Meet the City Hosts – York’s new ambassadors ready to help everyone feel safe and welcome

Some friendly faces have taken to the streets of York, ready to help people feel safe and welcome.

York’s new City Hosts are now out and about in the city centre, engaging with visitors and residents alike.

Created by the York BID (Business Improvement District), the City Host programme is all about making our streets feel safe in these rapidly-changing circumstances.

The hosts have come from a pool of City of York Council volunteers. They are all are residents who know the city well, and are passionate about its special qualities.

They are York’s new ambassadors, providing advice on everything from where to find shops, attractions, businesses and services, to the latest safety protocols as they are introduced.

City getting busier

City Hosts will work in pairs and will receive a uniform, an ID badge, and relevant training.

York BID operations manager Carl Alsop said: “We hope the City Hosts will give visitors an extra sense of confidence as they visit our city.

“Things have obviously changed a lot in recent months, and the City Hosts can offer friendly advice to help navigate some of these changes.”

Stuart Smith is one of the new City Hosts. He said: “I’m really happy to be part of this scheme.

“It’s great to be out and about, contributing something useful, and it’s nice to see the city getting busier.”