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Twist magazine goes from strength-to-strength with more than 15,000 copies delivered each month

Local magazine Twist, which focuses on all things Chesterfield has the largest distribution of any magazine in the town, with 15,500 copies of the Heron Publications title carefully delivered to local homes and businesses each month.

Professional, experienced journalists keep readers entertained with lively features and positive Chesterfield news stories, backed up by striking images and eye-catching presentation. The launch of the title in September 2010 coincided with the setting up of the Chesterfield Champions network and Twist was delighted to become one of the scheme’s first member companies.

Editor Mike Firth began his career as a journalist in Chesterfield more than 40 years ago, working as sports editor at the Derbyshire Times before going on to edit the Chesterfield Gazette and Chesterfield Express newspapers when they were independently run.

Says Mike: “Chesterfield has always been an enjoyable place to work but now it has really blossomed into a vibrant town with so much going for it. If you want proof, you need only look at completed developments like the Casa Hotel, the Technique Stadium and the Vicar Lane shopping area – and then cast your mind back to how those same sites looked a few years ago.

“Now we have a new wave of other exciting developments throughout the town which will take Chesterfield into an exciting new era.”

Mike, who has lived in north Derbyshire almost all his life, was delighted to return to Chesterfield to set up Twist and he says the magazine is eagerly looked forward to each and every month.

“Readers appreciate the fact that we concentrate on all the positive things that are going on in town and they like the way we present our features in such a bright and breezy manner,” he says.

“They are happy to see Twist land on their doorstep each month and, because people pick it up and read it, advertisers are also delighted with the response they get; that is why many of them feature in our pages every month.”

Twist is delivered free of charge by the company’s own distribution team to homes and businesses in Sheepbridge, Dunston, Whittington Moor, Newbold, Ashgate, Brockwell, Brampton, Ashgate Heights, Old Brampton, Brookside, Waterside, the town centre and beyond. Because Twist is a community publication, all homes in the chosen distribution area receive the magazine – the publishers don’t pick and choose according to council tax bands or how many cars people may have parked in their driveways.

Twist’s professional advertising sales team and design studio staff are delighted to work with Chesterfield companies, both large and small, to help them promote their goods and services in the magazine’s colourful pages.

Twist may well be special, but it is not alone; it is one of a series of magazines published by family-run Heron Publications whose office is just up the road in Dronfield. The company also produces ‘Dronfield Eye’ which is the only publication distributed throughout the S18 area, ‘Wings’ in Wingerworth, Ashover and Tupton, ‘So Bolsover’ across the M1 and ‘Active8’ in the south of Sheffield. Together, they add up to a total circulation of 57,000 quality free local magazines.

An added bonus with Twist is the fact that it is printed right here in Derbyshire by award-winning Buxton Press, a business which has won several prestigious environmental awards.

Twist Magazine supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Heathcotes recruitment drive champions opportunities in care

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has launched a recruitment drive with an aim to attract a new intake by championing the benefits and career opportunities available within the sector.

With plans to open new care provision in the next six months, the company is offering around 180 permanent roles across the Midlands, the North West, London, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire for residential services in support of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

As the sector adjusts to the post-pandemic impact on its workforce, Heathcotes has stepped up its talent acquisition strategy, advocating the job security, funding for professional development, potential for long-term progression and fulfilling aspects of a career in social care.

Heathcotes Recruitment Business Partner, Jon Burton, said: “It’s well known that, since Covid-19 vaccination became mandatory in CQC-registered care homes in England, care providers have lost a percentage of their frontline colleagues who are reluctant to take the vaccine. Heathcotes have been affected by that, but I’m pleased to say that the overwhelming majority of our colleagues chose to be vaccinated in time for the new legislation, and we are now looking to attract a new generation of support workers and team leaders, across all ages and backgrounds, to join them at our services.

“As care providers planning a post-covid future, it’s important to make the case for our profession to prospective employees, and I believe that we have plenty to talk about in that respect. The pandemic gave everyone a greater appreciation of the value of frontline work in health and social care – employers need to build on that shift in perception and highlight the life-changing differences we make each day in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society. We also need to emphasise the access to fully-funded training available in our profession, facilitating the development of skills and qualifications throughout a career in care.”

