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Funding for pilot ‘mental health friendly space’ project in Chesterfield

Derbyshire County Council is providing up to £45,000 of funding for the delivery of a 2-year project aiming to make Chesterfield a more mental health friendly place.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “For many people who suffer with anxiety, stress or depression a trip outside the home can be a difficult experience.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated existing symptoms for many people and has also increased the number of people feeling anxious about trips out.

“In providing some security and assurance, safe places and friendly faces may help people to overcome some of their anxieties.”

The pilot project, delivered by Fuzzy Ducklings, will link with the existing Safe Places scheme run by the council’s public health department.

This will enable it to extend the number of safe spaces into private businesses and retailers, which will increase the number of people it reaches.

It is proposed that a pilot scheme starts in Chesterfield where work has already taken place.

Lee Waterhouse, founder of Fuzzy Ducklings has his own experiences of mental health issues and this spurred him onto to help others.

He said: “I began to form the idea of making Chesterfield a mental health friendly place. I decided to create a mobile app where we bring together all the mental health services into one easy to find application.

“I also wanted to offer mental health awareness training to every business in the town centre.

“My passion for mental health awareness, and personal experience with mental health issues, puts Fuzzy Ducklings in the perfect position of providing a service that is of value to people throughout Chesterfield and Derbyshire.”

In order for Chesterfield to become a “mental health friendly” place a model has been developed that covers the following areas:

  • Raising mental health awareness, addressing stigma, and promoting inclusivity
  • Developing a digital resource that will support people by highlighting the location of safe spaces they can access if they feel unwell
  • Engaging local business to play a role in improving the community’s mental health and wellbeing, for example, training staff on mental health awareness

Chesterfield Mental Health Network will oversee the initial scheme in Chesterfield. This is a multi-agency partnership with representatives from the community and voluntary sector, health and social care and the business sector. The pilot scheme will be evaluated and if successful, will be rolled out across Derbyshire.

First Aid for Mental Health course chesterfield

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire Church receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund

Chesterfield Parish Church is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

445 organisations will share £103 million, including Chesterfield Parish Church, to help restart vital reconstruction work and maintenance on cherished heritage sites, keeping venues open and supporting those working in the sector.

The Crooked Spire will receive £281,548, which amounts to 80% of the cost of replacing failing roofs on the Chancel and the side aisles.

This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund – funded by Government and administered at arms length by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

433 organisations will receive a share of £67 million from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage to help with costs for operating, reopening and recovery. This includes famous heritage sites across the country, from Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Blyth Tall Ship to the Severn Valley Railway, the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire to the Piecehall in Halifax. The funds will save sites that are a source of pride for communities across the country.

12 organisations, including English Heritage, Landmark Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and the Canal and River Trust, will receive £34 million from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to restart construction and maintenance on cherished heritage sites to preserve visitor attractions and protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors in the sector.

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has also been awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund through Historic England. The AHF will use the funding to support charities and social enterprises occupying historic buildings to develop new business plans and strategies for organisations affected by the pandemic.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”

Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces, said: “There’s no truer way to experience the past than to walk in the footsteps of those who have lived it – that’s why preserving our built heritage is so important. “At Historic Royal Palaces, we care for six nationally significant buildings, opening them to the public and preserving them for future generations. Sadly, the pandemic meant that we had to stop some of our critical conservation work. The grant we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund will enable to this work to resume – so we can give some of Britain’s most historic buildings the care and attention they deserve, while supporting the specialist craftspeople who are vital for the future of our national heritage. We are enormously grateful to the Government for this support.”

The Vicar, Patrick Coleman, said:

“The Crooked Spire is consistently among the ten greatest visitor attractions in the East Midlands, and brings in tens of thousands of visitors to Chesterfield in a normal year. As the premier tourist venue in Chesterfield, it is a significant national treasure, keeping at its heart the purposes of worship of God and telling the Good News of Christ, which are always its primary purpose, and – as visitors so often tell us – this makes the place so much more than a museum.

