News

An article on behalf of IDAS… Safe Havens is an innovative project to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse access safe accommodation quickly that is provided by trained, volunteer hosts and supported by a dedicated IDAS* worker. Incidences of domestic abuse have increased during Covid-19 and as a result, IDAS is looking for emergency accommodation hosts to support victims. Being a Safe Havens host is an opportunity to guide and support a person through challenging times. It can also be incredibly rewarding. If you are interested in becoming a Safe Havens host please email: mel.milner@idas.org.uk *IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Their services include refuge accommodation, community-based support, peer mentoring, group work and access to a free, confidential out-of-hours helpline.

Co Wheels – a pay-as-you-go community car hire scheme – has just announced its latest offer for new members. If you join before the end of March there is no joining (normally £25) and you’ll also receive a £25 driving credit*. Co Wheels provides a fleet of hybrid cars for pay-as-you-go hire around Harrogate town centre for short or long-term bookings. Each car has its own designated zone and comes with a parking permit which allows parking anywhere in this area thanks to support from North Yorkshire County Council. Insurance, cleaning, servicing and refuelling are all included in the cost too. A van is also available for hire as part of the club. You can join online using the promotion code HARROGATE109. For more information visit the Co Wheels website.*Terms and conditions apply

Fancy a game?

Do you want to get active and have fun with all the family at affordable prices? With spring right around the corner, Harrogate parks are getting ready to open up their games and activities for when the weather gets a little warmer. Valley Gardens is now open for a variety of activities including crazy golf to tennis. You can book these in person at the games pavilion, online or by phone. Light refreshments and snacks are also available. Games and activities at Knaresborough Castle and Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough and Ripon Spa Gardens will also be available in the coming weeks. For more information visit our games in parks website page .

This amazing event – which showcases the city of Ripon – returns on Saturday 12 March from 11am to 2pm. Now in its tenth year, Sights and Sounds of Ripon involves organisations from the public and voluntary sector coming together to give people a chance to connect with the city and enjoy everything Ripon has to offer. And, best of all, it’s completely free. Each year the event has had a different focus, this year voluntary and community groups are keen to show residents that they are not alone and that there is lots of help and support right on their doorstep. Ripon Cathedral, the city’s museums and the library are all hosting events and entertainment will be provided by local choirs, a ukulele band as well as Ripon City Morris Dancers and Betty Lupton’s Ladle Lakers. You can find out more about what’s on offer by checking out the event flyer (pdf document). Photo courtesy of Ripon Cathedral

Later in the year (date to be confirmed) Harrogate Borough Council will be launching a trial scheme to replace black recycling boxes with wheelie bins. For some time HBC has been considering how to improve the kerbside scheme as they are increasingly conscious of the environment and have been recycling more year on year. But before a roll out of wheelie bins across the Harrogate district, HBC will be trialling the wheelie bins in certain areas (to be confirmed) with different types of properties, areas of high recycling rates, etc. Following the trial data collected will be used to influence an approach later in the year. Wheelie bins will replace black recycling boxes, however the plan is to continue to use blue bags for paper and card, albeit these will be replaced with heavy-duty bags for those properties that don’t have them.

A variety of spring bedding plants are now blooming and ready to buy from Harrogate Borough Council horticultural nursery.

Primroses, pansies, polyanthus and soon to be violas are available individually or as a tray of six.

There are some wonderful pots and plant gifts that make the perfect present for someone special. There are also do-it-yourself container kits, hanging baskets and fruit trees on sale.

The shop is open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

You can find the nursery on Nursery Lane East, off Harlow Moor Road in Harrogate (please use the postcode HG2 0FH in your sat nav).

For more information please visit the nursery website page.

Plan to guide future development in west Harrogate

The West Harrogate Parameters Plan (WHPP), which provides a clear vision for new development in west Harrogate and identifies what infrastructure is required to support future communities, was approved in February. Approximately 2,000 homes have been identified through the Local Plan for West Harrogate. The WHPP supports the sustainable and coordinated development of these homes. Along with the addition of two new primary schools, sports pitches, community facilities, and areas of biodiversity. The WHPP also identifies what infrastructure is required and will be used for assessing the planning merits of development schemes and also ensure that developers work collaboratively to make sure that comprehensive, well thought out, sustainable and cohesive communities are created. Feedback provided through the various engagement opportunities has also led to several changes to the WHPP being made so Harrogate Borough Council would like to say thank you to stakeholders – especially local community groups and residents’ associations – for their valuable feedback.

The new pool at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon opened on Wednesday (2 March) for customers to enjoy, keep active and stay healthy. The new six-lane 25m swimming pool has 70 per cent more water space compared to Ripon Spa Baths and has a wealth of improvements that come with modern swimming facilities. These include the Angel Eye pool safety system that, with the use of underwater cameras, assists lifeguards to detect whether swimmers are in danger or drowning. The new pool will be open every day of the week and offers customers a variety of different activities, including general and family swim, swimming lessons and Aquafit, as well as a sauna suite. Outside, a new car park has been installed along with a sheltered cycle rack, electric car charging points and a new play area. You can find out more about the new pool on the Brimhams Active website.

Mamas Matter CIC

Mamas Matter supports good mental health for mums in Harrogate district.

They run mindfulness based courses both with an adult focus and for mums and babies
Mums can self-refer and there is a Community Referral Programme for free funded courses.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service free Safe and Well Visits

 
As part of enhanced visits, advice about health and wellbeing can be given, as well as fire safety information. This may include where to find support and further advice on:

• giving up smoking
• avoiding falls
• keeping your home warm
• living with dementia

 You can book a visit or make a referral online or call the Fire Safety Advice Line on

01609 788545.