Support for charities and groups showcased through events across the region

A roadshow showcasing help and support on offer to communities will be launched this week in the East Riding.

Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Smile Foundation will take a team of people out on a tour of twelve community venues dotted around the region.

They will begin at The Floral Hall in Hornsea on Friday, September 9, and end at the Civic Hall in Cottingham on Friday 25 November.

You can find the full schedule here

The three-hour event, which begins at noon, will give people a taste of a wide variety of free services provided by the voluntary sector and partners.

The tour is organised by Smile’s Community Development Team which has been commissioned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to support community organisations and groups across the county.

The help they give includes governance advice, support through the grant finding and application process; a free equipment hire service and guidance on how to attract and manage volunteers and training.

Steve Haigh, Smile’s Community Development manager, said: “During the pandemic the charity sector was a vital lifeline to communities. We’re now facing a cost-of-living crisis and many people are finding themselves in a serious situation. Our work has never been more relevant, and we want as many charities and community groups as possible to know what we and our partners can help and support them with. Please come and meet us! We are really looking forward to being out on the road.”

Councillor David Elvidge, portfolio holder for Community Empowerment and the Voluntary Sector, for East Riding Council, said: “I think the roadshow is a fantastic idea. It is an opportunity for charities and community groups to learn about exactly what services are on offer and how these could improve their lives and the lives of fellow residents.

“As the cost-of-living increases and we work to recover from the pandemic, East Riding Council is working together with all major stakeholders, including the Smile Foundation, to help people through what is a terrible time. Going along to one of the roadshows is an opportunity for charities and community groups to learn about how we are working together and how they can benefit from this support.

“I will be attending when I can, and I would encourage as many people as possible to do the same”.

The team will be joined by a variety of guests and partners, giving attendees the chance to learn about everything from green social prescribing to digital empowerment. Roadshow guests will vary but all the events will provide opportunities for groups to develop knowledge and skills as we enter the cost of living crisis.