“The team at the Parish Church has worked tirelessly to make the building accessible and COVID-secure for all who visit for any reason, and this grant will enable us to ensure a safe and dry welcome, as well as making up for lost visitor income, and enabling us to continue our programme of investment in improving facilities within the building.”

Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive said:

“It is heartening to see grants, both large and small, from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund helping heritage sites and organisations across the country which have been hit hard by the effects of Covid-19. These grants range from giving skilled craft workers the chance to keep their trades alive to helping heritage organisations pay the bills, and to kick-starting repair works at our best-loved historic sites. The funding is an essential lifeline for our heritage and the people who work tirelessly to conserve it for us all, so that we can hand it on to future generations.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is absolutely right that investing in heritage should be a priority during this crisis and this support by Government is crucial. Heritage creates jobs and economic prosperity, is a major driver for tourism and makes our towns, cities, and rural areas better places to live. All of this is so important for our wellbeing and will be particularly vital when we start to emerge from this incredibly difficult time. “Our heritage is still facing a perilous future – we are not out of the woods yet. But this hugely welcome funding from Government, and the money we continue to invest from the National Lottery, has undoubtedly stopped heritage and the organisations that care for it being permanently lost.”

Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said:

“This support for our nation’s heritage is fantastic news. Over the last few months, our teams have been working hard to welcome visitors back safely to the great castles, stone circles, abbeys and historic houses in our care. This funding will help us invest to safeguard the historic fabric of these much-loved places, which everyone can learn from and enjoy.”

Crooked Spire Lunchtime concerts

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Sustainable East Midlands campaign launched to put region at forefront of UK’s ‘Build Back Greener’ vision

East Midlands Chamber has urged the region’s businesses to go green and reap the benefits to their bottom line in a new campaign.

The Sustainable East Midlands initiative will highlight both the business case and regulatory requirements for companies that engage with the low-carbon agenda.

It includes a new online information portal that will point firms to financial support available to them and a series of educational events, beginning with the East Midlands Energy Summit later this month.

The campaign has been launched following research by the Chamber and University of Derby, which highlighted how sustainability is rising up the business agenda – but also showed a gap in awareness for many organisations.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “With the seismic shift in the economy and the way businesses look to develop new ways to operate, there is no better time to focus on the opportunities and the potential offered by the sustainability agenda.

“With its manufacturing heritage, innovative businesses and academic base, the East Midlands has the raw ingredients to be at the forefront of delivering a low-carbon economy – particularly important at a time when the UK Government has a vision to ‘build back greener’ from the pandemic.

“This isn’t just about sustainability for the sake of being greener, as this translates into the bottom line of businesses through efficiency and resilience. Adopting greener credentials reduces running costs and helps to win new contracts and business.

“The Sustainable East Midlands campaign will play a pivotal role in shining a spotlight on the great companies already heavily engaged in the low-carbon agenda, while signposting more businesses in this direction – because now is the time to take responsibility and reap the rewards.”

University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber research on sustainability engagement and awareness among businesses

Sustainable East Midlands is the product of a long-standing partnership between the Chamber and University of Derby, which has yielded unique data about the region’s engagement with the sustainability agenda.

In February, the university included a set of questions related to this topic for the Q1 2020 edition of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, which explores a range of business interests to gauge the state of the region’s economy.

More than 400 Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire businesses took part in the survey and it showed the percentage of businesses deriving turnover from low-carbon and pro-environmental goods and services has nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020 – growing from 16% to 31% during this period.

Just over a third (35%) of businesses said they were integrating clean growth into their business plan, while the proportion of firms not considering clean growth opportunities at all had decreased from 36% in 2018 to 14% in 2020.

On the flip side, four in 10 businesses said they did not feel well-informed about support for clean growth.
Dr Fred Paterson, an associate professor at the University of Derby and the Low Carbon Business Network lead at Derby Business School, led the research team.

He said: “There is growing evidence that companies putting environmental sustainability at the heart of their operations are more successful and more likely to survive over time than other firms.

“At the same time, the UK low-carbon economy has been growing steadily for more than a decade and has weathered storms like the financial crash of 2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic better than other sectors of the economy.

“It’s no surprise that our research has shown the number of businesses in the East Midlands that provide pro-environmental goods and services has doubled over the past five years.

