derbyshire voluntary action

New shared space proposed for Chesterfield community

A vision is taking shape for a new shared community space, which aims to transform the landscape of community engagement and support in Chesterfield.

Community organisations, volunteers, and local groups are coming together to champion the creation of a flexible community and co-working space in the heart of Chesterfield, with Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

The need for such a space has long been voiced by community organisations, who have identified a gap in the infrastructure needed to support, promote, and empower the local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.

This shared space aims to be a vibrant hub that promotes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, catering to a diverse range of needs and activities.

Proposed features of the shared space include:

  • Offices for partners and VCSE groups: Providing a dedicated workspace for organisations to collaborate and coordinate their efforts more effectively.
  • Workshops and consultations: Offering a platform for knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and strategic planning to drive positive change in the community, and share in the expertise that Derbyshire Voluntary Action has already established.
  • Meeting and training spaces: Equipped with facilities to host meetings, seminars, and training sessions for both professionals and volunteers.
  • Community café: A welcoming space where people can come together, socialise, and share ideas over a cup of coffee or a hearty meal.
  • Activity spaces: Catering to a variety of interests and pursuits, from art and craft workshops to fitness classes and group activities.
  • Play space for families: Providing a safe and stimulating environment for children to play, learn, and interact with others.
  • Space for arts and creativity: Focusing on health and well-being promotion through creative expression and cultural enrichment.

As plans for the shared space continue to evolve, the local community is now being encouraged to have their say on the final design of the new space. Organisers are inviting members of the community to participate in co-creation sessions, where they can share their ideas, offer feedback, and help shape the future of the shared space.

Jennifer Raschbauer, Project Director Derbyshire Voluntary Action commented: “By bringing together diverse stakeholders—charities, volunteers, community groups, and local residents—this initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration and collective action. It is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in driving social progress and fostering a sense of belonging and connection.”

Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer Derbyshire Voluntary Action added: “This is your opportunity to be a part of building something exciting and new, set to make a real difference in Chesterfield.”

To allow people to have their say on the new community space, an event is taking place at St. Helena Centre in Chesterfield on Tuesday, 23rd April (10am-1pm). Book your place at the event here.

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.

 

View of the Crooked Spire from above

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

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

Derbyshire charity champions local heroes for King’s Honours list

Derbyshire Voluntary Action is highlighting individuals in our area for their outstanding contribution to our communities.

In a testament to the unsung heroes shaping the heart of Derbyshire’s communities, DVA has launched a campaign to raise further awareness of the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector with a new series focusing on the efforts and impact carried out by groups and organisations in our communities.

The Derbyshire charity is hoping that highlighting their exceptional strength and success will encourage them to be nominated for the prestigious King’s Honours List.

DVA says it works alongside, sees, and recognises the tireless efforts of those who often work behind the scenes, shaping positive change.

The King’s Honours List is platform that celebrates their extraordinary contributions, and that sees fewer nominations in Derbyshire than across the rest of the country, something that DVA is eager to change.

DVA, in its commitment to community recognition, seeks to champion people from these groups to inspire a ripple effect of appreciation for the entire VCSE sector.

Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Liz Fothergill commented: “I am immensely proud and often awed as I hear of amazing and sustained achievements brought about by the hard work, selflessness, and commitment to their communities of individuals from across the whole city and county.

“I would like to see more of our remarkable Derbyshire individuals recognised and celebrated with a national honour – so I would encourage you all to make a nomination when you witness true excellence and a passion to improve the lives of others.”

More information about nomination process, and how to put someone forward can be found on the www.gov.uk/honours page.

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.

Community Capacity Conference Nov 23 DVA

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

Trio of Chesterfield Champions announce further growth

Three organisations which are part of the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have announced further growth to their teams and wider offer.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Bridge Help recently added new members to their teams, while training provider Workpays has expanded its range of qualifications for people in the area.

Find out in more detail in our roundup below:

Workpays expands offerings with Chartered Management Institute qualifications

Tea and training

 

Chesterfield training provider, Workpays has announced the integration of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications into its extensive range of offerings.

This strategic move aims to empower professionals with valuable skills and internationally recognised credentials, reinforcing Workpays’ commitment to fostering career growth and helping people to achieve success.

The Chartered Management Institute, widely regarded as a leading professional body for management and leadership qualifications, offers a host of benefits that resonate with individuals and organisations across industries.

A Workpays spokesperson commented: “CMI qualifications not only enhance employability but also open doors to higher-paying roles and increased job satisfaction. With CMI’s industry-recognised credentials, professionals can differentiate themselves in the job market, showcase their commitment to continuous improvement, and gain a competitive edge.

