Poetry, community and a whole lot of heart at the Give Back to York event

 

It’s not every day that a man in his 80s steals the show at a celebratory community event, but Tony, from the York community group Shared Story CIC, did just that at last week’s Give Back to York event.

One of the guest speakers at the evening celebrating the first year of the York Community Fund, Tony shared his deeply moving story of grief and transformation. After losing his wife, Tony found himself lonely and isolated, with only a few neighbours to talk to. His Social Prescriber suggested joining a group called Shared Story—described as “Not a Book Club”—and he decided to give it a try.

A little hesitant at first, over time the group of people coming together in a local library not only talked about books, but started talking about their lives. A creative writing facilitator encouraged everyone to write down anything at all. This released something within Tony, as did the companionship and connections he was making.

At the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall last week, he shared a poem about the start of his life, born in 1939, recounting his family’s connections with the war effort and heartache from the devastation, and then a poignant poem about grief.

There was not a dry eye in the house.

Tony’s story didn’t stop at loss. Through Shared Story, he has found a sense of belonging and purpose. He has made new friends, discovered new interests, and experienced a renewed sense of joy. The funding from the York Community Fund has truly transformed his life.

Celebrating the 30 inspiring local community groups who received over £145,000 from the first round of the York Community Fund, the evening was abuzz with conversation and delicious food from Food Circle.

Celia McKeon, our Chief Executive highlighted the brilliant work community organisations do in the city to address the hidden challenges people face on a daily basis:

“The York Community Fund is for the people of York, by the people of York. It invests in the power of community action to transform lives. York is a beautiful city, but one marked by deep and unacceptable inequalities—too many face poverty, isolation, or barriers to opportunity. This isn’t okay, and it shouldn’t be normal. We all want to live with dignity, belonging, and purpose—and it is possible. Grassroots groups across our city are already showing us how: creating care, connection, and practical support where it’s needed most. This quiet, often unseen work is powerful. It’s what community really means—and it’s how we make our city better, together.”

We heard from Steph from Refugee Action York who told us how funding was helping asylum seekers in the city to learn English, and enjoy activities and feel part of the city, Kath from Family Matters York talked about the difference they made for families with children with additional needs, and Diane from The Collective Sharehouse highlighted the dignity and self-esteem the people gained from having the items they needed at the busy foodbank and hub, all making a difference in the lives of people across York.

John Gray from York Friends Adult Education Schools Trust explained why they had donated to the York Community Fund, in order to prioritise work that tackles unpopular issues and addresses the root causes of inequality and injustice. They were particularly keen that the decision making of the fund was made by local people with knowledge and experience of the issues the fund addresses.

We’re grateful to LNER for sponsoring the event, and to the wonderful people and businesses who have donated to this fund: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York Central Ltd, The Shears Foundation, and York Friends Central Adult Schools Trust. Their generosity makes the York Community Fund possible.

We left with full hearts and a belief in the power of local people coming together to lift each other.

Applications for the next round of the York Community Fund open in Summer 2025, with at least £200,000 available for distribution. Apply at Two Ridings Community Foundation.

For those inspired to make a difference in York, who would like to talk through donating to the York Community Fund, please do get in touch with Celia on 07519 485103.