“The Sustainable East Midlands initiative is therefore a really welcome support for the increasing number of smaller business that want to build their sustainable credentials and grow their business in ways that are also positive for the environment.”

The topic of sustainability was also discussed recently at the Destination Chesterfield Round Table event, with several local business figures speaking on what more can be done to drive sustainability in our region.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Call for Derbyshire businesses to offer work experience to unemployed people

Chesterfield-based NLT Training Services is calling on businesses to get involved with a brand new programme designed to help people get into paid employment.

Companies looking to recruit are invited to ‘try before you buy’ and offer snapshot work experience opportunities through NLT’s new Step into Employment programme.

Ahead of a recruitment drive to support its recent expansion, Superior Spas has signed up to Step into Employment and will be offering work experience placements at its site in Brimington.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director at Superior Spas said: “We are delighted to be involved in the programme. This year has been really difficult for many businesses and employees. The programme offers a great opportunity for companies like Superior Spas to provide work experience placements which could ultimately help local people secure employment. We are really looking forward to welcoming new recruits to our team here in Brimington.”

The FREE six-week ‘Step into Employment’ programme has been launched by NLT following the award of an ESF Community Grant.

It is designed to help unemployed people in Derbyshire who are not in employment, education or training, get work ready and secure employment. The programme prioritises young people aged 16 – 24 years old, however is open to anyone who is currently unemployed.

The programme combines classroom tutoring focusing on CV writing, interview techniques and job search support, with real in company work experience. The programme is designed to give participants the skills and practical support to overcome barriers to employment and progress to sustainable employment.

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive at NLT commented: “The work experience element of the Step into Employment programme is a fantastic opportunity for both participants and employers. Despite the current economic climate, there are companies recruiting and there are also many quality candidates who just need help taking their first step into employment. I hope employers get behind this programme and help us make a difference.”

Awarded by The Futures Group, the Community Funds Grant is jointly funded by the ESFA and the European Social Fund. It enables community-based organisations like NLT to deliver projects that help engage and progress ‘hard to reach’ individuals towards the labour market. The grants will support participants’ progression so that they are confident in their ability to move into employment.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved with the Step into Employment programme, please get in touch with Janice Parker on 07947 550 571 or email janice.parker@nlt-training.co.uk.

NLT Training Services supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Find out more about working in Chesterfield here

 

 

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Uncategorised

Local Mortgage Brokers Mortgage 1st are shortlisted as finalists for national award

Mortgage 1st, a Chesterfield based Mortgage broker firm have been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s national Mortgage Introducer Awards.

Out of nearly 30 broker firms who entered from across the UK, Mortgage 1st are now down to the final 5 in the Broker of the Year (under 40 Advisers) Category.

It was based on the votes they received from their customers alone that has secured them a place on the shortlist which is testament to the quality service they provide.

The housing market has seen a boom since the end of the first lockdown earlier this year and has benefited from government incentives such as the stamp duty holiday which has encouraged many additional house purchases.

Due to the increase in demand Mortgage 1st have recruited 8 new team members since June to manage all the new enquires and to ensure they can continue to offer their customers the same high levels of service, especially during these very uncertain and stressful times.

Lisa Stones, HR & Marketing Director, Mortgage 1st said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our team for going above and beyond in what’s been the busiest year in our company’s history. It’s been tough but extremely rewarding seeing how well our team have coped with changes, adapted to new ways of working and managed an increased workload all with a smile on their face! We are delighted to have reached the finals and all have our fingers crossed for the 10th of December!”

The Mortgage 1st team will all be watching the Mortgage Introducer Awards live on the 10th of December when the winners will be announced.

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes appoints new head of sales for its central region

Chesterfield Housebuilder Avant Homes Central has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Dawn Bennett to the newly created role of Head of Sales.

Dawn has worked at Avant Homes for 15 years, originally joining as a sales administrator in 2005 with Avant Homes’ Midlands operation before progressing to sales coordinator in 2010 and then area sales manager in 2016. In 2019 Dawn joined the Central team, based out of Chesterfield.

In her new role Dawn will be responsible for overseeing the sales function for the region whilst working closely with Avant Homes Central managing director Stuart Rowlands and with external partners.

Commenting on her appointment, Dawn said: “I’m proud to have worked at Avant Homes for the past 15 years and to be a part of the success of the business. Avant Homes Central is a fantastic, growing region with lots of opportunity. It’s an extremely exciting time to be stepping into this new role working with our teams to help drive the business forward. After starting my career in the housebuilding sector with Avant Homes I’m very excited to be given the chance to further develop my skills and continue my journey with the business.”

Based in Chesterfield, Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK. The group currently has 59 developments across its five operating regions, 10 of which are part of Avant Homes Central. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands said: “Dawn is a great addition to the Avant Homes Central leadership team. She has progressed through the ranks from sales administrator and brings a wealth of sales experience to her new position as head of sales.

“Dawn’s knowledge, expertise and love of Avant Homes really made her stand out. Dawn is a much-valued member of the Avant team and will play an important part in the continuing success of Avant Homes Central. We wish her every success.”

Avant Homes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches virtual Christmas market to support local business

Delicious Derbyshire food and drink, locally-made products and exciting experience days are amongst the great gifts available at the virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, launched by the area’s official tourist board.

The free online market at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/christmas-market showcases the fantastic variety of quality items made and sold in the area, from arts and crafts to photography, homeware and locally-brewed beer, plus gift vouchers for overnight stays, dining and days out.

Over 100 independent local businesses are exhibiting at the market, where each ‘virtual stall’ leads to an online selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease during Covid-19 restrictions.

Stalls are arranged in eight categories including Accessories and Jewellery; Art, Ceramics and Glass; Experiences and Annual Passes; Local Food and Drink; Homeware and Books; Landscape Calendars and Prints; Short Breaks and Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.

The market is part funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project and aims to support local businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by boosting online sales whilst celebrating the range of unique products available in the area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season and, in the absence of many annual markets and craft fairs due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re delighted to launch our virtual market thanks to support from our ERDF project.

“The Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market offers a great chance for people to buy quality gifts online and get a head start on their Christmas shopping, whilst supporting independent local businesses and producers during this critical time.

“From fine food and drink to arts, crafts and amazing experience vouchers, the market has something to suit all tastes and we’re encouraging everyone to show their support, pay a virtual visit and discover unique local presents!”

Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Peak District & Derbyshire’s first virtual Christmas market.

“A lot of small businesses in Derbyshire rely on local markets to sell their goods and with many being cancelled or postponed this year it has never been more important to shop local and show our support.

“We have so many talented makers and designers in our county and you’ll be able to find truly unique gifts while at the same time supporting someone’s dream.

“We’re working hard to support businesses right now and we are doing all we can to help them through this difficult and challenging time.”

People are encouraged to get involved and spread the word using #PDDChristmasMarket.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

70th apprentice for Chesterfield e-commerce firm

Xbite’s 70th apprentice says the opportunity has changed his life around.

Kieran Taylor (21) from Clowne became the Derbyshire e-commerce firm’s latest apprentice to join the firm which operates retail brands including 365 Games.co.uk, Roov.co.uk, Maison & White, Pukkr and Shop4.

Xbite, which has a £42m turnover, has been running a successful apprenticeship programme for seven years with a proven track record of growing and developing people and offering career progression.

Its apprentices have graduated to become buyers, marketing experts, accountants, software developers, and even managers of departments at the company, which now employs 170 people at its HQ offices and warehouse at Barlborough.

Digital marketing apprentice Kieran said: “This apprenticeship has given my life direction. I was stuck in a rut and didn’t know what I wanted to do. It has changed my life around. Now my creativity is fuelled and I have found a new focus. I am learning so many skills and getting paid for what I love doing.

“This is such an amazing company. The management are friendly, supportive and so helpful. They are really forward thinking and adapt to staff needs constantly.

“I have found the first proper job I have ever wanted to do and take pride in. I have made a proper commitment to a job and have found a career. It is the best move I have ever made. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at Xbite.”

