NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) plays a vital role in supporting organisations that strive to make a positive impact on their communities. York CVS have supported five local organisations to receive funding from NAVCA and here we highlight how they utilised the funds to create meaningful change.
- Foxwood Community Centre: Amount Received: £1,000
Foxwood Community Centre expresses its gratitude to York CVS for their support in obtaining a grant. The organisation used a portion of the funding to enhance their Friday Hub, providing a warm space and access to health and advice for community members. The grant allowed them to expand their menu, offer free lunches to financially struggling individuals, and extend heating hours. Moreover, the funds facilitated additional resources for adult and children activities during school holidays, fostering community participation.
Image courtesy of Foxwood Community Centre
- York Community Energy: Amount Received: £1,000
York Community Energy dedicated the £1,000 NAVCA grant to providing direct energy-related support to vulnerable residents in York. Targeting individuals with low incomes, including refugees, and those with additional vulnerability criteria, the organisation addressed various energy-related needs. Measures such as making homes warmer, reducing condensation and mould, and clearing energy debts to reactivate gas prepayment meters were implemented. The funds were used to purchase essential items like thermal curtains, dehumidifiers, clothes airers, rugs, and gas meter top-ups, benefiting four individuals and their families.
Image courtesy of York Energy Advice
- The Recycle Project: Amount Received: £1,000
Thanks to the £1,000 grant from NAVCA, The Recycle Project facilitated eight workshops, providing over 25 people with the opportunity to learn new skills in furniture upcycling, woodworking, and bike maintenance. These workshops not only gave valuable knowledge but also fostered community engagement, encouraging conversations and the establishment of new connections. The funding allowed participants to enjoy a welcoming environment while acquiring practical skills and experiencing personal growth.
Image courtesy of The Recycle Project
- Door 84: Amount Received: £1,000
With the funding from NAVCA, Door 84 successfully ran the Community Cafe, serving as a warm and welcoming space for the community. The cafe offered free food to avoid waste, subsidised products through Fairshare, and access to advice and support on housing, benefits, health services, and family support. With an average of 40 community members benefiting weekly, the Community Cafe became a vital hub for the community. Notably, Door 84 collaborated with Social Enterprise Pantry Parcels and Enactus York to provide food security and energy support, including a slow cooker demonstration project and energy-saving advice.
Image courtesy of Door 84
- Refugee Action York (RAY): Amount Received: £1,000
RAY utilised the Cost of Living Funding to launch their Clothing Bank, primarily serving asylum seekers in York. This essential resource allows individuals to choose appropriate clothing for different seasons while promoting the reuse of donated items. The funding covered expenses such as venue hire, setup costs, and transportation of clothes to the Clothing Bank. The Clothing Bank not only provides essential items but also empowers customers by involving them in running the store and engaging asylum seekers as volunteers.
Image courtesy of Refugee Action York
The NAVCA grants have provided invaluable support to organisations like Foxwood Community Centre, York Community Energy, The Recycle Project, Door 84, and Refugee Action York (RAY). Through their diverse initiatives, these organisations have made an impact on their communities. From providing warm spaces, nutritious meals, and access to essential resources to promoting energy efficiency, skill development, and support for vulnerable populations, the NAVCA funding has enabled these organisations to create positive change and empower individuals.
Here at York CVS we help local organisations within the VCSE sector to find grants, funding and offer support in various other ways. If you are looking for help, please get in touch with Jane – jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk.