A COMMUNITY group which champions the voluntary sector in Hambleton has a new look and identity.
Hambleton Community Action (HCA) is the new name of the charity which supports the voluntary sector in the district, helping existing volunteer groups and helping to establish new ones.
It used to be called the Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association.
The new identity was unveiled at a special launch event held at the Village Inn, Brompton,Northallerton. attended by more than 100 supporters, including Rishi Sunak MP for Richmond.
Hazel Kirby, the charity’s chief executive, said the rebranding of the organisation was necessary to reflect the area the charity covered.
“Although we are still based in South Parade, Northallerton, we are a Hambleton-wide organisation and thought the name should be in tune with the reality of us providing services to the voluntary sector across the district,” she said.
“We aim to provide a one-stop shop for volunteering throughout Hambleton,” she added.
Before cutting a specially-made cake to launch the new organisation, Mr Sunak spoke of the achievements of the old association.
He said it worked with about 160 different charities and community groups in and around the district of Hambleton and in the last year alone secured more than £1.2m in grants for community groups, placed over 320 volunteers and created five new voluntary organisations.
“That is wonderful work and a tribute to the staff who make it happen,” he said. “I would also thank the hundreds of voluteers, many of them here today, who provide such a wonderful service through the many groups who help to make life in this area so much better for so many people.
“I am sure the HCA has a very bright future with its new branding.”
Hambleton Community Action is based at Community House, South Parade, Northallerton, tel: 01609 7802458. It’s new website is at hambletoncommunityaction.org.