HR advisor Marcy White who was once an apprentice herself, oversees Xbite’s apprenticeship scheme which takes on employees between 16 – 25 in roles across the company. Xbite works with Chesterfield College, Sheffield College, Baltic Training, Yorkshire Training Provider and Chambers of Commerce to guide its apprentices who mainly come from Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Nick Whitehead, managing director at Xbite, said: “We are so proud to have Kieran as our 70th apprentice at Xbite.

“We are a growing company and it is difficult to be commercially successful whilst delivering a good, and relevant apprenticeship programme, but we have the right ingredients to do it including the best work environment and people at all levels supporting our Xbite rookies.

“Apprenticeship schemes are a really good source of talent. They can be ingrained in the fabric of the business. We have a lot of people in middle management roles that have come through that route and succeeded.

“There are so many success stories here across all ages, even people taking a step backward from their previous career path to be trained up and who now enjoy a better future.

“Xbite rookies have turned into buyers, marketing experts, accountants, software developers, and even managers of departments. Making 70 is such a proud moment for our history and its also really important to us to support local people. Our retention rate for apprentices is 95 percent – we put the effort in with staff and they give us commitment and loyalty back.”

Wade Harris, who joined Xbite as an apprentice in buying admin five years ago and is now Head of In-house Brand, said: “Going to university was not for me and a chance meeting at a family party brought me to Xbite. I started working and studying for an NVQ in digital marketing, then became junior buyer, product sourcing manager for three years and then from senior manager to Head of In-house Brand.

“The advantages of being on an apprenticeship is you gain experience from day one, train and get paid, have a guaranteed job at the end, and can take advantage of other opportunities in the company and pathways to different job roles in an environment you have already got to know really well. If you are driven here, the opportunities are yours to take. It’s a great business and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Xbite also operates a successful graduate recruitment programme with Sheffield City Region’s RISE and has taken on four graduates this year.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire launches Mission Christmas appeal

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire is asking local residents to help “make Christmas magical” this year for underprivileged children across the region, by donating gifts and funds to their ‘Cash for Kids’ charity appeal.

The radio station want to make this year’s appeal bigger than ever, with many young people and families suffering hardship caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

In 2019 £978,801 of gifts and cash were distributed to more than 31,875 underprivileged children across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire; Greatest Hits say it is their mission to ensure no child wakes up without a present under their tree this year.

Greatest Hits Radio Account Manager, Alison Ollerenshaw said: “Mission Christmas will be more important than ever this year. COVID-19 is directly affecting unemployment levels and household incomes, pushing many more families into poverty this winter. Christmas could be a luxury that they simply can’t afford, but our mission is still to ensure that every child receives a gift from Santa on Christmas Day.”

Donations are distributed to children who have been identified by social services, head teachers and other charitable organisations.

In light of COVID-19 some changes have had to be made this year, with the need for social distancing to ensure that the team, volunteers, beneficiaries and donors are kept safe.

In previous years businesses have been asked to collect for the appeal, but to deliver the appeal safely this year the number of public-facing gift drop-off points has to be limited. A map of all the local businesses involved will be available online from 16th November.

There are also other ways for you to support the appeal this year. A cash donation would enable the charity to buy gifts where donations from the public fall short or where specialist items are needed for disabled children.  Local people and businesses are also encouraged to organise a raffle or a challenge.

Companies with a showroom, a shop window, or a wall display are being asked to feature an interactive poster featuring a QR code that people can scan with their smartphone to donate.

Whilst the number of public facing drop-off points are being restricted, workplaces can still collect gifts internally and deliver them to Mission HQ as early as possible and ideally by Friday 11th December to give the reduced team more time to sort and distribute them.

To find out how you can get involved, contact Alison via email: Alison.ollerenshaw@bauermedia.co.uk or by calling 07867 361 855. You can also contact Audra via email: Audra.sloan@bauermedia.co.uk or by calling 07812 661 675.

Greatest Hits Radio supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

National lockdown – changes to council services in Chesterfield

A second national lockdown has been announced by Government in response to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.

This will take effect from Thursday 5 November and is due to end on Wednesday 2 December.

Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to doing all it can to keep essential services running for local people. But the safety of customers and staff must come first, and changes to some services will take effect from Thursday 5 November.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone, but I want to reassure residents and business owners in Chesterfield borough that we will do all we can to support them over the coming weeks.

“Infection rates in Chesterfield continue to rise and we must take action. We urge everyone to follow the Government’s guidance to help slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

“We have reviewed the impact of the Government’s latest guidance on our services – public safety must be our top priority, but we will do all we can to keep the council’s essential services running for local people.

“We are a resilient borough with a strong sense of community which has absolutely shone through during these last seven months, and we will continue to work together to get through these difficult times.”

The key changes are summarised below – for the latest information visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk or follow the council’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

People must adhere to the new lockdown restrictions at all times, including:

  • Do not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household – meaning the people you live with – or support bubble
  • You should minimise time spent outside your home and when around other people, ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble
  • Remember the Hands. Face. Space rule – follow social distancing, wear a face covering where required (unless exempt) and wash hands regularly

Customer services arrangements

People are asked to contact the council online or by phone wherever possible to avoid unnecessary travel and face-to-face contact:

  • Via the council’s website – www.chesterfield.gov.uk
  • Via the new My Chesterfield online hub – visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/mychesterfield to set up an account and manage a range of council services online. Signing up to My Chesterfield will allow you to:
    – Securely manage Council Tax bills and payments, and sign up for e-billing and direct debits
    – View bin collection days
    – Report an issue, such as noise nuisance
    – See information about your local councillor
    – Change your address details
    – Report something that needs cleaning up on a street, road or park
  • By telephone – (01246) 345345

To reduce face-to-face contact, the Customer Service Centre at New Square will be closed from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period.

Leisure

Healthy Living Centre, Staveley

This will close from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period. For membership enquiries please email: hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

Queen’s Park Sports Centre

This will close from Thursday 5 November for all sporting activity. For membership enquiries please email: qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

The building will remain open for anyone with a midwifery appointment at the centre and Chesterfield College will continue to access the centre for education purposes.

For both centres, memberships and activity pre-payments will be frozen or carried over for the period of the temporary closure – customers are being contacted directly with more information.

Parks and playgrounds

Parks and playgrounds will remain open to allow people to enjoy outdoor exercise, in line with Government guidance.

You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or one person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).

Allotments

Chesterfield Borough Council’s allotment sites will remain open for use, in line with Government guidance.

Town Hall

The Town Hall reception will remain open but people are strongly encouraged to contact the council online (www.chesterfield.gov.uk) or by phone (01246) 345345, to reduce face-to-face contact and unnecessary travel.

Services within the Town Hall

Chesterfield Coroner’s Court

This will remain open, operating a service in line with Government guidance but please check the Derbyshire County Council website for the latest position

Register Office

This will remain open, operating a service in line with Government guidance but please check the Derbyshire County Council website for the latest position

Chesterfield Crematorium

Attendance at funeral services is still limited to a maximum of 30 people and to family and household members only. Those attending services are asked to wear a face covering when inside the crematorium chapel (unless exempt).

For families who would wish for absent family members and friends to be part of the funeral services, a free webcasting service can be arranged through your funeral director.

It is recognised that many people visit the Crematorium to view the book of remembrance and find comfort in doing so. The council would respectfully ask that you do not visit the Crematorium at this time. Those who wish to do so can still view the book online: www.chesterfield.bookofremembrance.uk/view-books

Venues

Pomegranate Theatre / The Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield Borough Council venues will close to the public from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period.

Customers who have bought tickets for any show which falls within this time frame will be contacted by a member of the team. Details of rescheduled and cancelled shows can be found at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/event-updates

If you have an enquiry, please email box.office@chesterfield.gov.uk. There will be a limited telephone service on (01246) 345222

*Please note that the NHS Blood Donation sessions scheduled at The Winding Wheel Theatre will go ahead, in line with Covid-19 safe procedures.

Visitor Information Centre

The Visitor Information Centre will close to the public from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period. If you have an enquiry, please email tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Museum / Revolution House

The venues are closed and will remain closed to the public for the four-week lockdown period. A decision has not yet been made on when the venues will reopen to the public.

