by John Harris | Feb 19, 2026 | news
We have both worked on this project – with Rachel taking the lead. It was quite a marathon! At the core of Otley Action’s services is transport which is a vital element in enabling older people that are housebound due to their disabilities to access vital services. Over the past 20 years they have developed a transport system to complement the work that they do. This includes two wheelchair accessible minibuses with tail lift and clamping facilities. These vehicles pick up service users from their homes and deliver them to a variety of specific destinations. Including the countryside, cafes and restaurants, museums and other similar places of interest. We have been working with Otley Action to expand this much needed service with an application to Motability. They will recruit a Transport Coordinator to a 4-day post. This role will recruit, train and support new drivers, develop the booking system, organise regular maintenance and safety of vehicles. This role will input into the monitoring and evaluation of the transport service. The goal is to provide personalised travel for all disabled people who need it in Otley and surrounding areas where the destinations are of their choice and at a time convenient to them where possible. They will recruit more drivers which will allow them to increase the number of journeys, ensuring that disabled people have more choice and control over their travel needs. This means people will have access to more places, for example a car scheme driver taking a user to the countryside or to a medical appointment outside of the local area.
by John Harris | Feb 11, 2026 | news
John has been working as a coach/mentor for fundraiser at Step by Step for a couple of years now. The work is all about supporting them through coaching and training – then reviewing draft applications so that they are the best they can be. This has resulted in the latest success – wth £30,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation for core costs.For 25 years, Step by Step has enhanced the lives of local families with disability in London.Step by Step provides recreation for children with moderate to severe physical, emotional and learning disabilities, from age two to adult. They arrange activities, sports, day trips, and playschemes, helping children thrive while giving parents a break on holidays and half-term.
by John Harris | Feb 11, 2026 | news
We have been supporting the OYCC with pro bono work for some time now – we believe that youth club facilities are vital to many young people. John worked with OYCC on a grant application (building up the consultation feedback) which has led to a grant for £17,000. This is significant in that this will pay for the sessional staff who work with OYCC over the next 12 months. We had supported them during Covid – running two focus groups online with high school students – this led to the formation of the youth club – but they needed more up-to-date feedback from their ‘customers’. It’s good to help fund a win!
by John Harris | Dec 20, 2025 | news
What great timing for the Bradford African Community to hear this news from Reaching Communities. As consultants on the Lloyds Bank Foundation register, we have been working with them on stages 1 and 2 since May this year and it has been a delight to collaborate with Asumani (CEO). This grant over 3 years will enable them to continue their work – and to develop it.The charity supports people from number of refugee camps across East Africa including the Congo Kinshasa, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zambia, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Somalia and enables them to ‘become productive members of society’ as Usmani put it. This includes ESOL classes and job readiness programmes and helps people into volunteering roles so that they can gain much needed experience. The charity states that “Through our integration in the British main Communities, we experienced various challenges such as: Language barriers, Isolation, Difficulties to navigating new system, Emotional health difficulties and Limited income.”
by John Harris | Dec 17, 2025 | news
We are very pleased to be working with the Wharfedale Men’s Shed. Men’s Sheds are places bringing men together in mutually supportive and constructive ways. As well as breaking down isolation and loneliness, making new friends and learning or teaching practical skills, the Shed is contributing to the local community. Thet carry our projects with local wildlife groups, schools and businesses – creating bird boxes, benches and items made to order. Their quest right now is to generate the funds to instal a building which gives them enough space and access – at the moment they have only one day per week based at the Otley Courthouse. We will be supporting them in this mission.
