
OUR THEMES
We work to create a stronger, more inclusive community by focusing on key themes: preserving our rich heritage, improving transport and mobility for all, supporting young people with daily opportunities, and providing care for the frail and unpaid carers. We're committed to environmental sustainability, fostering a vibrant arts and culture scene, and driving regeneration through a collaborative approach. Together, we aim to make Knaresborough a better place for everyone.
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Our Themes
Introduction
Welcome to the heart of Knaresborough’s community vision. Our work is guided by a range of key themes that aim to enhance every aspect of life in our town, fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community for residents and visitors alike.
These themes reflect a shared vision for Knaresborough—a town that values its history, embraces progress, and puts its people at the heart of everything it does. Explore the sections below to learn more about how these projects are shaping a brighter future for our community.
01
Accessability & Transport
We recognize that access to all parts of the town by residents and visitors is important. This theme aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can access essential services and participate fully in local life.
This theme is seeking ways to
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connect low and high Knaresborough
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improve access for residents and visitors
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provide affordable transport for those who cannot access public transport
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To date we have secured UK Shred Prosperity funding led by Knaresborough & District Chamber, which explores sustainable and accessible options to enhance connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, Chain Lane Community Hub managed North Yorkshire council’s community transport provision for the town providing reliable and affordable transport solutions for those in need, further fostering community integration and mobility. Find out more here
02
Young People
This theme aims to ensure that the voice of young people is heard loud and clear in developing the town for the future and that their views are embedded in everything we do. This will result in a comprehensive Youth Strategy to ensure long-term, inclusive support and opportunities that address the diverse needs of young residents.
We have secured UK Shared Prosperity funding, led by Chain Lane Community Hub in partnership with King James School and Inspired Youth Yorkshire, which has enabled a comprehensive consultation with 10 – 18 year olds covering five major themes, namely, community and belonging, health and well-being, social opportunities, environment and safety. The findings are currently being analysed and a Youth Vision and video will be produced by the Spring of 2025.
This has led to creation of a Knaresborough Youth Council managed by Inspired Youth Yorkshire in partnership with Knaresborough Town Council. Their first meeting was held in October 2024.
Other activities include a modernised double-decker bus which provides a safe and engaging space for young people to hang out, funded by Knaresborough Revolution and managed by Knaresborough Connectors.
03
Older People
This theme aims to ensure older residents live the best life they can in their circumstances. Consultation in 2022 identified a lack of local activities for economic, social and health inequalities. Following an Ageing Well workshop in April 2024 Chain Lane Community Hub approached NYC’s Stronger Communities team and secured funding for one year to undertake a comprehensive survey of need, provide information, advice, support and signposting to existing activities and develop services in line with identified gaps and needs.
Knaresborough Connectors have partnered with Stockwell Community Hub to organize an annual International Day for Older People, which made a significant impact following its first event in 2024, attracting over 150 attendees.
In addition, Chain Lane Community Hub has published a Knaresborough Cares in Winter booklet (funded by Knaresborough Relief in Need and Knaresborough Lions) https://chainlane.org/wider-community-activities/knaresborough-cares-in-winter/ and launched a Handy Man Service providing residents with access to local trusted traders who can undertake those small but important jobs that are often difficult to get done such as fitting key safes, changing light bulbs in hard to reach places or sticking back loose carpets etc.
04
Environment & Sustainability
Key projects supporting this theme include Green Connectors, which fosters community collaboration by upkeeping and developing the green spaces in several of our community buildings and assets and Knaresborough in Bloom, which enhances the town’s green spaces while promoting green tourism.
The development of Knaresborough Forest Park aims to provide a lasting natural legacy, while groups like The Wombles play an essential role in keeping the community clean and litter-free. Additionally, the Knaresborough Horticulture Society and Open Gardens events celebrate local gardening efforts, encouraging eco-friendly practices and community pride.
In 2023 a community buildings subgroup agreed to a joint commitment to environmental sustainability by making improvements to meet net-zero standards by promoting greener infrastructure and energy efficiency. They aim to contribute to the fight against climate change and create a more sustainable Knaresborough.
During 2024 Chain Lane Community Hub received national funding from Groundworks to install solar panels and intelligent lighting and heating. Stockwell Community Hub and Gracious Street Methodist Church are also actively working towards improvements to their green infrastructure.
05
Community Buildings & Assets
This theme aims to ensure that our community assets collaborate and provide complimentary activities to maximise the offer for residents.
Knaresborough is home to a range of valuable community buildings and assets that serve as hubs for connection, learning, and local activities. These spaces play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and supporting diverse community needs.
The Stockwell Community Hub , Chain Lane Community Hub and Knaresborough Library offer versatile spaces for events and services that bring people together and host various community-focused activities and initiatives including valuable health services such as phlebotomy, diabetes prevention workshops and eye clinics.
Gracious Street Methodist Church and St. John’s Church plays a significant role in community life providing a central point for a wider range of activities including a social supermarket and pay as you can café. They serve as important resources for education, culture, and spiritual connection.
Village halls across the area provide spaces for local gatherings, clubs, and events, and the Kingfisher Kiosk stands as a unique venue supporting community engagement and activity.
