Supporting the Centre

As with many not for profit organisations, to make sure we can continue provide the services we do and offer even more (1 to 1s, groups, and community facing projects), we need the support of the communities we are a part of.

Most of our counselling clients pay just £15 per session, our coaching starts at £30, and all our other services are free to access. So although we are affordable and accessible (which is one of our core aims) it leaves us with a bit of a challenge in covering our expenses.

We need your help in finding new ways to bring in money beyond our basic counselling and coaching client fees. To make sure we can keep the lights on and our staff smiling, we need to get creative with our income streams. That means looking into things like fundraising, sponsorship, grants, and teaming up with our local community, businesses and organisations.

Support areas

Office administration: With a little extra support, we can ensure we keep our extended opening hours, increase much needed staffing hours, improve our processes, and make everything run like a well-oiled machine, freeing up time for the really important stuff.

Community projects: We've got some big dreams for projects that'll benefit our community, but right now, we unfortunately don't have the funds, time, people, or capacity. Investing in these projects doesn't just help out our neighbours, it also shines a spotlight on what we're doing and how we're making a difference.

Marketing and fundraising: Our marketing and fundraising endeavours have been restricted by limited resources. But with a bit of investment in campaigns, materials, and events, we can spread the word about what we do, reaching even more people who may benefit from our services, and drum up additional support from donors, backers, and volunteers alike.

The support you provide the Communities Centre can make a huge difference in how effectively we can serve our community. Below is more detail on how this can be done, and the impact it makes: 

Staffing: Your donations help us pay office staff to run day-to-day operations, coordinate programs, and assist community members, and pay our coaches, and group facilitators for their work. Additionally, by volunteering you are offering your extra hands, which boosts our capacity to get things done!

Programs and services: With your support, we can develop and expand tailored projects like specialised groups, drop-ins, workshops, recreational activities, training, and events.

Facilities and equipment: Funding can cover equipment and supplies we want and need to deliver our programs. Also, donations of items help us to ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Outreach and marketing: Your backing help us spread the word about our services through outreach efforts, marketing campaigns, and events to attract clients, participants and volunteers.

Partnerships and collaborations: Financial and personnel resources enable us to form partnerships with organisations, expanding our reach and impact.

Sustainability and growth: Your support contributes to our financial sustainability, allowing us to maintain operations, plan for growth, and adapt to changing community needs.

Your support is vital in helping us achieve our mission of providing affordable, accessible and valuable resources, programs, and services that improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals and families in our community.

This space is dedicated to showcasing the various ways you can support and fundraise for our centre. Whether you're eager to host events, spread the word, or explore creative fundraising ideas, you'll find all the inspiration and guidance you need right here.

Fundraising

One of the most impactful ways you can get involved is by fundraising for our Centre. Whether you're an individual, a group, or a business, there are countless creative ways you can raise funds to support our mission of serving the community. Here are a few ideas and some guidance to get you started:

Community events: Hold a bake sale, car wash, host an open mic night, music event, quiz, or even a community picnic. These events not only raise funds but also bring people together in support of a common cause.

Challenge yourself: Whether it's walking, running a marathon, hiking a mountain, or giving up a habit, challenge yourself and ask friends and family to sponsor you.

Online campaigns: Set up an online fundraising page to share it with your social networks. Platforms like GoFundMe or JustGiving make it easy for people to donate and support your cause (we also have our own JustGiving page which can be shared if you don't want to set up your own).

Corporate sponsorship: Approach local businesses for sponsorship or donations. They may be willing to support your fundraising efforts in exchange for recognition or publicity, or you might even get your fundraising matched!

Creative sales: Sell handmade crafts, artwork, or homemade goodies at local markets or online. You could also organise a silent auction or raffle with donated items.

Word of mouth: Spread the word! Share news of what you're doing far and wide, using social media platforms, WhatsApp messages, personal recommendations, eye catching posters, informative flyers, and local press announcements. You could even consider crafting a compelling blog post (which we can share on our blog site) detailing the reasons behind your fundraising efforts.

