An Invite to all local charities,organisations and groups in Norton and Malton- 9th September 2026-10 am-2 pm.

The aim of a Community Anchor Organisation (CAO) within North Yorkshire Council’s Stronger Communities Programme is to act as a trusted, locally rooted organisation that brings people, services and community groups together to improve the health, well-being, and resilience of its community. COVID gave us (NYC) real evidence that CAOs were needed in our communities. This was seen through the enthusiastic response to Community Support Organisations. While the CSO model wasn’t sustainable, elements from it were, and it was that and learning from other models across the country, that fed into the CAO design.

The key aims are to:

• Be the heart of the community by providing a welcoming place where people can access support, activities and advice.
• Improve health and wellbeing by reducing loneliness, social isolation and health inequalities through prevention and early intervention.
• Bring organisations together by coordinating local charities, voluntary groups, public services and businesses to avoid duplication and fill gaps in support.
• Give local people a voice by listening to residents and helping shape services around community needs.
• Build community resilience so communities become stronger, more connected and better able to support themselves.
• Support social regeneration by helping communities thrive socially, economically and environmentally.
• Secure funding and investment to strengthen local services and develop new projects.
• Act as a trusted partner with North Yorkshire Council, the NHS, GP practices, housing providers and other agencies to deliver local solutions.

For an organisation like Next Steps Ryedale, being a Community Anchor means demonstrating that you:

• Are deeply rooted in your local community.
• Provide a wide range of services that respond to local need.
• Work collaboratively rather than competitively.
• Support other community organisations to grow and succeed.
• Influence local decision-making through the voice of residents.
• Help reduce pressure on statutory services by preventing problems before they escalate.

“To strengthen communities by bringing people, organisations and services together, reducing health inequalities, preventing crisis, building resilience and ensuring local people have the opportunity to shape and improve the place where they live.”

Please let us know if you will be attending so we can provide adequate lunch and refreshments- on mail@nextstepsryedale.co.uk