Chesterfield community support

Prestigious King’s Awards for Chesterfield Volunteer Centre and Wilmott Dixon

Two organisations which support Chesterfield’s growth and regeneration have been awarded highly prestigious King’s Awards.

Wilmott Dixon, which is a member of the town’s Property and Construction Group King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity. Willmott Dixon was one of only nine companies recognised this year in this category.

It’s the fourth such accolade for the company, and the first from HM King Charles III. It was awarded in recognition of the wide-ranging activities of Willmott Dixon’s people to make society a better place, especially for those who face significant barriers to achieving their full potential in life.

In the last year, four out of five of Wilmott Dixon’s 2000+ workforce have delivered a social value-based activity in their community to improve the life chances of others. This includes mentoring, supporting people with interview training, careers advice and enhancing a local community asset for people to use. In all, last year saw Willmott Dixon’s team create and deliver over 608 community programmes and engage with over 70,000 people in activities to boost their life chances. This led to 88% saying it had a beneficial impact on them.

In total, over 48,000 hours were volunteered by Willmott Dixon people, and this led to over 200 people facing major barriers to work gaining employment through the company’s intervention. Willmott Dixon also helped further drive social mobility among the most vulnerable and less fortunate by spending over £2.5m with social businesses last year.

Rick Willmott explained: “This sense of purpose to help the communities where we work is in the very DNA of our company. From offering opportunities and employability skills for those facing major barriers to employment, to improving buildings so they encourage better community cohesion – our social value projects are an important reason people want to work for us and their impact is something our customers and communities value hugely.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who’s work has made a difference. This award belongs to us all, and it reflects the passion and dedication we share for helping others.”

Meanwhile, The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & North East Derbyshire has been awarded The Kings Award for Voluntary Service.  This is the highest Award given to voluntary groups across the UK, and it is awarded for life. The award is for voluntary groups rather than individuals and is seen as the MBE for voluntary groups.

In a correspondence from the KAVS Team The Volunteer Centre were told;

“His Majesty The King has approved the KAVS National Assessment Committee’s recommendation that the volunteers of The Volunteer Centre – Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire should receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2023. This represents a tremendous achievement and we hope that the group’s volunteers will feel immensely proud of it.”

The announcement was made on November 14th and cited officially in the ‘London Gazette’ of the same date.  This will be followed by a local presentation of a cut glass award and an official certificate signed by The King.  In the summer of next year, representatives of The Volunteer Centre will be invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

CEO Dave Radford, on hearing the news said: “Obviously we are all tremendously proud of what we have achieved.  Our volunteers worked so hard and they did so much during the pandemic providing a much-needed shopping service to individuals.  The local communities would have struggled without their fantastic help.

“However, it is so much more than that, this isn’t something that is handed out on a plate, it is an Award that shines a light on the fantastic work carried out by volunteers and groups that make a big difference in their communities.  I think it will take sometime to wipe the smile off my face!”

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

community chesterfield award win

Dave Radford, Chesterfield Volunteer Centre with guests at the Chesterfield Volunteer Sector Awards

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Chesterfield Champions support local community and charities with exciting initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield have kicked off the summer with a number of initiatives, aimed at supporting the community and local charities.

Recent events and activities included a postcard show featuring 173 artists, a charity football match between local businesses, a dance group for residents affected by cancer, and a bake-off to raise funds for vulnerable people in our area.

Find out more in our roundup below:

Chesterfield Postcard Show raises £1,200 for local charity

postcard show

This year, the Chesterfield Postcard Show saw record entries, donations, and visitors, raising over £1,200 for local charity, Junction Arts.

The 2023 show featured 329 pieces of original art, with 173 artists, creatives and community groups submitting their work for the exhibition, which took place between the 9th and 19th May at West Studios in Chesterfield.  Many entries were from local people but there were also submissions from across the UK and Europe.

All money raised from the sale of the postcards supports Junction Arts community projects and events in the area, creating a better future for everyone through the arts.

