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Support and Guidance

Our Role as a Community Anchor Organisation

The Leyburn Arts and Community Centre is proud to have been appointed by North Yorkshire Council as the Community Anchor Organisation for the Leyburn and District area.

This organisation is the umbrella under which all aspects of community support, entertainment and wellbeing is provided through a range of programmes, schemes and activities.

Our Role as a Community Anchor Organisation

Our Programmes & Schemes

Collectively, we all share a responsibility to support people in our communities who may be vulnerable in times of emergencies, or who simply need support to meet the challenges of everyday life.

The team of trained volunteers at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre bring together the skills and resources of the public sector, the private sector, the voluntary sector, and family and friends to support local people in the Leyburn and District area in emergency and non-emergency situations.

If you need our support, give us a call on 01969 624510 and talk to one of our volunteers, or leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

Those of us who live, and work in rural areas are well aware how difficult it is for some people to travel to our larger towns and cities. We also understand that many people prefer not to discuss personal matters over the phone or by email—and that finding the right specialist support can be far from easy.

When you’re in need of help, you want a single port of call. A relaxed setting where you can access a range of services and speak face-to-face with specialists and support providers who understand.

Through North Yorkshire Council’s Staying Healthy, Independent & Connected programme, we bring specialist support providers together in one place, at one time, to offer in-person advice and guidance to anyone who drops in.

Specialists include:

  • Leyburn and District Community Support Organisation
  • Citizens Advice
  • Carers Plus Yorkshire
  • Mind
  • Mencap
  • Additional organisations, depending on local needs

These drop-in sessions are completely free, informal, and include a friendly welcome with a cup of tea or coffee. There’s no need to book, and private spaces are available if you’d prefer to speak with someone confidentially.

Sessions are held at the Leyburn Arts & Community Centre on the second Friday of every month, from 10 am to 12 noon.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure who to speak to—we’ll help you find the right person.

In today’s world, digital literacy — the ability to use computers, smartphones, and the internet — is becoming more and more important.

From staying connected with loved ones to managing everyday tasks like online banking and applying for essential services, digital skills are a big part of modern life.
Our Digital Support Drop-In sessions at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre are here to help. Run by skilled volunteers, these sessions are completely free of charge and open to anyone who needs support.

Whether you need help with your laptop or phone, want to learn how to do online banking, apply for a TV licence or Blue Badge, or simply keep in touch with family and friends—we’re here to guide you.

The sessions are open to all, offering expert digital support, a relaxed atmosphere, and a cuppa while you learn at your own pace. Get in touch with us for dates and times.

At the Leyburn Arts and Community Centre, we’re proud to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)—the nationally recognised scheme challenges young people to develop skills, gain confidence, and experience adventure, fostering personal growth and community engagement through a non-competitive, flexible program of activities.

We believe the DofE scheme is a powerful way to introduce young people to the world of work and volunteering. That’s why we’re delighted to offer opportunities for participants in the Leyburn and District area to complete their voluntary service with us.

Over the past few years, we’ve welcomed and supported young people working towards their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, providing meaningful experiences that benefit both the individuals and the wider community.

If you're a DofE participant looking for a volunteering placement, or a parent or teacher wanting to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!

The Mid Wensleydale Community Partnership is a volunteer led local agent for economic and social change. The Partnership provides a forum for collaboration to take place between businesses, the public sector agencies, the voluntary sector and the communities they serve to address issues that are too regional for local Town/Parish Councils but are also too regional for the North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

This position allows us to tackle challenges that might otherwise fall through the gaps—ensuring that the needs of Mid Wensleydale's communities are heard and advocated for.

Many in our community face loneliness, isolation, health challenges, or the pressures of caring for loved ones.

We know that having access to group activities that provide social interaction, exercise, education, hobbies, new skills, guidance and advice, all help to alleviate these problems.

The Leyburn Arts and Community Centre provides, and hosts organised activities and groups which are all part of our Wellbeing in the Community programme.

Why not check out our ‘What’s On’ page for a full list of our events, groups and activities?