Featured

Chesterfield Borough Council staff redeployed to support the community

Chesterfield Borough Council has reprioritised and reorganised staff resources to ensure essential services are maintained and to deliver additional community response activity to support Chesterfield residents and businesses at this difficult time.

In the community, staff have been redeployed in support of local pharmacies to deliver medicines to residents’ homes, have made regular food parcel deliveries to those in need, and are working with local community groups and charities to support a range of activities. Staff have also been redeployed around the council to support the rollout of small business grants, to work at the crematorium and to help ensure the Careline service can keep running for the benefit of the borough’s elderly residents.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m proud of the way our staff have quickly responded to this crisis and the way in which they are continuing to adapt to new roles and responsibilities as required. It’s really important that we use all our resources to effectively support the local community and any residents who may require additional support, especially those who are particularly vulnerable at this time.”

Staff have been learning new skills in order to support essential service delivery. For example, some of the Town Hall’s clerical staff are now working at the crematorium where they are assisting by helping to run services and providing administrative support.

Members of the housing repairs team have been using council vehicles to support the delivery service of several local pharmacies. This small team has delivered around 650 prescriptions in the last week and will continue to assist pharmacies and their customers for the foreseeable future.

The council has also redeployed staff to support its Careline service. Careline supports around 2500 residents, many of whom are extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. The service has handled more than 40 call outs because of slips and falls in the last week. The falls recovery service helps to reduce the number of non-injured fallers being referred to the emergency services, which in turn reduces the pressure on the NHS.

Careline staff have also been working closely with local food banks to identify those in need of support and are helping deliver food parcels to vulnerable residents. The service has also been contacting around 200 residents a day to check on their wellbeing and to help them to obtain further support via the Derbyshire-wide Community Response Unit. To access help from the Derbyshire Community Response Unit please call 01629 535091 or register on the website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/gethelp

anzacs chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Chesterfield’s MTM Products supplies the NHS with lifesaving equipment

Chesterfield manufacturer, MTM Products, is supplying nurse call handset overlays to a leading NHS equipment supplier to support them during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The label and signage company is making large quantities of front fascia overlays for the nurse call handsets used in the temporary hospitals..

In total, the firm is manufacturing more than 14,000 overlays for one of its longstanding medical sector customers. The first 5,000 have already been delivered following a quick turnaround thanks for the company’s efforts.

MTM has a variety of customers which are also supplying products to the NHS and emergency services. These customers have asked MTM to continue trading so they can fulfil their responsibilities and supply essential equipment to health services in both the UK and mainland Europe. MTM plans to continue manufacturing at both of its Chesterfield sites for as long as possible, while observing Government advice around social distancing and hygiene.

Ian Greenaway, Managing Director at MTM Products said: “We are proud to be able to play our part in ensuring that the NHS and emergency services receive supplies necessary to fight the COVID-19 virus. We are part of a supply chain for many essential medical and life safety products and will do everything we can to maintain continuity of supply.”

Images: MTM Products

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Geeks Headquarters producing mask straps for key workers and NHS staff

Chesterfield-based independent retailer, Geeks Headquarters, are using their 3D printer to create straps for face masks to support local key workers and NHS staff during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Staff member Massimiliano Naso has produced over 450 mask straps for medical facilities such as Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Barnsley District General, Whitworth Hospital Matlock, Walton Hospital, Royal Derby Hospital plus numerous care homes and care agencies.

Massimiliano said: “We are keen to help cause it is the right thing to do! We are doing everything free of charge, because making a profit out of this wouldn’t be right. If we receive any payment, because people insist on contributing, the sum will be donated to support NHS. Everyone has to play a part in this and we just want to help, in any way we could.”

The Geeks Headquarters store, located on Soresby Street in Chesterfield town centre, is currently closed following Government advice, however the staff are still working behind the scenes to fulfill product orders. A list of available products is shared on a regular basis to their Facebook page and delivery or curb side collection can be arranged.

The team has also created an online hub using Discord to organise online versions of tournaments and games as well as offering a welcoming environment to prevent loneliness during the coronvirus outbreak.

To request mask straps, check product availability or see more of their upcoming events, please contact the Geeks Headquarters team through their Facebook page here – www.facebook.com/geeksheadquarters or email geeksheadquartersltd@gmail.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Whittam Cox Architects use 3D printers to produce PPE for NHS staff

Whittam Cox Architects are pleased to be supporting the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by producing face masks for NHS staff and key workers at Sheffield’s Teaching Hospitals.