Over 200 people visited the show during the 10 days and 52 artworks have been sold so far.   For those that didn’t make it to the exhibition, the postcard-size artworks are still available to buy, via the Junction Arts Etsy page.

The Chesterfield Postcard Show was organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom, to allow creatives, communities, and up-and-coming artists to show their work in a professional exhibition.

This year’s show was entitled ‘Wish You Were Here’ and celebrated the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts said: “We are so grateful to the artists and groups who have created and donated their work in the theme of ‘Wish You Were Here’, both Dave and I were blown away by the support and growth in uptake for the second show. We can’t wait to see what 2024’s show will be like!”

This year’s exhibition of mini masterpieces was sponsored by local financial services firm, Rosewood Wealth Management. Their support allowed organisers to run outreach workshops within the town centre, increasing accessibility and increasing local involvement.

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Company Director at Rosewood said: “Rosewood was delighted to sponsor The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023. Attending the exhibition at West Studios, it was amazing to see some of the incredible postcard designs produced by participants. We especially liked the fact that those involved were able to produce their own unique, personalised mini masterpieces. Organised by Junction Arts, their mission to unite the community through the medium of art was something we greatly admired.”

Local transport firms face off in charity football match

city taxis football match

Leading taxi and private hire firm City Taxis went head-to-head with Chesterfield vehicle hire company B&B Vehicles in a charity football match last weekend, raising money for The Sheffield 1000 and Support Dogs.

The Sheffield 1000 aims to get 1000 people donating £1 each week, with the money donated to local charities and good causes every week of the year. Support Dogs train puppies into support dogs for people with epilepsy, autism and other disabilities in their day to day lives.

The game, which took place at Bramall Lane, was organised by City Taxis’ Business Development Director Paul Gosney and B&B Vehicles’ Maz Kenyon.

After a strong start by City, B&B pulled it back with an equaliser that meant it was 1-1 when the final whistle blew. With a tense penalty shootout deciding the winner, City managed to come out on top after professional footballer Joe Green saved three of the five shots.

Paul Gosney, Business Development Director at City Taxis, said: “It was great to manage the City Taxis team to victory today, all for a good cause. After a strong 90 minutes from both sides, it was a fantastic ending to a brilliant day, where we raised both funds and awareness for our chosen charity, The Sheffield 1000.”

New dance group opens for Chesterfield and Derbyshire residents affected by Cancer

community dance classes

People across Derbyshire who have been affected by cancer are invited to join a new local dance group to meet, socialise and get together with other people living with the condition.

The Dancing for Health sessions have been kindly funded by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity Fund which enables the classes to be provided free to all the participants.

Sessions are held every Thursday morning 10am – 11.00am at the Calow Community Centre, Allpits Road, Calow, Chesterfield S44 5AT.  Refreshments are available after the class and an opportunity to socialise with other group members.

Leading a physically active lifestyle during and after cancer treatment is linked to an improvement in many of the adverse affects of cancer and its treatment.

The Dancing for Health Seated Dance programme is specially designed to accommodate people affected by cancer and provides a physical and social activity that is gentle and safe.

The dance routines are fun and easy to learn. They can be done seated or standing, making them fully inclusive and get everyone involved no matter what their ability.

Dancing is a multidimensional activity that contributes positively to many aspects of a person’s overall health. Boosting happiness and mental health and keeping both the body and brain active to make participants feel great.

The classes are delivered in a group setting with others who share similar health challenges. Participants are also welcome to bring a friend or family member with them.

Tracey Barnes, Managing Director, Dancing for Health CIC, said:  “Dancing for Health provides fun and friendly dance classes for people who can’t attend a mainstream dance class because of medical or age-related reasons. Our classes are really accessible for people with cancer and enables them to use dance, to help manage their symptoms and improve mood.

“My job is so rewarding, making a difference to people’s quality of life and hearing how our dance classes have helped them is why I go to work every day.”