Earlier this year, Heathcotes introduced an Employee Support Programme for colleagues throughout its organisation, providing a wide-ranging benefit scheme and wellbeing resource assisting all aspects of their personal life and work life, including financial and legal advice, diet and exercise planning, 24/7 access to a support team and access to expert counsellors providing confidential advice. The company believes that such initiatives are vital to support the care workforce and attract new talent to the sector in the coming years.

Jon Burton said: “Heathcotes’ Employee Support Programme programme has a key emphasis on lifestyle and mental health, which is important to recognise following one of the most challenging periods most of us have ever faced in our working lives and personal lives. I believe that companies will be better placed to recruit and retain if they can demonstrate that commitment alongside the opportunity to progress to senior roles – with the right backing from employers, care is a career with a very high potential for upward mobility.”

Heathcotes Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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The former Royal Ballet dancer helping to look after staff and volunteer wellbeing at Ashgate Hospice

A former Royal Ballet dancer has joined Ashgate Hospice to help champion a more supportive and inclusive culture for its 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers.

Ruth Bailey, aged 32, travelled the world with the Royal Ballet Company and danced alongside some of the most acclaimed dancers, including Darcey Bussell. The professional dancer retired at the age of 24 to focus on her wellbeing and is now 10 years into recovery from anorexia nervosa.

Now, as Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing Advisor, Ruth hopes to use her own experiences of poor mental and physical health to implement a robust support scheme to help make wellbeing a priority for everyone at the charity.

“My own struggles with wellbeing and the barriers I faced when accessing support has been the driving force behind my studies at university, which focused on nutrition, health and lifestyles,” said Ruth.

“I knew that I wanted to support other people to improve their health and let people know that healthy wellbeing takes work every single day.

“I believe that I am now a role model for this, which I absolutely love!”

Since her appointment in August 2021, Ruth has developed a wellbeing offer to help support staff and volunteers through the difficult winter months. This includes 1:1 wellbeing calls, group meetings on nutrition and exercise and 30-minute mindfulness sessions.

Ruth said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen how people have been impacted by the changes to our work and home lives. At Ashgate, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing these issues to ensure we have a well-supported and resilient workforce.

“My ambition is to help make wellbeing a priority for everyone. It can be difficult to give yourself permission to allow time for yourself, however, I believe it’s the key to long term sustainability.

“I hope to build and promote a really strong message that wellbeing should be paramount to healthy staff and volunteers. Human beings have basic needs and I hope to give time, energy, and a safe space for people to acknowledge these in the workplace.”

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, aims to normalise conversations around mental health and ensure staff and volunteers have the capability, knowledge and skills to access the support they need.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance at Ashgate Hospice said: “Supporting our staff and volunteers to stay healthy and well is a key priority for Ashgate. A healthy workplace helps our teams to deliver the very best end of life and palliative care to families across North Derbyshire.

“Supporting all our people to have a well-rounded and happier lifestyle is arguably more important now than ever before. It benefits the work we do, and the healthier habits picked up by our staff and volunteers can be passed on to those who use our services.

“We look forward to growing and developing our ambitious offering even further to ensure that everyone who works or volunteers for us is well supported in everything they do.”

If you want to join an organisation that priorities wellbeing, find out more about Ashgate Hospice and their current vacancies at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/work-for-us

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield Escape Rooms among the best in the UK according to Tripadvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms is celebrating success as the attraction has been listed among the top 10 best escape room attractions in the UK, according to reviews website TripAdvisor.

The business has shot up the rankings since its opening in Summer 2021, following hundreds of positive reviews on the site. At the time of writing, the escape room sits at number 5 in the UK rankings. You can see the list here.

Expressing his delight at the news, owner Nick Hogan said: “Living and working in a small town that encourages visitors, customer’s feedback and word of mouth referrals are so important. Trip advisor is also a huge area of interest for visitors to assess what to do when visiting the area so this was a key focus from Day 1.

“The team have been brilliant in ensuring that customers are made aware of our objective to be a top ranked Escape Room and its only with their help and support in providing on line feedback we have managed to achieve our goal. The team have to ensure they deliver a quality product every time and they have achieved that!