The practice is 3D printing head bands and chin supports for single use face visors, which are then delivered to a central hub in Sheffield to have plastic visors fitted. Once assembled, the masks will be sterilised and packaged, and put into the NHS supply chain.

Ashley Turner, CEO at Whittam Cox Architects said, “It is logical for us to use our resources to help NHS staff and key workers in this national emergency. We are very willing to contribute our time, equipment and materials for this special purpose. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and this is an important way for us to be able to do our part by providing these essential pieces of equipment to those who need it most.”

The initiative is being run by 3DCROWD UK, who are asking for volunteers and crowd funding to help support those on the frontline. Over 5500 volunteers have now signed up to the initiative and between them have provided 345,000 shields.

If you’d like to get involved, please visit https://www.3dcrowd.uk/

Click here to find out more about Whittam Cox Architects

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

John Wright named Derbyshire County Cricket Club President

Derbyshire great, John Wright, has been appointed Derbyshire County Cricket Club President.

The former New Zealand Test batsman, who scored more than 9,000 runs across all formats for his country, is widely regarded as one of Derbyshire’s finest ever players.

Between 1977 and 1988, Wright scored a total of 10,638 first-class runs and 4,331 List A runs, including 31 centuries and a top-score of 190.

An experienced coach at domestic and international level, Wright became Derbyshire’s Specialist Twenty20 Coach in 2017 and led the side to their first Vitality Blast quarter-final in more than a decade.

Wright succeeds Harold Rhodes, whom the club would like to thank for his contribution over the past year, which has extended to watching Derbyshire at home and away, as well as attending a number of club events.

Chairman, Ian Morgan said: “John is one of the greatest batsmen to ever play for Derbyshire, scoring more than 14,000 runs for the club.”

“Even when his playing days ended, John kept a close relationship with the club and enjoyed success in his return as a coach. His contribution and commitment to the Club over many years has been immense and I am delighted that he has accepted the role of Club President in this our 150th year.”

Wright added: “I hold Derbyshire very close to my heart and I am honoured to serve as Club President.”

“I enjoyed so many great times here as a player and as a coach, and I wish the current squad the very best as they continue to make great progress on the field.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop launches food deliveries to the vulnerable

The Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop has launched a new home delivery service with priority given to those who are either ill with the coronavirus, particularly vulnerable to infection such as the elderly, or people who are self-isolating.

With capacity for 75 deliveries daily as well as 60+ click and collect slots, the estate farm shop can now help around 140 customers per day (nearly 1000 a week) to receive fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and groceries either direct to their doorstep or straight into their car boot.

As well as the usual estate farm shop opening hours, a dedicated delivery and collection operation has been set up with three telephonists, two till operators, two payment processors, seven pickers and five drivers, operational seven-days a week. Advance orders are being taken by phone for collection at the shop without leaving the car – goods are loaded straight into the boot by the collections team.

From across the Chatsworth Estate, staff normally working in catering, retail, marketing, IT, the Chatsworth Gym and elsewhere have been working around the clock to introduce the delivery service to support local communities.

Initially, a fulfilment centre was set up in the estate farm shop café, closed during the pandemic, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t sufficient. A larger, more suitable space was created by putting up a marquee (usually used at Christmas) in the courtyard and converting it to a fully operational fulfilment centre in just a few hours.

Delivery drivers returning to the estate farm shop are reporting that their jobs are as rewarding as anything they’ve ever done, with some customers in tears on their doorsteps. Local suppliers such as Tomsons Fruit and Vegetables and RG Morris Fishmongers from Buxton, Bloomers of Bakewell and Matlock Meadows Ice Cream have been supporting Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop with both stock and additional vans for deliveries.

As well as these new services, Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop is still open as usual but has implemented a range of measures to ensure that customers can shop safely, respecting social distancing guidelines.

  • Hand wash stations have been installed outside the shop entrance. All customers are asked to clean their hands thoroughly before handling any produce or entering the shop
  • During busy periods a single shopper policy will operate whereby only one person from each family group can enter the shop
  • An external queuing area has been introduced, which will be used during busy periods
  • At checkout and across other areas of the shop, there are marked spaces on the floor to help customers adhere to safe social distancing
  • Customers are asked to use contactless payment and avoid using cash where possible
  • Team members are working throughout the day cleaning touch points such as handbaskets, trolley handles, door handles, till areas and card machines.