Oasis Studio hosts ‘bake off’ for Hope House Charity

oasis studio hope house

Chesterfield-based creative and digital firm, Oasis Studio recently hosted a bake off competition, to raise funds and awareness for Hope House Chesterfield.

The charity works to support those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area.

Oasis Studio’s team worked together and held a ‘budget-bake off’, where members of the charity and residents joined them for the morning. It provided an opportunity for the Oasis Studio team to hear about Hope House’s upcoming charity events and learn more about the crucial service they provide.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio commented: “The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t discriminate. Everyone has been affected by it. Whether it’s looking at how you can spend less on your weekly shop or assisting a family member with household bills to get them by, it continues to affect everyone. Local charities aren’t exempt from this. With people having less available funds, financial support for charities has also suffered.

“As a local business, we have a responsibility to support our local community and charities in any way we can. Hope House Chesterfield offers a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable individuals in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area, and without support from the local community and businesses, they would struggle to continue to provide that crucial lifeline.

“The team raised £170 for the event and donated the bakes for the team and residents at Hope House Chesterfield to enjoy.”

Junction Arts, Rosewood Wealth Management, City Taxis, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Oasis Studio 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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Chesterfield businesses continue support for local community

A number of Chesterfield businesses have been showing their support for community initiatives in the town.

From supporting charities to giving up their time to help those in need, the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions regularly go above and beyond to support worthy causes locally.

Find out about how organisations are helping to support people in our local area below:

Woodall Homes Names its Charity of The Year

woodall pathways

Local housebuilder Woodall Homes has named Pathways of Chesterfield as its chosen charity for the next 12 months.

Pathways of Chesterfield, located in Saltergate, is a service offering support to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Covering Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover, the charity offers a range of services including housing support, tenancy support, drop-in sessions and much more.

Helen Day, HR manager at Woodall Homes said: “We are very proud to be supporting Pathways of Chesterfield for the next year.  Earlier this month, our team held the first fundraising activity in support of Pathways, raising over £100 through an in-office coffee morning.

“As a housebuilder, we are very conscious of the issues surrounding housing in the local community and we feel as though it is our responsibility to give back in any way we can to the fantastic services that are supporting some the most vulnerable people across Chesterfield and beyond.

“We can’t wait to get started planning our next fundraising event, which will hopefully raise even more for this fantastic cause.”

Woodall Homes is currently working on three developments within Chesterfield, offering sustainable bungalows, ideal first-time properties and family homes.

For more information on Woodall Homes and their work within North Derbyshire, visit their website at https://www.woodallhomes.co.uk/

Vicar Lane puts a smile of shoppers faces for ‘Random Acts of Kindness Day’

vicar lane kindness day

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day on Friday 17th February. Shoppers were surprised, with the help of the onsite centre team, who handed out FREE goody bags.

In the goody bags, shoppers were delighted to find gift cards ranging from £5 – £15 from stores including; H&M, River Island, Bon Marche, JD, The Works, Waterstones, New Look, Holland & Barrett, Deichmann, Yours Clothing, Iceland, F Hinds, CEX and Superdrug. Vicar Lane’s independent businesses also participated with shoppers receiving vouchers for Vintage Tea Rooms, Ministry of Design, Clarissa’s Interiors and Shop Indie.

Other goodies came in the form of sweet treats! A favourite from the day were beautiful handmade cupcakes, individually boxed and topped with a positive message to perk up shoppers’ moods as they went about their shopping day. This seemed to have gone down a storm with many people who visited (and also from those who didn’t), turning to social media to applaud Vicar Lane on their efforts to lift the mood.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant & Community Liaison Manager at Vicar Lane says, “With the continued coverage on the economic situation and a constant need for us to find ways to acknowledge and be kind to one another, it seemed ever more fitting that we put a smile on the face our shoppers this Random Acts of Kindness Day”.