“With Workpays’ expertise in providing tailored training solutions and CMI’s prestigious qualifications, professionals can now access a comprehensive suite of programmes that cater to their specific needs and goals. Whether through online courses or blended learning, Workpays ensures flexibility and accessibility for individuals at different stages of their career journey.”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action welcomes new Deputy CEO & Operations Manager

Juliet Grace 873 dva

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA), a leading charity dedicated to supporting and empowering communities, and health and social care in Derbyshire, has announced the appointment of Juliet Grace as the new Deputy CEO & Operations Manager.

Juliet brings with her a wealth of experience from an environmental background, having served with distinction at the National Trust, The Fieldfare Trust, and Green Estate and collaborated with various groups and charities over her career.

Renowned for her problem-solving prowess and arriving with an unwavering passion for contributing to the communities within Derbyshire, Juliet is committed to empowering local individuals to thrive through their involvement with the Voluntary Charity Sector (VCS).

Derbyshire Voluntary Action say that Juliet’s dedication to empowering communities is a perfect match for the organisation’s core values. By embracing her leadership, DVA aims to continue its mission of providing support and resources to those in need, driving meaningful change across Derbyshire.

Juliet commented: “I am honoured and excited to join the exceptional team at Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

“Together, we will work tirelessly to empower individuals and strengthen the social fabric of Derbyshire. I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and inspiring local people to thrive through their involvement with the Voluntary Charity Sector. Together, we will make a positive impact on the lives of the communities we serve.”

Bridge Help expands Business Development team

Bridge Help - Iona Reid - landscape

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has appointed Iona Reid to its Business Development team.

Iona brings a background in property sales and lettings to the role, joining the short-term commercial finance provider from Keepmoat Homes where she was a sales executive. Prior to this, she was a lettings manager with a national estate agent.

In her new role as Business Development Manager, Iona will be working with Bridge Help’s broker network supporting them to secure bridging finance for auction purchases, commercial and semi-commercial acquisitions and buy-to-let properties, as well as re-financing existing loans.

Her appointment follows growth at Bridge Help and a surge in new enquiries and there’s no doubt that her expertise and enthusiasm will make her a great addition to the team.

Iona commented on her new appointment saying: “I am really looking forward to working with such a supportive team and within the short-term finance sector. I have plenty of transferable skills from previous roles within the property industry and I’m inspired by new Manager, Katie and what she has achieved!”

Welcoming Iona to the team, Katie Snodden Head of Sales at Bridge Help added: “Iona is a welcome addition to the team as we continue to increase the support we offer to brokers across England and Wales. Her experience in sales and property makes her well-placed to help us continue to deliver great outcomes for their clients.”

Workpays, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Bridge Help support 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, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

University of Derby signs new Strategic Partnership Agreement with Derbyshire Voluntary Action

A renewed strategic partnership has been announced between the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

The partnership is set to further strengthen the link between the University and charity and community groups across Derbyshire.

The University and DVA created Community Chesterfield in 2019. The lottery-funded partnership project, led by the University’s College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care, aims to connect knowledge and expertise at the University with that of the voluntary and community sector in the region.

The Community Chesterfield partnership has won several national awards in the last four years, including Student Nursing Times and Voluntary Sector Awards.

It has delivered thousands of hours of training, placements, networking opportunities, and more for students and staff at the University, as well as supporting businesses, charities, and community groups.

As part of Community Chesterfield’s core goal to strengthen the voluntary and charity sector, they have come together with the University to contribute to the academic curriculum of student nurses.

The partnership is adding rich new elements to their studies, introducing them to the wealth of knowledge and resources that charities and communities can give, and giving them the opportunity to connect with groups and individuals who have lived experience of the systems that they will be working with.

This new expanded strategic partnership will unlock further resources and opportunities for students and staff across the University to connect with charities and community groups across Derby and Derbyshire.

It will allow new areas of the University to benefit from Community Chesterfield’s network, introducing course leads and students to a knowledge base outside their predicted experience.

The strategic partnership affirms the commitment to see both organisations working together to make positive change and widen the understanding of the difference charities and communities really make to people’s lives.

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, said: “Amplifying the voices of communities has never been so important. The opportunities Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership with the University of Derby has created for students to enhance their studies has been incredible and impactful.”

Dr Denise Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care at the University of Derby, added: “We are extremely proud to have the continuation and extension of this partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

“The impact created by working in partnership with local charities and community groups is remarkable, generating opportunities for our students and staff and sharing the expertise we have at the University to help make a difference.”

The new strategic partnership aligns to DVA’s core goals of supporting the voluntary sector, and with Derby’s Civic University Agreement, which was launched in 2022.

If you would like to find out more about how you can be involved, and what you or your organisation can benefit from, DVA invites you to connect with them through https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/getinvolved.