A regular award winner, more than half of all the products at the estate farm shop are either produced or prepared on the Chatsworth Estate. With a wealth of talented producers within easy reach, the estate farm shop prefers to source from small local suppliers wherever possible – some relationships stretching back more than 30 years.

Established by the Duchess Deborah in 1977, the shop sold beef and lamb from the estate farms, and venison from the park. Its aim was to sell Chatsworth’s produce directly to the people who wanted to eat top quality, locally grown food.

The house, farmyard, adventure playground, garden, gift shops, restaurants and car parks at Chatsworth will remain closed until further notice. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the Derbyshire estate took the decision to close in response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Find out more about the Chatsworth delivery service here.

Images credit: Chatsworth House Trust

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Banner Jones Solicitors offering half price Wills to NHS staff

Local law firm, Banner Jones, is to offer 50% off its Will writing services to all NHS staff as a way of saying thank you for their ‘tireless efforts’ to help support those across the region affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The discount, which is available to doctors and nurses, as well as all other NHS workers, comes as pressure on key workers continues to grow; with many being urged to get their affairs in order.

The advice has led to a surge in enquiries for legal services including Wills and LPAs (Lasting Power of Attorney), with Banner Jones launching the scheme in order to ’give something back to the local community, and to help those who are providing life-saving care’

Katie Woodward, Wills Team Leader from Banner Jones said: “These are truly difficult times for all, but with many NHS workers exposed day after day to the Coronavirus we have seen a spike of interest in our Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney writing services.

“We therefore thought it was only appropriate to offer NHS staff a discounted rate to provide what little support we can and to show our gratitude for their tireless efforts to protect our friends and our families.

“We understand that at a time like this, we all need to pull together in order for us all to get through this.”

For NHS staff thinking about putting their affairs in order, the dedicated Wills team can now take your instructions over the phone for everyone’s safety and convenience.  Please call 01246 560 560 or email info@bannerjones.co.uk to make an appointment. To qualify for the discount, staff members will need to provide a copy of their photo ID.

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones Solicitors

Story of Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Businesses offered rent deferrals for three months

Derbyshire County Council business tenants will be given the opportunity to defer up to three months of their monthly rent payment in a move to give them some relief during the coronavirus crisis.

The rent deferral will cover the months of April, May and June 2020 and the scheme then reviewed to see if it needs to be extended. The outstanding rent would be paid back over a period up to the end of March 2022.

Derbyshire County Council own and maintain a number of small business units, larger units and the Markham Vale Environment Centre. The total annual rental income across this portfolio amounts to nearly £2 million a year and the rent deferral would reduce this by nearly £0.5 million with the money being recouped at a later date.

All businesses applying for the rent deferral would be assessed to check that they will be able to repay the rent over the longer term.

Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We welcome the support being given by government but we cannot underestimate the impact coronavirus is having on our local businesses and we’re keen to do what we can to help.”

“We’ve been getting enquiries from our tenants about how we can assist them.”

“We hope that a rent deferral and the other measures we are introducing will help to keep these companies in business and once the crisis is over they can continue contributing to the vibrant economy of our county.”

Find out more about the support available to Derbyshire businesses on the Derbyshire County Council website.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Organisers of Beat the Street Chesterfield launch Beat the Bug

From the organisers of Beat the Street Chesterfield, Beat the Bug is a new health & wellbeing programme designed to help you and your family stay active and well during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Beat the Bug has been created by Intelligent Health. Intelligent Health was founded by Dr William Bird MBE, a frontline NHS doctor, global expert in physical fitness and advisor to the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.

Those wanting to stay up to date with the latest Coronavirus advice, receive tips and advice about staying healthy or those seeking fun ideas for activities you can do at home, can sign up for a weekly Beat the Bug newsletter to help people of all ages during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Beat the Bug Facebook page is updated daily with new activities and is host to a number of regular online events such as ‘ABC Animal Yoga’ and ‘Bedtime Yoga’ for children and all ages ‘Mobilise Yourself’ yoga classes.

If you or your children want to ask Dr William Bird a question about Coronavirus/COVID-19, or about how to improve your physical or emotional wellbeing, or even if you’ve got a top tip to share with other families, he is holding regular Facebook Live sessions.

