Harrogate Town Council to support Harrogate & District Community Action in new volunteering project

Harrogate Town Council has awarded £12,500 to an independent charity in support of a new project to empower young people to take part in volunteering programmes in the town.

The new funding will facilitate a partnership with Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) to introduce the Power of 10 project to Harrogate.

The project encourages young people to complete and celebrate volunteering hours, supporting them to build confidence, wellbeing, skills and employability while helping local organisations to create safe, meaningful and accessible opportunities for young volunteers.

Power of 10 has already demonstrated its impact in Ripon, where young people have collectively contributed thousands of hours of volunteering within their communities.

Building on that success, the new partnership will establish and expand the programme within Harrogate, creating more opportunities for local young people to get involved in community life through volunteering.

Jo Thackray, Power of 10 Project Co-ordinatorat HADCA, said: “Power of 10 has had a fantastic impact in Ripon, giving young people the confidence, skills and sense of achievement that come from making a real difference in their community.

"We’re delighted to bring that success to Harrogate and look forward to seeing young people benefit in the same way.

"We’re very grateful to Harrogate Town Council for its funding, which is making this expansion possible.”

The partnership forms part of the Town Council's Partnership Funding programme and reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people, strengthening community organisations and encouraging greater civic participation.

Through the Council's £12,500 contribution, HADCA will deliver dedicated Power of 10 activity within Harrogate, working with schools, youth organisations, uniformed groups and community organisations across the town.

Representatives of Harrogate Town Council, Harrogate & District Community Action and Ripon Youth Council came together last night at Community House in Harrogate for the presentation of the Partnership Funding cheque to HADCA.

Harrogate Mayor Coun Viv Poskitt said: "Harrogate Town Council is keen to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Harrogate, so we were delighted to be able to partner with HADCA on this project."