RECESSION-HIT charities and voluntary groups in isolated parts of North Yorkshire have been given nearly £500,000 in Lottery funding to help them weather the economic slump.
The cash windfall will now be used to a create a rural network to link community organisations in some of the remotest areas of North Yorkshire to ensure that they can survive the downturn in the economy.
Many of the groups have struggled from poo
r transport links, a lack of broadband internet access as well as inadequate information about what other organisations are doing in the county.
It is hoped that the money from the Big Lottery Fund will now finance a more streamlined approach to ensure that the small rural charities will survive the recession.
A total of £487,795 has been handed over by the Big Lottery Fund to Ryedale Voluntary Action which will now work in partnership with 14 organisations including the Yorkshire Rural Community Council, York Racial Equality Network, Richmondshire CVS and South Craven Community Action.
Ryedale Voluntary Action's chief officer, Andrea Hobbs, said: "There are many smaller community groups in rural areas who are providing excellent services and taking fantastic and innovative action for their community without being aware of the level of support that is available.
"The project will provide the resources and staff time to really get to grips with these issues."
The new rural network will identify gaps in the way services are accessed, as well as avoiding duplication of services and providing an opportunity for rural groups to help shape new strategies.