Find out more by visiting their website here – www.beatthebug.me or see their latest news and activities on their Facebook page here – www.facebook.com/BeattheBug1

Watch Dr William Bird talking about Beat the Bug below:

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

CBE+ set to help in UK ventilator shortage

CBE+ will be required to machine critical components for the ventilators in an extremely short timeframe to support the UK NHS throughout the COVID 19 pandemic.

CBE+, a Chesterfield based manufacturer, has recently enhanced its efforts in the medical sector after being approached by a group of companies tasked with the production of ventilator parts.

Ventilators are vital pieces of equipment in the fight against coronavirus, taking oxygen into the lungs and removing carbon dioxide when people are too ill to breathe on their own. The UK government aims to add more than 1,200 ventilators to its system in less than two weeks, and is forecasting it will need 30,000 at the peak of the outbreak. Governments and health authorities have called on non-health industry manufacturers and universities to help meet these drastic demands.

For this project, CBE+ have partnered with other specialist manufacturers from the aerospace and automotive sectors. CBE+ offer CNC machining and Electroless nickel plating to AS9100 certified standards and have therefore have previously focused on the aerospace, defence and oil & gas markets. Both companies have turned their full attention to producing the time critical components to support the national health service.

Fabio Cosenza, business development managers for the CBE+ group said: “We were honoured to have received a request to help the national effort by producing these parts: I knew we had to make it happen. We have created additional capacity to be able to machine these components on time, we understand how important they are to the nation and the team are working 24 hours around the clock 7 days a week to help with the shortage. I salute the flexibility and commitment of our staff who are dedicating days, nights and weekends to this project.”

Marie Cooper, CEO said “I am extremely proud the business and every single employee for working hard through these challenging times. We are considering the health risks and being extremely careful to follow government guidelines regarding those with symptoms to ensure we keep our employees and their families safe and can guarantee business continuity to produce these critical components for the country.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council supports ‘Everyone In’ initiative

Chesterfield Borough Council, along with its near neighbouring local authorities in the North Derbyshire Homelessness Forum, has stepped up its efforts to tackle homelessness and ensure that everyone has an offer of suitable shelter at this difficult time.

Government guidance has highlighted that rough sleepers and the homeless are particularly vulnerable to COVID 19 because they have limited access to important health messaging, have difficulty self-isolating and they often rely upon the generosity of the local community in receiving food and other donations, which due to the current situation has been significantly reduced.

The ‘Everyone In’ Government initiative aims to house all rough sleepers and homeless people and, in this area, is being organised through the combined efforts of Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council.

The councils are also working closely with partner agencies including Pathways of Chesterfield, Derbyshire Law Centre, P3 Charity and Derbyshire County Council, including Public Health.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are working very hard to identify all members of the local community who require support at this difficult time. This approach of partnership working helps ensure that all those identified, no matter what problems they are facing will receive the shelter and support that they need.”

Working together, the North Derbyshire Homelessness Forum have been able to provide a range of accommodation options including:

  • Furnished flats and houses within the local authorities’ own stock
  • Existing bed and breakfast providers
  • Supported accommodation for higher needs cases
  • Exclusive use of a local hotel

However, Chesterfield Borough Council recognise that simply providing shelter is often not the only solution to the problems faced by this vulnerable community and have therefore arranged for internal and external support to be available, including the provision of food supplies for the most vulnerable. The main objective of this initiative is to assist people by helping them to isolate and therefore avoid going outside.

Everyone has their own specific needs and requirements which is why the council have identified a team of key professionals including council homelessness officers, public health staff and specialist homeless support workers from the voluntary sector. This team will carefully assess each person needing somewhere to stay and make the most appropriate placement in accordance with their needs and their safety.

Our outreach teams are currently operating as normal and are trying to make contact with rough sleepers where they are made aware of them. This is a vital part of the process in identifying and contacting rough sleepers.

Chesterfield Borough Council is also currently operating a telephone interview service for homeless households in need of assistance. The main homelessness contact number is now 07870 277291 or referrals can be made via email to homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Pathways of Chesterfield, who the council work in partnership with to deliver essential support services, can also accept referrals from the public or people requiring assistance. Pathways can be contacted on 01246 498204. You can also refer rough sleepers via the Streetlink service: www.streetlink.org.uk. Should you need assistance outside of office hours please contact the out of hours team by calling Derbyshire County Council on 01629 533190.

Stay up to date with all the latest information about coronavirus on the Chesterfield Borough Council dedicated hub: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/coronavirus

anzacs chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home