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

Community Chesterfield

 

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

University of Derby collaborates with Chesterfield charity to deliver mental health training

A series of bitesize training sessions on supporting positive mental health and well-being in the workplace are set to be held for organisations in Chesterfield.

Kate Wood, Project Manager of the Mental Health & Productivity Pilot at the University of Derby, has joined Derbyshire Voluntary Action this month to deliver the sessions.

Hosted by the Community Chesterfield Project, Kate delivers a series of online, 45-minute ‘Training & Tea’ sessions that explore how organisations can create an environment that encourages positive mental health, enables supportive conversations, and helps prevent people from experiencing mental ill health and to better manage mental health challenges.

Kate said: “Smart employers know that organisations are only as strong as their people – they depend on having a healthy and productive workforce…and good mental health underpins this.

“By positively managing and supporting employees’ mental well-being, employers can ensure that staff perform to their potential – and this allows the business to achieve its peak performance.”

Alongside delivering training, Kate’s work covers some exciting projects at the University of Derby. She currently leads the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) which aims to reduce absence, presenteeism, and stigma associated with mental health in the workplace.

Working closely with a range of businesses and organisations, Kate supports them in rolling out key mental health initiatives, breaking down barriers to accessing support, and helping individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues, to remain in employment.

The University of Derby and Kate’s team are launching an exciting new initiative on 26th April 2023 called ‘The Work Health Hub’- a new online membership platform, dedicated to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The hub pulls all the latest research, resources, tools, and experts together in one place, to ensure positive mental health and well-being is the golden thread that runs through your organisation.

Kate’s series will continue over the next month and is followed by further sessions supported by the University of Derby the DVA team, and other guests covering how to make your organisation more successful, digital marketing, leadership, personal & professional development, and many more.

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.

 

Tea and training

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

Award-winning Chesterfield FC Community Trust programme recognised by experts

A pioneering, award-winning programme delivered by the Chesterfield FC Community Trust, in partnership with three other organisations has the potential to be rolled out across the UK, according to healthcare industry experts.

Thr1ve Young People’s Social Prescribing Service recently won the award for Most Effective Contribution to Integrated Health and Care at the recent HSJ Partnership Awards 2023.

Judges described the work done by the Thr1ve team as “outstanding” and commented: “The passion and energy from the panel shone through. It’s a simple solution to a very complex issue.

“The service is genuinely embedded into the community and the data sharing solution is ground-breaking. There is huge potential for spread and scale across the UK.”

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved across the partnership.

“I hope this recognition will inspire others to prioritise integrated care and work towards creating healthier, more connected communities for young people.”

The programme is delivered by the Trust in partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Derbyshire Community Health Services FT and North Hardwick & Bolsover Primary Care Network.

Their mission is to reach out to young people struggling with their confidence and connections. Thr1ve recognises young people’s potential and offers support to help boost confidence, independence and participation.

THR1VE aims to fill a gap in NHS mental health services between early intervention and CAMHS support for more serious conditions.

Winners in a total of 21 categories were announced during a ceremony at Evolution London, hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, which was attended by over 900 guests and marked the achievements of a total of 141 finalists.

National healthcare leaders and professionals from both the NHS and private sector, as well as figures from non-clinical backgrounds, celebrated the crucial contributions of the private and third sector within the NHS.

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust 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.

CFC Trust Thr1ve programme award

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

University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action shortlisted for the Business Charity Awards.

A partnership project between the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action has been shortlisted for a Community Impact Award.

The Business Charity Awards recognise the power of partnerships with charities across the country, and the influence and success they can bring.

Being nominated is a testament to the strong partnership between the University and DVA, which has enabled them to make a real difference in local communities. The winners of this prestigious award will be announced in May at an award ceremony in London.

The award recognises how students, staff, and community groups have worked together to create meaningful connections and support grassroots organisations, build relationships with local communities, deliver training programs, contribute their time and knowledge, and share stories and experiences across higher education, charities, and community groups.

It celebrates how together these resources and expertise have combined to create positive change in Derbyshire.

Claire Carter, Business Relationship Manager at the University of Derby, said: “We are proud of the Community Chesterfield project and our partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

“We have seen some very impactful activities over the last four years, and going forward we have the opportunity to further our collaborative impact for students, academics and our community.

“Being recognised and shortlisted for this category demonstrates how different sectors can come together to make a difference to communities.”

For more information about the University of Derby, visit www.derby.ac.uk

You can find out more about some of Chesterfield’s charity sector organisations and community groups here.

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.

 

community chesterfield

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

Partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and University of Derby recognised by Student Nursing Times Awards

Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership project ‘Community Chesterfield’ has been named as a finalist for its work with the University of Derby in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards.