Nick also added that the ranking on TripAdvisor is positive news for the town as a whole, adding to Chesterfield’s visitor economy offer: “We can tell from our booking system that approximately 35-40% of our players are from outside of Chesterfield, with a growing number travelling in from Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and even further afield! These players are using the Escape Rooms as one of the things to do in Chesterfield but then go onto to increase spend elsewhere in the local vicinity.

“There are 790 different locations offering over 2500 Escape Rooms in the UK so we are overwhelmed with the success to date. It was a real pinch yourself moment when we got into the top 5 as our target was to be a top 50 venue.

“Our next target is to consolidate our top 5 position and then try and build on it. We have a new game going into construction in February / March ready for Easter so with further support from our customers, we maybe be able to go a little higher. The visitor economy is so important to the town so the more attractions we get the better and we are delighted to be able to help out.”

Two other business have also opened in and around the Escape Rooms. Chesterfield Virtual Reality offers an arcade approach to Virtual Reality (for up to 4 players) and also offers VR Escape Rooms. Game Zone has also opened on the town, providing a mix of retro and modern day gaming in a social environment.

Those businesses, combined with the existing Geeks Headquarters on Soresby Street are coming together to offer varying solutions to the entertainment portfolio of the town in one place, all under the banner of Chesterfield Games quarter.

To find out more about the range of attractions in the Chesterfield Games Quarter, visit: www.chesterfieldgamesquarter.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Community partnership project invites businesses to shape new consortium

A partnership project between the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action is inviting Chesterfield-based businesses to an online focus group to assist in shaping a new business consortium.

Community Chesterfield, which works to strengthen local communities by bringing the University and local voluntary groups together, is set to launch a consortium to bring these same benefits to the business community.

To help structure the consortium, Community Chesterfield is hosting an exclusive focus group to give businesses from Chesterfield and the surrounding areas with more than 50 employees the opportunity to discuss how the new scheme could benefit them and establish new and mutually beneficial relationships across the region.

The consortium, which will be launched in the summer of 2022, will enable a select group of businesses, academics and voluntary sector organisations to transform the skills and knowledge in the region and strengthen our communities.

The consortium is being designed to enable the exploration of new opportunities to collaborate and work across the voluntary and business sectors, helping businesses to meet staff development and wider company needs, including a focus on corporate social responsibility and employee health and wellbeing, as well as creating positive stories to share.

Jenny Raschbauer project manager at Community Chesterfield, said: “Community Chesterfield is a polit project, so we are in the fortunate position of being able to come up with ways to further achieve our goal of strengthening the local voluntary and community sector here in Chesterfield.”

“The goal of the business consortium is to create a network of cross-sector individuals and organisations who can work collaboratively to bring create opportunities that benefit all parties, whilst ultimately having a positive impact with the Chesterfield area.”

“The benefits to businesses of the consortium will also be rigorously evaluated and assessed by University of Derby members, so participants will have evidential data about how working alongside community organisations in this way has been an advantage to them. It really is a win win situation.”

Attendees at the focus group, which takes place on 27 January, will receive a free Colleague Box business breakfast delivered to your address.

To sign up to the free event visit the Community Chesterfield Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cross-sector-consortium-focus-group-online-business-breakfast-tickets-217541521547?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

For more information about Community Chesterfield, click here https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/.

The University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

chesterfield college

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Figures show East Midlands businesses favour hybrid working approach

Three-quarters of East Midlands businesses don’t anticipate a wholesale return to pre-pandemic ways of working, according to new research by East Midlands Chamber and Air IT.

Greater flexibility is among the top reasons for a new hybrid working approach – where employees spend part of their week working from home and part of it in the office – as eight in 10 businesses say they have so far decided against a full-time resumption of office and other on-premise working.

The findings were revealed as part of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, in which Air IT – a Managed Service Provider based in Nottinghamshire – commissioned a set of questions posed to business leaders regarding their views on the future of work, and whether it will revolve around the office or the home.

The research was conducted before the Government mandate to work from home where possible was reinstated.

East Midlands Chamber director of resources and HR lead Lucy Robinson said: “This research confirms what many Chamber members have been telling us in recent months, which is that they expect to embrace a hybrid structure of office and remote working in the future.

“It’s obviously not feasible for every organisation to take this approach and there’s still lots of jobs that can’t be done remotely, while it’s clear that the office will remain an important hub for collaboration between teams and developing the skills of younger employees.

