Celebrating Three Years of Transformative Social Action in York

A landmark anniversary is being celebrated this month, marking three years of social action work that has transformed lives across York, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, a generous anonymous donor gave £1 million to city centre church St Michael le Belfrey (The Belfrey) to establish the Post Pandemic Fund (PPF) and support the launch of a Social Action programme for the city. The Fund's mission centred on three main areas: to help address poverty, improve mental health and wellbeing, and support young people and families.

Since its inception, the Social Action Programme, supported by the PPF, has not only launched a series of major initiatives but has also distributed £200,000 in grants to 49 grassroots charities, making a tangible difference to communities in York.

The programme has seen the launch of some big projects, including a Christian Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, offering debt advice to people struggling with problem debt; an affordable Counselling Service in conjunction with Wellspring Therapy and Training; and the set up of a distribution point for York Foodbank, amongst other initiatives.  

The CAP Debt Centre, which opened in 2023, has already helped eight clients achieve debt-free status, collectively clearing nearly £120,000 worth of debt. Meanwhile, since February, the York Foodbank distribution point at the De Grey Rooms has supported hundreds of households with essential food parcels. This site is one of six York Foodbank distribution points in the city.

The programme has also given away £100k in small grants* to over 40 charities across York, working in partnership with Two Ridings Community Foundation. A further £100k has been awarded to eight charities acting as a catalyst fund* for growth and innovation. 

Charities benefitting from the funds include: Transitions CIC, which provides equine horse therapy for children disengaged from education; and Chocolate & Co cafe which employs ex offenders and people recovering from addictions. Other organisations include York Vineyard, offering soft play and free baby clothing to refugees and families in the local community of Fishergate; and St Denys Tea & Chat Warm Space, working with communities in Walmgate to help alleviate isolation, loneliness and poverty.

In addition, the programme has funded a Children’s and Families Outreach Worker at The Belfrey, who is presently launching a Safe Families befriending scheme, initially working with two schools to support vulnerable families. Looking ahead, The Belfrey will be collaborating with Restore York (a homelessness and housing charity) to launch a Parish Mental Health Nurse Service in 2025, supported by Parish Nursing Ministries UK.

Alison Dawson, Social Action Programme Manager at The Belfrey, reflected: "It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the city of York through the Social Action Programme. Over the past three years, we have come a long way and sought to make a lasting impact in the areas of poverty, mental health, and young people and families. Stewarding the Post Pandemic Fund to maximise its benefits, we have tried to direct resources to where they were needed most and where they would have the greatest long-term benefit. The initiatives we have established are all growing and will continue to support the community way beyond the initial three year period.”

Sarah Rayner, Project Co-ordinator at The Well York, who received a catalyser grant, explained the difference it has meant: "This is the reason we have been able to launch our mental health and wellbeing service in York city centre, to support people finding life a struggle and who want to improve their wellbeing. Since January we have launched a number of free services, including running two 12 week wellbeing courses, regular evening equipping sessions and monthly popup lunchtime relaxation and mindfulness sessions. We have also been supporting several people with 1:1 professional counselling and are now setting up Peer support groups. Already it is great to see that the service is making a real difference to people's lives, breaking isolation and offering fresh hope."

The Founder of Transitions CIC, Hannah Brown, commented on the catalyser grant they received: “In this part of our project we work with young people aged between 10-16 years old who are disengaged from learning and are experiencing social, emotional or mental health needs. This grant has enabled us to invest in our staff and facilities. We now have a wonderful indoor space (a Shepherd’s Hut) which the young people love and find calming and nurturing. The grant has also supported us to buy a new therapy horse who is and will be instrumental in our equine therapy work going forward.”