The Student Nursing Times Awards is the largest student and nurse education awards in the country, and will take place at the end of April.

It recognises the work of individual student nurses, and the organisations and groups that help them excel. The finalists have been named, and now have to present to the judges to see who will be named the winner at the awards in Mayfair, London.

DVA’s Community Chesterfield project won the award last year, and the team is hoping to retain the title in 2023.

The partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby is a great example of how charity organisations and universities can come together to have a positive impact on healthcare.

Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer at DVA commented: “Our partnership project being recognised as a finalist in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards is a testament to its success. We hope to impress the judges next month to win for the second year running.”

The collaboration between the two organisations has enabled nursing students to gain access to free training, placements, events, and opportunities to meet and network with community groups and experts, giving them invaluable experience in the healthcare sector. The university’s support for the charity’s work has also helped to strengthen relationships within the local community, helping to provide essential resources to community groups throughout Derbyshire.

This partnership is an inspiring example of how university-charity connections can have a meaningful impact on healthcare education as well as the ability to prepare future healthcare professionals for success.

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

team community chesterfield

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

Community Chesterfield and the University of Derby celebrate Partnership award

Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield team has been applauded for its growing partnership project with the University of Derby.

The Voluntary Sector Awards were launched in 2014 to recognise the outstanding work carried out by the voluntary sector in our area. The event brings people together from across the Third Sector to celebrate the huge triumphs that have been made across Derbyshire in the last year.

Community Chesterfield was launched in 2019, as a collaboration between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby, the project has not only endured the global pandemic but smashed expectations and gone further than initially hoped, connecting students, university lecturers, and community groups across the county to work with and support each other in a true partnership.

Bev Crighton, from the University of Derby reflects: “[Community Chesterfield] is one of the most productive and successful projects I have seen in 11 years…. this one has really helped Chesterfield and the communities.”

A partnership started with the desire to uncover and nurture new relationships and opportunities, to pave the way for collaborations and innovation between the University and grassroots community and volunteer groups.

The project has presented training, research, and shared learning with the university, as well as local volunteers, and charities, putting students, teachers, professionals, and the community together in real-life situations allowing them to share their experiences and stories, to forge lasting connections, and emboldening them to champion community involvement, and the crucial importance of working collaboratively with the third sector in the classroom, in their careers, and in their futures.

Megan, a Student Nurse on Placement commented: “I have had the opportunity to spend time with different charities and their events whilst on placement, which has broadened my knowledge even more. I have also found that it has positively allowed me to expand my knowledge in the field I’m studying by discussing the role with a variety of different people and helping them to understand different professions within the health care setting.”

As the organisation looks to what else Community Chesterfield will achieve, so does the scope of the partnership, growing beyond its beginnings in health and social care and opening to the entire University, as well as looking for new opportunities in businesses across the county hoping to help shape how they interact with, and contribute to the community and voluntary sector.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby support 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

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

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.

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

Funding to continue for innovative Community Chesterfield project

Community Chesterfield, an initiative which connects our local charity sector to the University of Derby, has announced that the groundbreaking project will continue to be funded in the future.

Last Thursday a celebration of 3 years of investment in Chesterfield’s communities was held at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus. The Lottery funded venture, Community Chesterfield, has helped local charities connect to the University.  The Project has brought about skills sharing and enabled local people with lived experience to engage with future health and social care professionals.

The Community Chesterfield Showcase included an early announcement that Lottery funding for the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action partnership would continue.

Jenny Raschbauer Community Chesterfield Manager said: “I’m so proud of the positive impact that our work has had on students and charities and after hearing how much the University and the community of Chesterfield value what we do I’m excited to be continuing this amazing community led project”

The opening speech at the event which was held on International Nurses Day was given by Dr Denise Baker, Dean of Health, Psychology, and Social Care at the University of Derby.

She said: “I was delighted to be able to support the showcase event for Community Chesterfield. The project has brought together many stakeholders who share an interest in health and well-being. The University has benefitted enormously from the project, especially building links between students and the voluntary sector. Both staff and students have gained from their experiences over the last 3 years and we look forward to what opportunities still lie ahead. The impact of this project is tangible and making a real difference to the health and social care arena in the region”

His Worship the Mayor of Chesterfield was also in attendance meaning this community gathering was his first engagement in office.

Project activities include offering training and shared learning opportunities, work placements, research projects, volunteering opportunities within Chesterfield’s community and other ways of creating meaningful connections.

Keep up to date with new activities on Facebook @ComChesterfield, Twitter @comchesterfield and Instagram @communitychesterfield

Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and University of Derby 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, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,