“However, the disruption of Covid-19 has paved the way forward for a new mindset among some businesses that have witnessed a number of benefits from greater flexibility – including making it easier to attract and retain employees, as well as lower operating costs – and we expect to see a hybrid approach become significantly more popular in the long term.”

Main findings of the survey

Fewer than 20% of the 400 Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire businesses that responded to the Q3 2021 survey, undertaken in August and September this year, said they had “totally” returned to pre-pandemic working patterns.

Meanwhile, 27% planned to do so in the future – with 66% maintaining they would only “mostly” or “partially” do so, and 7% that said “not at all”.

The findings suggest strong support for the hybrid working model, which has proven popular this year as businesses have sought to ease employees back into the workplace while retaining the benefits of working remotely.

But the report shows that, for many organisations, it is no longer a temporary solution – it is here to stay.

Focusing on flexibility, technology and wellbeing

For those planning to continue most, some or all their pandemic-induced working habits, one of the primary reasons was to do with travel, which many businesses are deeming less necessary after experiencing the benefits of video calls, online events and cloud computing.

When asked what has changed for their business, 78% of respondents cited greater flexibility in location of work, and more than half had reduced in-person events as well as local and international travel.

When asked about the implications of changes to working habits, the most popular answer was “increased investment in new technologies”, selected by 61% of respondents.

Another big change was that business leaders want to see increased investment in staff engagement and wellbeing, an option selected by 59% respondents.

Lee Johnson, chief technology officer at Air IT, said: “A lot of our work at Air IT recently has revolved around hybrid working and how we can support SMEs as they adjust to this new era. Technology has been arguably the biggest factor in keeping businesses going since the pandemic hit, so many business leaders are looking to update their IT infrastructure in order to stay ahead.

“Remote and hybrid working are here to stay so it’s important that businesses invest in supporting their employees through this transition, making it as easy as possible for them to do their job.”

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Redbrik Foundation donates ÂŁ10k to local charities

Chesterfield-based estate agents, Redbrik has donated nearly ÂŁ10,000 to six local charities.

Fairplay, St. Luke’s Hospice Sheffield, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Ashgate Hospice and Paces will benefit from the funds raised through the Redbrik Foundation.

After hosting and supporting many charity events over the years, the Redbrik Foundation was set up in 2020 to help children, young people, the elderly and those with disabilities in the Sheffield and Chesterfield areas.

Naturally, since the Foundation was set up in 2020, restrictions have limited the number of in-person fundraising events. However, Redbrik’s team came up with new ways to generate support for the Foundation and its charities at a time when they need it most.

The Redbrik Foundation has organised virtual events, and challenges and donations of Christmas presents to Sheffield Children’s Hospital two years running so that every patient receives a gift during the festive season.

The team tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge earlier this year, raising over ÂŁ4,000, and held the very first – and very successful – Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in October 2021. In addition, donations were raised through a match funding initiative whereby clients of Redbrik are given the option to donate ÂŁ25 to the Foundation, which the company then matches.

Redbrik Foundation Trustee, David Cooper, commented: “This is a proud moment for every one and thank you to anyone who has promoted, donated to or fundraised for the Foundation. One hundred per cent of all money raised is donated back out into the community to support the incredible work these organisations carry out every day.

“Rather than have a changing list of annual charity partners, we’ve decided instead that we’d rather have an ever-growing list of amazing charities to support, so watch this space!”

For more information on the Redbrik Foundation, visit https://www.redbrik.co.uk/foundation/

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Bridge Help smashes fundraising target for Chesterfield Foodbank

More than ÂŁ4,000 of much-needed food and toiletries was donated to Chesterfield Foodbank just before Christmas thanks to a fundraising appeal by Bridge Help.

Launched in November 2021, the team at Bridge Help hoped to raise £2,021 of food and toiletries but, thanks to the generosity of its brokers, suppliers and Chesterfield’s business community, Bridge Help smashed its original fundraising target in just six weeks.

A total of ÂŁ2,130 of food and toiletries was collected which was matched pound for pound by Bridge Help. The match funding pledge meant a total of ÂŁ4,360 – more than double the original fundraising target – was donated to Chesterfield Foodbank.

