North Yorkshire Connect is a resource for people of all ages and the professionals working with them, helping to build self-reliance in communities and supporting customers to access services and information for community and voluntary organisations online.
Listings on North Yorkshire Connect are generally non-profit community groups, clubs or organisations although it will also include activities and things to do such as youth clubs, sports groups and art sessions. Anyone can use the community directory to access information about activities and support, with each listing including a brief description and contact information. People are able to search either by area, look up specific types of groups or use the category menu.
When the project team started work two years ago the previous County Council directory was out of date and required over 1,500 hours of administrative maintenance each year to manually add listings. By designing and developing the new system in consultation with users and customers, North Yorkshire Connect is now far easier to use and maintain and is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Community organisations can set up an account and add their details themselves, but will be prompted to check their listing every six months to make sure information is kept updated. The hope is that North Yorkshire Connect will be an invaluable tool for professionals to help signpost people to services offering help, support and advice. Publicity to promote north Yorkshire Connect across the county will begin towards the end of November.
How can I get involved?
If you work with a community or voluntary organisation please let them know about it. It’s quick and easy for a group to add their listing at www.northyorkshireconnect.org.uk and doesn’t cost anything.
If you have any questions or comments about the new community directory please email customertheme@northyorks.gov.uk and you can view North Yorkshire Connect at www.northyorkshireconnect.org.uk.