Barbican made available for local groups

City of York Council is inviting York-based groups, clubs or community organisations to apply for a discounted, concessionary day’s hire of York Barbican.

The council offers the concessionary days as part of its lease agreement with the Barbican’s operators, SMG. It’s interested in hearing from organisations who would like to take up one of the two bookings available in 2019.

The proposed events should be open and accessible to all. They should positively engage York’s communities, either by providing new opportunities for local residents to get involved as participants in putting on a show or event, or by creating new audiences, drawing in those who would not normally have the opportunity to attend cultural events. Above all, events must add to the quality and vibrancy of York’s offer. Events which are primarily designed to be fund-raisers are not supported.

Recent events have included Tang Hall SMART hosting an event involving a wide range of community groups from the Tang Hall area in an inclusive community gig.

Later this year, the York Music Hub Festival, attracting around 1,000 performers drawn from schools, out of school provision and community groups, will celebrate the musical achievements of children and young people across the city whilst, in the second event, the LGBT forum will be creating an evening of song and dance to celebrate a life of diversity in York for the whole city. (more…)

Big jobs fair in York next week

70 employers and 800 attendees expected
 Anyone looking for work or some support into training or employment are welcome to York Jobs Fair on Wednesday 21 March 2018.

From 10am to 2pm at the York Railway Institute (RI), Queen Street, around 70 employers and training providers including John Lewis, Aviva and the North Yorkshire Police are expected along with some 800 visitors.

Funded and organised by City of York Council in partnership with Job Centre Plus, this latest job fair brings together employers, employment support agencies, and education and training providers to offer local people job opportunities, information and advice

Cllr Keith Aspden, executive member for economic development and community engagement, said: “The fair is aimed at those looking for employment, people considering a change of job or career and those who would like to develop new skills and gain new qualifications.

“This is always a really worthwhile event, so do go along if you can.”

Today is national “no smoking day”

I couldn’t do it without coming for support’ – Council backs national no smoking day and asks people wanting to kick the habit to get in

City of York Council is supporting national no smoking day on Wednesday 14 March and reminding residents that support is available for those who want to kick the habit.

Smoking kills 79,000 people every year1 and one person is admitted to hospital in England every minute with a smoking-related illness. The council’s YorWellbeing service, which looks to help residents improve their health and wellbeing, can offer advice and support to help change smoking behaviours, as well as advise which medications to buy to help you quit, if necessary.

Susan, a 49 year old medical secretary from Strensall stopped smoking 20 cigarettes a day twenty months ago after being a serious smoker for over 34 years.  She tried her first cigarette at 7 and first packet at 11, starting smoking properly at 14.

She came to the council for support to help her quit “I couldn’t have done it without coming for support.  There is so much to say and talk about when you’re changing a life time habit, and support and being heard was a big part of that.” Her two previous attempts to stop before then hadn’t lasted longer than two months.

Susan was diagnosed with health problems related to her smoking three years ago and despite these ongoing health worries causing stress, is still determined not to smoke.

After quitting Susan has noticed health improvements already.

“I have better skin, my voice is less deep and I am sleeping well and breathing better.  My asthma has improved so much that I don’t worry about having to climb the stairs any more.

“This time round I feel I am in a different place.”

No smoking day comes after last month the council’s YorWellbeing service announced that Heworth Rugby Club and York RI New Lane community sports club became the city’s first smoke free sports clubs.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for health and adult social care said: “You are three times more likely to quit with help and support3. Anyone wanting to quit can contact our team where they will get advice and support from our YorWellbeing advisers to help.

“Quitting smoking is among the best things that you can do for your health. The health improvements seen from Susan are just one example of how kicking the habit can make a real difference.”

Those wanting to quit smoking can get in touch with our YorWellbeing service. As well as help to quit the team can offer advice and support to help residents to live happier healthier lives.

For more information contact the YorWellbeing service on yorwellbeing@york.gov.uk  or 01904 553377 or visit www.york.gov.uk/yorwellbeing for details of the support available.

Students asked to make sustainable transport choice

City of York Council has joined forces with Get Cycling and the city’s Further and Higher Education establishments to encourage students and staff to make sustainable travel choices.

A series of travel roadshows are being held at Askham Bryan College, the University of York, York St John University and York College offering travel advice and support to students and staff as part of the Travel2Campus initiative.

The Travel2Campus initiative aims to encourage Further and Higher Education staff and students to make more journeys on foot or by cycle, helping to keep them fitter and healthier, reducing congestion in the city and improving air quality.

The roadshows include bike-maintenance workshop sessions, bike health checks and the chance to have a go on a pedal-powered smoothie maker. People can also pick up a free copy of a cycle guide, highlighting safe cycle routes, providing basic cycle maintenance information and providing safety tips for riders.

A roadshow will be held at York College from 13 – 15 March.

Further details are available at www.itravelyork.info/for-schools/travel2campus-project