Whittam Cox Architects supports ‘sleep out’ for the homeless

Team members from Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox Architects took part in LandAid’s Sleep Out 2023, raising money to help support young people who are homeless.

LandAid brings the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness in the future.

City Couriers Direct to host black tie dinner in Chesterfield for brain tumour research

city-couriers-brain-tumour-research.

A special dinner is being hosted by Chesterfield’s City Couriers Direct to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research on 20th May 2023.

The event, taking place at the Technique Stadium will bring together local people and businesses to highlight the funding required to help tackle the illness.

It will further support the wide range of initiatives taking place to raise funds for the charity, such as the landmark ‘Tour De Football’ bike ride, which will see riders travel the length of the country visiting each of the 20 Premier League football grounds.

Darryl Claypole, Managing Director of City Couriers Direct has joined together with a number of other charitable organisations including the Dellaglio Foundation, Police Benevolent Fund, and Mango Football to give an opportunity for other charities to join Brain Tumour Research in the challenge.

Find out more about the event here.

Woodall Homes, Vicar Lane, Whittam Cox and City Couriers Direct support 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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How Chesterfield’s business community is supporting local people this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, businesses and charitable organisations are doing their bit to help out across our area this festive season.

From toy appeals, donations to local foodbanks and support for local charities, the town is coming together in a number of ways to support those in need.

Find out how you can get involved with some of the great charity and community initiatives below, and don’t forget to find out more about the great range of festive events, activities and shopping guides at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal at Chesterfield FC

Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal is now underway at Chesterfield Football Club. Any new, unwrapped toys, for children aged 0-18 years, are welcome.

Sponsored by Brett Martin, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who have experienced hardship.

To make a donation to the appeal, please call in at the Technique Stadium – main reception or the HUB – from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The following business have also agreed to be a drop-off point for the appeal:

  • Ideal Flooring – behind Morrisons on Chatsworth Road.
  • World Choice Holidays inside Tesco.
  • Chester’s Den.
  • Rosewood Wealth Management Ltd, 388 Brimington Road, Chesterfield, S41 OTF.

Applications are now being invited from charities and families for toys donated to the appeal. Find out more here. 

Bridge Help’s foodbank appeal

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, Bridge Help is urging local businesses to dig deep and donate to its annual Christmas collection for Chesterfield Foodbank.

Launched in 2020, Bridge Help’s annual fundraising appeal has enabled the commercial finance company to donate more than £5,500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank.

Bridge Help is inviting people to donate either money or non-perishable food and toiletries. All monetary donations will be used to buy much-needed items and donated to Chesterfield Foodbank.

The annual appeal is organised by Phoebe Sellars, who is a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help as well as a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice in her spare time.

Phoebe said: “As a volunteer for Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am hearing first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people in the community. Some of the stories are heartbreaking. Rather than sit and wait until December we decided to bring our appeal forward. This will hopefully enable us to collect as much as possible and make a very real difference to local people who will be forced to use this vital service over winter.”

Donations to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Appeal can be made until Friday 16 December.

You can drop off donations at Bridge Help’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane, off Sheffield Road. Just simply call ahead to arrange a drop off time. If you would like to make a donation, please call Phoebe on 0333 303 4681.

City Taxis supports Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal

City Taxis is supporting the biggest Christmas gift appeal in the UK, Cash for Kids Mission Christmas!

Mission Christmas aims to make Christmas Day different for children and young people living in poverty across the UK.

Christmas is a luxury that some families cannot afford, but by collecting and distributing gifts and cash donations, Mission Christmas can make sure that disadvantaged children have something to open on Christmas morning.

The charity identifies children and provides support through community organisations, social workers, schools, and the emergency services to ensure that help is given to those who need it most at this crucial time of year.

City Taxis, City Grab, and City Connect are proud to be supporting such a fantastic campaign, particularly with the current cost of living crisis affecting many families and their ability to enjoy a stress-free Christmas.

