Local support & activities for school families - Spring term 2026
- Grewelthorpe
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Please find below details outlining support for families and young people across Ripon and the surrounding area. The information focuses on activities, events and the support available, some of it aimed at low income families and children with additional needs but with useful information for all.
For support and information, please ask them to contact: 01423 813090 or help@hadca.org.uk. You can also access our ‘Where to Turn’ directory at hadca.org.uk/wheretoturn or find out more about support during the cost of living crisis at https://hadca.org.uk/CostOfLiving
Information for school families
Save The Date: Sights and Sounds of Ripon 14 March 2026
Free event with activities around the city for Ripon residents to enjoy. 10am – 2pm
Our Power of 10 project has been working with Ripon YMCA on a new booklet to help young people get the most out of volunteering.https://hadca.org.uk/sites/hadca.org.uk/files/Young-Volunteer-Handbook-A5.pdf
Aged 11-25? We need your views! You'll be entered into a draw for a £20 Amazon voucher for completing this (short!) survey. Four questions, two minutes. https://forms.gle/bnoMaYyedix8ANos6
Saturday 14 February, 10am – 12.30pm
Nosterfield Quarry
Join the Lower Ure Conservation Trust at their next Conservation Club for a chance to work with hand tools, learn about wildlife & woodland ecology AND have fun! This event is for 6-18yr olds. Parents will need to accompany children aged 6 -14 years. If you have any questions about this event please get in touch with Amy Horton, Community Engagement Officer: amy.horton@luct.org.uk www.luct.org.uk
Looking for creative, hands-on fun this February half term? Join Ripon Museums for a week packed with playful activities, messy making and interactive challenges for the whole family – all inspired by fascinating Victorian stories.
Saturday 14 February, 12.30 - 1.30pm
Saturday 14 March, 12.30 - 1.30pm
Saturday 11 April, 12.30 - 1.30pm
Join the team at the library to make fun and easy art & craft creations. Suitable for ages 4-9, FREE no booking required.
Chat & Challenge, (free drinks, snacks & prizes), Mondays 3pm – 4.30pm, Spa Park Pavillion
Spark Youth Club ages 11-16 (sports, games, workshops social), Tuesday 6pm – 7.30pm, YMCA Hall Water Skellgate
You Matter, ages 16-25, Wednesdays 4pm – 6pm, YMCA Hall Water Skellgate. Free meal served at 4pm.
YMCA Pop Up Café, ages 11-17, (drinks, snacks, social, games), Thursdays 3pm-5pm, Spa Park Pavillion
EmpowHEREvery other Friday from 16 January, 4-5.30pm. Inspire Youth Yorkshire Community Hub, Knaresborough. A safe, welcoming space for girls (aimed at aged 10-16 years) to build confidence, share experiences, and support each other’s health and wellbeing, speaking up for change. Sign up with the Young Persons Membership Form
Family Lives - Anxiety around ADHD27 Jan 9.30-11.30 or 29 Jan 7-9pm (indicate which you would like to attend)Free online workshop for parents and carers to learn about ADHD, how it relates to anxiety, practical strategies and support.Fill in the referral form to book or email services@familylives.co.uk or call Lesley on 020 4522 8701.
Social Media Guide for ParentsA downloadable guide from the Children’s Society providing parents with practical advice and tips for supporting their children’s safe and responsible use of social media platforms.
New SWIFT Project website – for anyone who may be new to the community or in need of support
SWIFT is a dedicated initiative to welcome and support migrants to North Yorkshire, providing essential information, local resources, and community connections to help you navigate life in your new home. https://swiftnorthyorkshire.co.uk/
Inspire Youth Inspire Self – Youth Coach Service A new free support programme for young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training), or who are already economically inactive and unsure of their next steps. Participation is completely free, flexible, and tailored to needs initially for up to 10 weeks. Referrals can be made by parents, professionals or self-referrals, ensuring young people can access support in a way that feels comfortable for them. There are also Group Workshops at Inspire Youth Yorkshire Community Hub, Knaresborough. You can sign up here
The Studio – free creative workshopsYoung Persons (16-24) Programme, Thursdays 10.30am-12.00noonHolding Space, at Creative Harrogate, 2 Victoria Ave, Harrogate HG1 1ELBuild social confidence, wellbeing and social skills. No art experience needed. For young people aged 16-24 who are not in education, training or employment (NEET), or are at risk of being so. More information, sign up and referral forms at https://www.holdingspace.art/The-Studio/
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Youth representative Josh, a Long Lands Ranger, is hosting an introduction to bird watching and citizen science on Sunday 15th February 2026 for 16 - 25 year olds. Josh will lead a guided walk around Long Lands Common (between Harrogate & Knaresborough) and show how to identify wild birds and complete a Citizen science survey. Interested parties should contact Josh at https://www.bto.org/our-work/events/bto-youth-introductory-birding-citizen-science
Be Cold Weather ReadyGet advice on staying safe and accessing support during winter weather on the NYC warm and well page. Get the latest information:
HADCA local resourcesFind Cost of Living Support and information on Welcoming Warm Spaces (including for venues) on our website.