Remember, the key to successful fundraising is creativity, enthusiasm, and effective communication. Be sure to share your passion for our cause with your supporters, and don't hesitate to get in contact with us and ask for help or advice along the way.

Donations

Your support is crucial in not only helping our Centre in continuing to provide the services it does, but also to develop, grow, and thrive. Here's how your donation can make a difference:

Just Giving: Make a one-time, or regular, donation through our JustGiving page to support our ongoing initiatives and projects.

Standing order: Setting up a standing order provides steady support, ensuring our Centre can continue its vital work in the community. You can download our standing order form below, which has all our information, to fill out and give to your bank. Please also consider completing our Gift Aid form (link below), and emailing it back to us (ysjcc@yorksj.ac.uk) so your donation can go even further!

YSJCC Standing Order Form (docs, 64.4 kB)

YSJCC Gift Aid Declaration (docx, 67.4 kB)

Gift Aid: By completing our Gift Aid form when you donate money to us (whether it’s a one off or standing order), it allows us to enhance the value of your donation at no extra cost to you! By filling out the form and sending it back to us, you enable us to reclaim an additional 25% on every pound you donate, making your contribution go even further in supporting our cause. Your extra few minutes filling out the Gift Aid form can significantly boost our efforts and help us make a greater impact in the community. Please download, fill out, and email to us at ysjcc@yorksj.ac.uk.

YSJCC Gift Aid Declaration (docx, 67.4 kB)

Goods donations: You can donate goods such as plants, cushions, soft furnishings, or even art, that we can use to make our Centre even more welcoming.

Volunteering

If you're looking for a hands on way to support our Centre, then consider volunteering your time and skills.

Volunteers play a crucial role in our operations, from assisting with administration to providing valuable support in our various programmes and services. Whether you're interested in lending a hand on a regular basis or helping on specific projects, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

You can explore our volunteering roles and find the perfect fit for you. Your time and dedication can have a lasting impact on not only the Centre, but on the lives of individuals and families in our community. To find out what opportunities we have available, please visit our Opportunities at the Communities Centre page.

Sharing your experience

Have you personally engaged with the Centre or received support in some way? You can share your experiences of the personal impact that our services have had on you.

This can not only encourage and empower others to seek help and support, but it can also support and enhance our credibility and effectiveness when we apply for funding and sponsorships. It can help to provide a deeper understanding of the value of our service beyond statistics and numbers.

It is completely up to you in how your story is told, and you have the option to share anonymously and have a say in how your story will be utilised.

If this is something you would like to do, please get in touch and we can discuss next steps. Email us on ysjcc@yorksj.ac.uk, or call 01904 876 072.

Leaving a gift

Leaving a gift in your will, also known as a legacy gift, is a meaningful way to support a cause or not-for-profit organisation that is close to your heart even after you're gone. Here's how it typically works:

1. Making the decision: The first step is deciding to leave a gift in your will to a cause that you care about. This could be a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or specific assets such as property, stocks, or valuables.
2. Consulting with a solicitor: It's advisable to consult with a solicitor or legal advisor to ensure your will accurately reflects your wishes and complies with legal requirements. They can help you draft or update your will to include the necessary provisions for your chosen charity or charities.
3. Including the gift: In your will, you can specify the organisation you wish to support, along with the type and amount of gift you intend to leave. You can also provide instructions on how you would like the gift to be used, although organisations typically appreciate unrestricted gifts that allow them to allocate funds where they are most needed.
4. Updating your will: It's important to review and update your will regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children or grandchildren. This ensures that your wishes are accurately reflected and that your chosen organisation continues to benefit from your generosity.
5. Informing your loved ones: While not required, it can be helpful to inform your loved ones about your decision to leave a gift in your will. This can help prevent any surprises or misunderstandings and ensure that your wishes are respected.

