy firm, have played a pivotal role in the successful completion of The Barnum residential project in Nottingham, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and community. Serving as Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, and Employers Agent, the company helped deliver a striking 348-apartment and studio development and…
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…