Gifts can be dropped off at the locations listed below:

Chesterfield

  • Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (City Grab outlet)
  • City Chesterfield Office – Holywell Street (City Grab outlet)

Paul Gosney, Business Development Director of City Taxis, said: “Having supported Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign in previous years, we are so pleased we are able to be involved again, particularly during these difficult times.

“The Mission Christmas campaign is not just about giving gifts – it’s about supporting our communities, spreading the love, and taking care of each other.

“The Cash for Kids team do a fantastic job of putting smiles on children’s faces every Christmas, year on year, so let’s all come together and help make this happen for 2022!”

Volunteer for one of Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice’s bucket collections

Fancy spreading some Christmas cheer at a bucket-collection? The fundraising team at Bluebell Wood have the perfect opportunity for you. Across November and December the charity has multiple opportunities where you would be lending a helping hand, in stores local to you, in aid of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, helping hundreds of families from across Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and beyond at the hospice and in their homes each year.

Isobel Wells, Regional Fundraiser for Chesterfield and Derbyshire said: “With only fifteen per cent of its funding coming from government sources Bluebell Wood is reliant on its fantastic supporters, without you the charity couldn’t reach as many people who need is as possible”

If you would like to know more, please contact Isobel.wells@bluebellwood.org

Junction Arts hosts ‘The Big Give Christmas Challenge’

Between 12 noon on Tuesday 29th November – 12 noon on Tuesday 6th December, Junction Arts is attempting to raise £2000 in online donations. Donations made through the charity’s Big Give page will be doubled enabling it to providemore engaging opportunities for young people across Chesterfield, Bolsover district and NE Derbyshire.

For more details go to: https://junctionarts.org/the-big-give-2022/

Junction Arts also has charity Christmas cards for sale. Working with artist Ella Bramwell-Hopkins and the Arty Ladies group in Creswell, the design has been based upon stories and artwork created during a session reminiscing previous Christmases. Cards can be bought through Etsy. Find out more.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Our annual Christmas campaign is Community Christmas because that’s exactly where the money goes, back to supporting the neighbours, friends and families of those who are giving.

“Through our projects, we promote the importance of people coming together creating supportive and caring communities. This is also promoted through fundraising for us through fun activities which create funny memories and great moments to share with others.”

Local businesses sponsor a snowflake for The Childrens Hospital Charity

The Children’s Hospital Charity’s much-loved display, established in 2004, brings people together with a shared goal to build a better future for the staff, patients and the families at Sheffield Children’s.

In return for pledging to raise funds, each sponsor sees their snowflake sparkle on one of our sites, with an attached name tag recognising their contribution for all to see.

The snowflake appeal has now raised more than £1m for Sheffield Children’s Hospital since its inception. The money raised will support the fundraising for a new on-site helipad and a redeveloped Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s.

As well as the Homes-by-Holmes building on Saltergate in Chesterfield (pictured above), snowflakes supporting Sheffield Children’s can also be found on the hospital and various locations across North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

Chloë Brunton-Dunn, Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “It has been brilliant to see our snowflakes light up Chesterfield for the second year this Christmas, and we’re so grateful to James Holmes for his continued, amazing support of Sheffield Children’s.

“We’d like to say thank you to every individual, family, business, community group, school, street and suburb that has come together to support our snowflake appeal. We’d also like to say a special thank you to Elev8 Access Platforms Ltd for all their help installing the snowflakes on the Homes-by-Holmes building in Chesterfield.

“The money raised will help Sheffield Children’s where it is needed most, including by building a new on-site helipad. We’re now over two thirds of the way to our target and we hope construction can start in the new year, so the snowflakes will leave a life-saving legacy long after Christmas.”

Rosewood Wealth Management supports Action for Children with family hampers

At Rosewood Wealth, the team is this year supporting Action for Children, a not-for-profit charity, by collecting donations that will build hampers for families that are financially struggling.

These hampers will help provide food for the festive period so families can enjoy Christmas and celebrate without the worry of putting food on the table.