Leaving a gift in your will can have a lasting impact on the causes you care about, providing vital support for their work and helping to create a better future for generations to come. Your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of others long after you're gone.

Is your organisation looking to make a meaningful impact in the local community? By partnering with us, we can make a real difference in the lives of individuals across York and its surrounding areas. Your work can enhance your staff wellbeing and foster a supportive work environment.

By teaming up with York St John Communities Centre, you're not just supporting crucial fundraising efforts for our Centre, services, and groups, you're also shining a light on vital community projects and advocating for mental health awareness, potentially breaking down stigma in your workplace and wider community. Together, we have the power to make a positive impact and provide vital support to those in need.

We recognise that every organisation is unique, which is why we are open to working in partnership in a way which works for you, ensuring our collaboration is beneficial to both of us.

Some of the ways you can support us include:

Fundraising: Get creative and organise your own fundraising events to support our cause. Whether it's a bake sale, a sponsored challenge, or a themed party, every contribution helps make a difference in promoting mental health and community wellbeing.

Sponsorship: Consider sponsoring specific events, programmes, or initiatives organised by us. Your sponsorship not only provides crucial financial support but also enhances your visibility and demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility.

Events: Join us in our fundraising events throughout the year. From fun runs to charity auctions, there's something for everyone to get involved in and show their support for mental health awareness.

Cause-related marketing: Partner with us for cause-related marketing campaigns to raise awareness of both our mission and your company's commitment to social responsibility. By aligning your brand with our cause, you can amplify your impact and engage your audience in meaningful ways.

Product donations: Donate goods or services that are relevant to the work we do. This can be things such as food and drinks for groups and events, stationary to provide to group participants, or furnishings for the Centre. Your product donations directly support our initiatives and help us serve our community more effectively.

Strategic partnerships: Explore opportunities for forming strategic partnerships with our Centre, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes such as joint projects, research collaborations, or advocacy campaigns. By working together, we can achieve greater impact and address complex social challenges.

Not-for-profit organisation of the year: Consider selecting us as your designated not-for-profit for the year. This ongoing partnership allows for sustained support towards our mental health community initiatives.

No matter how you choose to support us, your partnership plays a vital role in our mission to create a healthier and happier community. Together, we can make a positive impact on mental health, community wellbeing, and support those in need. Thank you for considering ways to support our cause!

Partnering with the Centre or supporting us in some way, is not only beneficial to us, but can offer advantages to your organisation and staff:

Get noticed locally: Boost your organisation's profile in the neighbourhood by getting involved and getting seen. When people know you're active in the community, it builds trust and respect for your brand right where it matters most.

Earn a good rep: Supporting a not-for-profit shows that your company cares about more than just the bottom line. It's about doing the right thing and making a positive impact. Plus, it's a great way to earn some kudos from your customers, staff, and the wider community.

Happy team, happy office: Diving into work with a not-for-profit isn't just fulfilling, it boosts team morale too. From team challenges to volunteering days and fundraising events, it's an opportunity for your team to connect, feel uplifted, and make a positive impact together. And that's sure to bring smiles all around.

Stand out from the crowd: When you team up with a not-for-profit, you're showing the world you're not just another organisation. You're a business with heart, one that's driven by more than just profits. And that's the kind of company that people want to support.

Grow your network: Working with not-for-profits isn't just about doing good, it's about making connections too. Whether it's rubbing shoulders with other businesses, chatting with local leaders, or finding potential partners, there's a whole world of opportunities out there when you get involved.

Staff support: Not only does our Centre offer services that could support the wellbeing of your workers, but we also have additional support resources such as our Bereavement Information Support and Signposting Support, available to download on our Centre page. Furthermore, by working in partnership we may be able to provide a bespoke service package to your staff.

In summary, supporting a not-for-profit organisation isn't only beneficial for society, it also yields various feel-good advantages for your company, enriching the experiences of everyone involved.