With the help of eight volunteers, hundreds of packets, tins, boxes, cartons, sacks and bottles were transported from Bridge Help’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas.

As well as Christmas treats of biscuits and crisps, Bridge Help also collected essentials, such as nappies, toiletries, tins and dried foods, which were all donated to Chesterfield Foodbank to ensure the charity had stock to distribute well into 2022.

The haul filled the Chesterfield Foodbank van as well as two additional vehicles, with Bridge Help CEO Chris Sellars also pitching in to help with a delivery when it became evident there was too much for two vehicles.

The annual charity fundraising campaign was organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe said: “Wow, just wow. I can’t thank everyone enough who donated. It was a pleasure and an honour to be able to hand over everything we collected and know that, together, we have made a small difference in the lives of people who are facing hardship not just at Christmas but throughout the year.”

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Derbyshire Voluntary Action looks to recruit new trustees

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is looking to recruit new Trustees to its Board to broaden the sectors represented by its membership.

The organisation, representing more than 420 voluntary and community sector groups across Derbyshire, wishes to create a robust strategic plan to build more successful cross-sector collaborations, engage with businesses and improve its financial sustainability.

DVA’s Trustees work collaboratively and strive to provide the charity with clear leadership and effective governance. Newly recruited trustees must be willing to play a crucial role in supporting DVA to move forward and build on the organisation’s successes.

The key roles of the Trustees include contributing to board papers and being available to contribute to Board sub-groups, such as finance and HR, supporting staff and providing insight and guidance on key issues, new initiatives and new business/funding opportunities.

Trustees also:

• Actively contribute to the Board’s leadership role in providing strategic direction to the organisation by setting overall policy, defining goals and evaluating performance.
• Ensure that DVA works within the spirit of its governing document and complies with charity law and any other applicable legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that DVA pursues its charitable objects – as defined in its governing document and its vision and mission – as described in its business plan.
• Ensure that DVA uses its resources exclusively to pursue its organisational strategy, business plan and objectives.
• Safeguard the good name and values of DVA.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Support the chief executive in their role and monitor their performance against organisational strategy and the business plan.

DVA is particularly interested in hearing from people who are willing to share their experience and skills in the following areas; business development, marketing and brand management, finance, voluntary and community sector group development, lean management and digital skills.

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive and Julie Dixon, newly elected Chair of DVA, said: “This is an exciting time to join Derbyshire Voluntary Action. We move into our fourth decade, having formed in 1991 and move forward onto a new chapter of our history. This is a great opportunity for local community-minded people and professionals to join a forward-thinking organisation who see the great value of their communities and wish to contribute in a rewarding and impactful way”.

The organisation specialises in supporting health and well-being related voluntary and community sector organisations – from small volunteer-led self-help groups to local and regional charities delivering projects to benefit many Derbyshire residents. For an informal discussion and to find out more, contact DVA’s Chair, Julie Dixon, at julie@bana-uk.com.

For more information about DVA, visit www.dva.org.uk.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Care continues at Ashgate Hospice on Christmas Day thanks to dedicated volunteers

Volunteers at Ashgate Hospice will be selflessly giving up their Christmas Day this year to help support patients and their families who are facing their last Christmas together.

The North Derbyshire hospice has more than 600 volunteers who carry out a range of vital roles to support the charity’s services.

Once again this Christmas and over the New Year, volunteers at Ashgate will be continuing to give up their time so the hospice can keep on caring.

Among those volunteering on Christmas Day this year are Ward Volunteer, Andrea Jenner, and Volunteer Receptionist, Lesley Walton, who have been volunteering at the charity for 27 years between them.

Andrea, who takes meal and drink orders and serves patients and families staying on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit, started volunteering in October 2008 and helps out every Christmas.

She said: “I have volunteered on Christmas Day for several years now. It’s great to give something back at a time of giving; especially as for many people this will be their last Christmas together.

“Many relatives have their Christmas lunch with us, in the room with their loved one. Naturally, there have been changes due to COVID but the hospice still tries to make it as special as possible whilst ensuring everyone is as safe as they can be.

“No two shifts are the same really, every patient is an individual and their loved ones are different too and are treated accordingly.

Andrea says volunteering at Ashgate for the last 13 years has taught her “what is really important in life.”