If you can help, please drop any donations to Rosewood’s offices at 388 Brimington Road, Chesterfield , S41 0TF before Monday the 6th of December.

Recycle your Christmas Tree with Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood

If you’ve got a real Christmas tree but don’t want the hassle of trying to dispose of it after the festive season, why not donate to a local charity and get their team of volunteers to collect it for you?

Both Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice and Ashgate Hospice are running the initiative in January 2023, but you can register your collection now on their websites!

Ashgate Hospice: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/treecycle/

Bluebell Wood: https://www.bluebellwood.org/recycle-your-christmas-tree

Poignant lantern-lit procession to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice

Hundreds of families are set to celebrate their loved ones at a poignant sell-out lantern-lit procession and remembrance ceremony in December – and others are being invited join in from home.

Ashgate Hospice’s new-look Light Up a Life event has launched and the charity is giving the community a way to remember their loved ones during what can be a difficult time for many.
The 1.2-mile procession, which takes place on Sunday 4th December, will see 350 supporters light up the streets of Chesterfield with special lanterns personalised in tribute to family and friends.

It will bring walkers to the hospice’s site at Old Brampton, where they will be joined by a further 200 supporters coming just to the ceremony.

Whilst the event is now full, Ashgate is encouraging people to support the hospice’s appeal by donating for a unique lantern to personalise and keep at home.

The unique remembrance service will be led by local celebrant Jonathan Reeve and will feature gentle live music from local singer Ariarna Joy, in the beautifully-lit gardens from 6pm.

Supporters of the hospice’s Light Up a Life event will receive a lantern in the post which can be personalised with a photo of their loved one and a special message in return for a suggested £20 donation. They will also be sent an electric light to place inside their lantern.

Click here and find out more about how to register for Ashgate Hospice’s Light Up a Life event this winter.

Fortem Solutions Supports Local Foodbank

Fortem’s Chesterfield team recently posted on social media how the company is supporting residents in need by linking up with Chesterfield foodbank!

Sparky Ink Studio produces charity Christmas cards

The team at Chesterfield’s Sparky Ink Studio has been busy getting into the festive spirit, by hosting a charity Christmas card competition!

Mortgage 1st collects donations for Chesterfield Foodbank

Staff at Mortgage 1st have this year decided to forgo their secret Santa in order to provide essential food and items for Chesterfield foodbank:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mortgage 1st (@mortgage1st)

All the above organisations support 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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Chesterfield community groups launch ‘Feeling connected fortnight’ to bring people together

A number of Chesterfield groups and organisations are launching activities and initiatives this October, to bring the community together and help people create local connections.

‘Feeling Connected Fortnight’ is almost here and will run from 17th October until 28th October. The community initiative is the brainchild of the ‘Feeling Connected’ team, part of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, based at their welcoming Hub on Lower Pavement in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Project Manager James Starky explained: “We are planning an exciting fortnight of championing local groups and individuals who bring their community together. This will include a ‘thank you’ event on the 19th October at our Hub. We have produced 3000 copies of our fantastic free newspaper called ’Nurturing Neighbourliness’, offering 50 great ideas for people to use in their neighbourhood. We’d love it if people would get in touch to let us know about any events they plan to host or any groups already happening.”

Feeling Connected has played a vital part in the creation and continuation of many valuable community initiatives in recent months.  Here are some great examples of funding proposals which have recently been awarded a grand total of £30,672.30.