Inspire Youth Yorkshire provide a versatile space for young people’s activities at their building on Back halfpenny Lane as well as offering spaces to hire for local community groups
06
Housing
The Community Land Trust has achieved a significant milestone by purchasing its first property, marking a major step toward addressing local housing needs. This property has been allocated as social housing to a resident selected through a fair and transparent process by a dedicated committee.
This initiative not only provides an affordable home for someone in need but also reflects the trust's commitment to creating sustainable housing solutions driven by the community. By prioritising local involvement and long-term affordability, the project aims to ensure that housing remains accessible to those who need it most, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community.
07
Health & Well-being
Health and wellbeing are central to many initiatives across Knaresborough, with most projects incorporating elements that promote physical, mental, and social wellness for the community. These efforts aim to enhance quality of life for all residents by fostering inclusivity, engagement, and accessibility.
Key initiatives include providing accessible information for the community through www.knaresborough.community website, ensuring everyone can stay informed about services and opportunities.
Projects such as the development of the Visit Knaresborough App Trail and the Conyngham Hall Tree Trail promote physical activity, outdoor exploration, and connection with nature, offering both recreational and educational benefits.
These initiatives, alongside the broader community projects, contribute to a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, ensuring that residents of all ages can access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
08
Volunteering & Social Action
Participating in social and community activities has a profound impact on the community and on personal well-being.
In times of finite resources communities are increasingly taking on responsibility for things they want to happen. Participating in social action and volunteering can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve skills and overall mental health. When individuals contribute their time and effort to things they care about, they derive a sense of pride, purpose and fulfillment and can develop new skills, knowledge and feeling of belonging.
Social action initiatives in Knaresborough focus on empowering the community, fostering connections and providing resources to support meaningful engagement and collaboration.
In 2024 a Volunteering Workshop identified that recruiting and retaining volunteers were key challenges for many groups and organisations. To support these challenges Chain Lane Community Hub has developed a Volunteers App through its Knaresborough Together initiative, funded by Knaresborough Rotary, which provides a dynamic tool to connect potential and existing volunteers to local opportunities. Additional resources for external organisations such as support with DBS services ensure that local groups and volunteers can operate effectively and safely. They also provide an in-person matching service to further strengthens connections by linking volunteers with those offering opportunities to engage.
Knaresborough Connectors and Chain Lane Community Hub were both successful in securing Digital Inclusion funding to support residents to increase their digital skills via friendly well-trained volunteers. These projects not only help individuals navigate technology but also play a crucial role in reducing social isolation by fostering virtual and in-person connections.
09
Emergency Response
Community resilience is the ability to prepare for anticipated hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. Activities, such as disaster preparedness—which includes prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery—are key steps to resilience.
Knaresborough is equipped with a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan, ensuring the town is prepared to act swiftly and effectively in times of crisis. This plan is led by Knaresborough Town Council (KTC) in partnership with North Yorkshire council’s (NYC) emergency response team, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to ensure a coordinated response.
Knaresborough House and Chain Lane Community Hub serve as the designated emergency response venues, providing central locations for operations and support during critical incidents.
Key to the success of this plan are the dedicated Knaresborough Town Councillors who act as the first responders on the scene, providing essential assistance during emergencies and Knaresborough Together volunteers who play a key role in follow up activities such as welfare checks, support calls and practical assistance.
Together, these efforts reflect a well-organised and community-driven approach to emergency response, prioritising the safety and well-being of Knaresborough’s residents.
These plans were tested following the 6th of May 2024 extreme rain event in Knaresborough when over 50 households were flooded across the town. The emergency response team was located at Chain Lane Community Hub who worked alongside KTC and NYC to respond to residents in need of support.
10
Lesuire & Tourism
Knaresborough boasts a vibrant leisure and tourism scene, with a variety of events and attractions that celebrate the town’s unique character and community spirit. These initiatives not only enhance quality of life for residents but also draw visitors, boosting the local economy and showcasing Knaresborough’s charm.
Signature events include the iconic Knaresborough Bed Race, which attracts participants and spectators from near and far, as well as the festive Christmas Market that transforms the town into a winter wonderland.
Seasonal highlights like the Community Festival bring people together to enjoy music, food, and local culture. The annual FEVA (Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts) further enriches the cultural calendar with art, performance, and creativity.
In addition, Knaresborough in Bloom enhances the town’s appeal with stunning floral displays, promoting pride in local spaces and environmental sustainability.
These events and projects make Knaresborough a dynamic and welcoming destination for leisure and tourism, fostering a strong sense of community while showcasing the town’s rich heritage and creativity.
11
Arts, Culture & Heritage
This work area seeks to ensure a thriving and inclusive arts, culture, and heritage scene in Knaresborough. By supporting sustainable projects and events, the group aims to create opportunities for creativity, cultural engagement, and the celebration of the town’s rich history.
Key initiatives include enhancing the heritage quarter, improving museum provision, and maintaining the iconic castle, ensuring these cultural treasures are preserved for future generations.
A notable highlight is the contribution of ORB Community Arts to the Strategic Strategy for North Yorkshire, demonstrating how local talent and creativity can influence regional cultural development and promote sustainability within the arts. Together, these efforts strengthen Knaresborough’s identity and appeal as a vibrant and historic destination for residents and visitors alike.