Chesterfield Museum has a phone service available during office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – call (01246) 345727.

Chesterfield Market Hall / Pavements Shopping Centre and outdoor Market

These will remain open for essential retail only, in line with Government guidance.

The Market Hall Café will be closed from Thursday 5 November, for the four-week lockdown period.

Public toilets in the Market Hall and Pavements Shopping Centre will remain open for use – operating to Covid-19 safety standards.

Find out more about changes to some of our local businesses on our Shopping During Lockdown page

Other local venues

The council will keep its community venues (Hasland Village Hall and the Market Hall Assembly Rooms) open for exclusive use by health and wellbeing support groups who currently use them, to provide a service for residents in line with Government guidance.

Council car parks

For now, council car parks in Chesterfield will remain open and usual parking charges will apply.

Drivers have the option of cashless parking in a number of town centre car parks and can pay on their phones through the PayByPhone app. More information is available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk

For further information on how you can save money by pre-purchasing weekly, monthly or annual parking permits, please visit the council’s website www.chesterfield.gov.uk.
Parking savers can also be purchased through the PayByPhone app. The code to access the parking savers on the app is ‘804576’.

Residents are reminded to use their Resident’s Permit, which entitles them to park for free in most car parks before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Waste and recycling

Waste and recycling collection services will run as normal.

Housing repairs

The Council is working to maintain housing repair services where it is safe and appropriate to do so. It will contact council tenants if there are changes that they need to be aware of.

Support services

Business support

The council is still awaiting Government guidance on the business support schemes that will operate through the period of the four-week lockdown. The council anticipates receiving an allocation of funding to enable it to give grants of up to £3,000 (with the amounts per business linked to rateable value) per business where they are required to close for the period from 5 November to 2 December.

With Chesterfield borough moving from a Tier 1 area to a Tier 2 area (high Covid alert level) on 17 October, the council will also receive an allocation of funding to support businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors that suffered from reduced demand from 17 October to 4 November.

Finally, the council will receive a share of Government’s recently announced £1.1 billion Additional Restrictions Grant. The amount of funding the council will receive is still to be confirmed. This is a discretionary grant scheme for local authorities to decide how best to use it to support local businesses.

The council will share more details on the above schemes when it has received further Government guidance and knows exactly how much funding it has to allocate. The funding will be used to support eligible local businesses affected both immediately prior to and during the period of the four-week lockdown.

Find out more about the support available to local businesses here 

Careline

The Careline service is unaffected.

Homelessness support

Rough sleepers are vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 due to their inability to self-isolate and comply with social distancing guidelines and therefore the council is encouraging anyone who may need help to get in touch as soon as possible.

Anyone who needs support is encouraged to contact the homelessness prevention team on 07870 277291 (calls only, not text messages) or homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk

More information is available on our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/homeslessness

Community support information

For more information about local community support organisations and projects please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-support-information

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Chesterfield FC launch Chester’s Christmas toy appeal

Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal has been launched by Chesterfield FC Community Trust to spread some festive cheer.

People are encouraged to buy an extra toy when they are doing their Christmas shopping and donate it to the appeal. The toys will then be distributed to children in need in North Derbyshire.

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, said: “It has been a very difficult year for everyone, financially and emotionally, so we want to bring everybody together to support those in need.

“Our aim is to try and take some pressure off parents and carers who may be struggling at this time of year. No child should wake up on Christmas Day morning without a present to unwrap.”

“Individuals and businesses can help by making donations. Cosmetic Repair Solutions have sponsored the appeal and I would like to thank them for their valued support.”

Unwrapped toys for children aged 0-18 years can be dropped off at Chester’s Den in the HUB at the Technique Stadium, opposite side to main entrance, from Monday to Friday (8am to 7pm) until December 11.

The Christmas Toy Appeal is one of a number of initiatives being carried out recently by the Chesterfield FC Community Trust. Last month, the club visited a number of local schools to educate pupils on Black History Month. It also helped provide school children with free school meals during the half-term holidays, with a number of families suffering financial difficulties due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,