A NEW project has launched to help communities across North Yorkshire navigate the ongoing difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Thirsk-based Rural Arts charity is working alongside fellow charities North Yorkshire Sport and North Yorkshire Youth to launch the initiative.

Called North Yorkshire Together, the scheme will join the organisations' skills and audiences to offer a variety of activities and resources for all ages. Access to arts and sports equipment, and accompanying digital resources, will be a core part of the project to promote health and wellbeing, strengthen communities and reduce loneliness.

Director and CEO of Rural Arts, Max May, said: “At Rural Arts, we want to make access to arts easier and more inclusive.

"We’re so thrilled to be running North Yorkshire Together, connecting people across the county with activities and information to ensure we all feel as happy and healthy as possible entering what will undoubtedly be a very difficult next six months.

“Whether that’s though a physical activity pack or online arts workshops, Rural Arts, North Yorkshire Sport and North Yorkshire Youth are here for communities of all ages, right across the county.”

The project seeks to provide essential resources to the county’s most vulnerable and isolated individuals.

For more information about the project and how to make the most of the activities on offer, visit ruralarts.org/NorthYorkshireTogether