Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has met with senior leaders from Community First Yorkshire to discuss the role the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector plays in supporting residents across North Yorkshire and beyond.
The meeting took place at Ripon Community House, where Julian met with by Jane Colthup, Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire, and Dena Dalton, Deputy Chief Executive.
Discussions focused on Community First Yorkshire’s work to strengthen local organisations, support volunteers, and help communities respond to growing pressures on public services, particularly in areas such as health, wellbeing, and support for isolated and vulnerable residents.
Community First Yorkshire works with hundreds of grassroots groups and charities across the county, helping to build thriving, connected, inclusive and sustainable communities. The organisation plays an important convening role, ensuring local organisations can work together effectively and access the support they need.
Julian Smith MP said, “I am grateful to Community First Yorkshire for meeting with me to learn more about the work they do to support local communities. Voluntary and community organisations are a vital, particularly for rural areas, and their role is becoming more important as pressures increase on public services. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure local people get the support they need.”
For more information about Community First Yorkshire and its work with the VCSE sector, visit: www.communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