  • The Grassland Hasmoor Big Local Senior Citizens Group and Friends of Eastwood Park applied together for funds for their ‘Let’s Chat’ benches and ‘Let’s Chat’ friendship and IT Group.  They have added ‘Let’s Chat’ plaques to two benches in Eastwood Park to encourage people to do just that. The funding has enabled them to begin a new weekly drop in session in Hasland offering people a chance to chat with others and develop internet skills and surf the web. Sessions take place every Friday morning at Hasland Club from 10am-12noon. Contact: chrisnewton62@yahoo.com for more information.
  • Derbyshire LGBT+ are being supported to set up 3 new social groups for LGBT+ over 18s at the LGBT+ Centre on Rutland Road in Chesterfield. The funds will go towards staffing, materials for activities, and promotion. It is expected that these groups will reach out to around 60 people in the community. Visit www.derbyshirelgbt.org.uk to see their calendar of events.
  • Barrow Hill Community Trust applied for funds to restart New Haven Rest Centre, an amazing community facility which sadly closed in 2020. Following a Feeling Connected grant, the Trust is now able to reopen the centre, initially as a community venue. Spokesperson Ann Lucas said “A small group of wonderful volunteers will manage the room on a day-to-day basis and plan to provide a safe, WARM and friendly space this coming winter. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, social activity, information and advice and the company of other people.” For more information contact Ann Lucas by email: annpickard@hotmail.co.uk.
  • East Peak Countryside Associates will be working with members of the community in Chesterfield to support people to be healthy using the outdoors. Outdoor space from Staveley to Stonegravels / Whittington Moor will be utilised. To find out more about this project follow them on Facebook: East Peak Countryside Associates CIC.
  • Compassionate Voices received funding to provide 4 wellbeing and empowerment workshops entitled ‘The Power of You’. It is intended that the workshops will support up to 50 women by offering them twice monthly meetings to stay connected and encourage them to reconnect with others socially. You can find Compassionate Voices at the Feeling Connected Hub, Lower Pavement, Chesterfield on the third Thursday of each month from 6pm-7.30pm or visit acompassionatevoice.co.uk.
  • Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre were recently awarded funding for a monthly peer support recovery group for 20-30 people living with a chronic exhaustive condition. These include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Post Viral Fatigue (including Long Covid) and Fybromyalgia. The free support group will take place monthly at Lifehouse Church, 90 Chatsworth Road or you can join them via Zoom. To find out more visit their Facebook page: Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre.
  • B:friend is a face-to-face befriending project. Its Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Group have recently received funding to support new work in our area, where volunteer befrienders pledge to visit an isolated older neighbour once a week for an hour. Find more information on their website: letsbfriend.org.uk.

If you would like to find out more about Feeling Connected, contact James Starky, Project Manager on 07743 514934 or message FeelingConnected via Facebook.

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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Chesterfield firm offers free CV and job application support to Ukraine refugees

Ukrainian refugees in Chesterfield who need help with their CVs to enable them to apply for jobs, are being offered access NLT Training Services’ free Step into Employment service.

As well as providing immediate access to an employment specialist, who can provide practical support with CV writing and job applications, the Brimington-based training provider also offers free access to IT equipment.

A number of people have fled to Chesterfield from Ukraine since the war started under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. NLT is already helping people who have fled the war in Syria to get work ready and now wants to extend the opportunity to Ukrainian refugees in and around Chesterfield.

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services explained: “NLT isn’t just a training provider, it’s a charity too so we’re always looking for ways to support people in the local community. Like many people, NLT is keen to support Ukrainian people who have arrived in Chesterfield, and we can offer both practical support and advice on accessing employment through our popular Step into Employment programme.

“There are plenty of job opportunities out there right now and, even if people aren’t quite ready to start working, we can help them take their first steps to prepare for employment. Working can be a great way to improve English speaking, make friends and of course earn money to fund a more independent lifestyle. “

“From CV writing right through to the application process, we have a great team here ready to welcome people through the door and help them take those first steps to working in the UK.”

As part of the programme, which is delivered at NLT’s Station Road offices in Brimington, attendees will have access to IT equipment, free internet access and advice on CV creation and interview techniques from employment specialist Janice Parker. There is also an opportunity to undertake work experience placements to enable attendees to further boost their skills and confidence.

If you’re hosting refugees or know someone who is, find out more about getting involved with NLT’s Step Into Employment programme by contacting 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 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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