“I’ve always said that the hospice has done a great deal more for me than I have done for it,” added Andrea.

“Seeing remarkable people at their best during the worst of times is humbling and life affirming.

“I have met people who, as long as I have a memory, I will never forget. The staff are also amazing – they treat volunteers as valuable colleagues.

“I had no prior knowledge of Ashgate before volunteering yet I’m so glad I chose to volunteer. Like many people I thought a hospice was a place you went to die – oh boy, how wrong was I?”

Meanwhile, Lesley, a retired social worker, started volunteering at Ashgate after visiting her close friend on the Inpatient Unit and experiencing first-hand the “excellent” care she received.

On reception, she will be welcoming patients and their families as they arrive at the hospice and answering phone calls on Christmas Day.

Lesley, who joined the charity in 2007, said: “Families are meant to be together at Christmas and I am a member of the Ashgate family. In the absence of a family of my own I like to spend my time with my friends and colleagues at the hospice, whilst doing my bit to support my local community.

“I must admit – I’m definitely lured in by one of the hospice chef’s wonderful Christmas lunches which are lovingly made for patients, families, staff and volunteers. I always buy mine at the end of my shift and take it home with me!

“Ashgate is a family which I feel very proud and grateful to be a part of. Over the years I have made many wonderful friends and having the opportunity to use my experience to make a difference, whilst learning new skills, is what I love most about volunteering.”

Over the past year, Ashgate Inpatient Unit volunteers have served more than 14,000 meals to patients on the hospice’s ward, whilst its reception volunteers have spent over 1,700 hours welcoming visitors to the hospice.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance at Ashgate Hospice, added: “From our volunteer gardeners to those who help care for patients on our Inpatient Unit – we are so lucky to have over 600 volunteers at Ashgate who carry out a whole range of roles to support our care for patients and families.

“Their contribution across the organisation is immeasurable and there would be so much we would struggle to do without their time, skills and commitment.

“During the festive season our care doesn’t stop and neither does the dedication of our amazing volunteers.

“It’s thanks to people like Lesley and Andrea that we’re able to continue being there for the people who need us most – and I can’t thank them and all of our volunteers enough for everything they do.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at Ashgate Hospice you can find more about some of the roles available here: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/volunteering

Ashgate Hospice has released a one-off episode of their popular The Life and Death Podcast exploring feelings of grief, loss and finding comfort during the festive period.

The Christmas episode is available to stream on all platforms by searching for ‘The Life and Death Podcast Ashgate Hospice’.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Care continues at Ashgate Hospice on Christmas Day thanks to dedicated volunteers

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Ho ho home for Christmas

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust wants you ‘Ho ho home for Christmas’.

This year the Trust is seeing unprecedented demand on the care and services provided and is doing all it can to see people discharged and back home in time for Santa’s visit – or as soon as it is clinically safe to do so.

With Covid and seasonal pressures continuing, the Trust is wanting to send a clear message. Berenice Groves, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, commented: “We always want to ensure that people are only in hospital for as long as they really need to be and this is especially true at this time of year. We’re working closely across the whole system to ensure that when it is clinically safe, patients can be discharged. We know that folks don’t want to spend Christmas in hospital and it means we can ensure others, who need our care, are able to have access to beds and means less delays across the hospital.

“We’re always here for those who really need us but we’re actively encouraging people to ensure they have a discharge plan in place as soon as they are admitted to hospital, where appropriate. This could mean ensuring that friends and family are able to support them a little more when they can return home and any adaptations are made to ensure that any additional needs are catered for.”

The Trust is currently running close to capacity, so they are encouraging patients to go home as soon as they are clinically signed off which is better for them, as well as reaching out to families to support them by either assisting with care in their relative’s home or supporting placements in residential or nursing care facilities.

Berenice added: “Our approach to discharge is simple. As soon as patients are admitted to hospital, we try to identify an estimated date they’ll be discharged. This ensures we all have a goal to work towards as we know nobody wants to be here for longer than is necessary.”

Patients can help by following some easy steps:

  • Setting an expected date for when they’ll be able to leave the hospital
  • Planning for transport home as soon as possible
  • Discussing any aids and adaptations they might need with their care teams
  • Ensuring the hospital’s checklist for discharge has been completed including the need for any prescription medicines being picked up

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

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