A series of drop-ins showcasing help and support on offer to communities will take place in the East Riding.

HEY Smile Foundation will be visiting village halls and community centres around the region starting in Driffield on Thursday, May 4, between 11am and 2pm.

Other locations that will form part of the tour of twelve venues include Bridlington, Old Goole and Withernsea to name but a few.

The tour is organised by Smile’s Community Development Team, which offers practical support to charities and groups including governance advice and offering guidance through the grant making process.

Sophie Bartup, Smile Community Development Manager, said: “We are going on a journey to reach out to people to show them how we can help them. Charities and groups have had a difficult winter, many are focused on surviving the cost-of-living crisis. We have lots of tools that can help them. Our staff are experts and we want them to help organisations be the very best they can be. The drop-ins will be running throughout the year, and we hope to see lots of people there, so come and join us!”

The Drop-ins will also provide a brilliant opportunity to find out about volunteering.

The Community Development Team will be supported by Ellie Goodyear from Time2Volunteer, which operates a website that unites volunteers with opportunities to work for charities and groups. Smile’s Volunteer Project Manager Ellie will be on hand to offer expert guidance on volunteering.

Ellie explained: “I will be able to talk to people about everything from becoming a volunteer to how organisations can recruit and train volunteers. We are really excited that we will be making new connections and spreading the word about the power of volunteering.”

Smile ran a similar series of events last year which enabled them to offer help to scores of organisations. The team can offer advice on the day, but they also provide follow up calls and guidance.

The three-hour event will also feature partner organisations including East Riding of Yorkshire Council, NHS talking Therapy, the Red Cross and the Alzheimer’s Society.