Chesterfield businesses and organisations are continuing their work to bring the community together with a number of initiatives to support local people and charities.
Find out about the latest community efforts from our Chesterfield Champions in the roundup below:
Vicar Lane to host Eurovision party under the big screen
On Saturday 13th May, Vicar Lane will be bringing the party from day to night as they welcome visitors for a glittering get together to celebrate Eurovision.
Throughout the day, families can enjoy the table tennis and giant games in St James’ Square. There will be fun to be had at Vicar Lane’s shimmer wall where visitors can pose for selfies with Eurovision themed props for the chance to win dinner for two at Pizza Pi and two drinks at Chandlers Bar.
From 5pm, the pre party will begin with a live DJ to change the tempo, whilst local bar Chandlers serve up signature cocktails from their pop-up bar which will be located in front of the big screen in St James’ Square. Visitors will then be invited to pull up a deckchair for a free viewing of the Eurovision final at 8pm.
Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “This will be a really fun memorable event with flamboyant entertainers and lots of quintessential glitter – perfect for celebrating the Eurovision final. We’re really pleased to be partnering with Pizza Pi and Chandlers Bar to offer great food and drink deals to partygoers too.”
Hospice aims to break end of life taboos over coffee and cake
Frank discussions about death over a cup of coffee and cake will be had when Ashgate Hospice hosts a unique Death Café this Sunday.
The North Derbyshire charity is inviting people to attend the free event at The Batch House food hall in Chesterfield on Sunday 14th May.
The Death Café, which takes place between 3pm and 5pm, aims to increase awareness of death and dying with a view to help people make the most of life.
From discussing what music people want played at their funeral to fearing the death of a loved one – the hospice’s no-judgement session is open to anyone.
The conversation, although led by a facilitator, will become a natural exploration of the group’s thoughts and feeling towards the end of life.
Shelagh Freeman, End of Life Facilitator at Ashgate Hospice, who has helped organise the event, said: “It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but perhaps a coffee and a slice of cake is just the ticket to get people to talk about a subject that is often avoided!
“Despite the events of the past three years people still find death and talking about it uncomfortable, but talking about death can only be a good thing.
“Not only does coming to terms with your mortality mean you’re more likely to live life to the full, but being open about it means we can support each other, our families and ourselves when the time may come.
“Our Death Cafe doesn’t have to be a morbid concept – it’s an opportunity to share a safe space, have open and honest conversations and make the most of our finite lives. We’re all going to die so we might as well eat cake and talk about it!”
Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports local community to spot the early signs of bowel cancer
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is continuing to raise awareness of bowel cancer signs, symptoms and the importance of screening with a focus on areas in Derbyshire where screening uptake is traditionally low.
These include areas within Chesterfield, Erewash and Bolsover.
The organisation is engaging with local businesses, organisations and individuals sharing the message that early detection saves lives
The ‘Be Cancer SAFE’ message is simple:
• Screening – Participate in screening when invited
• Awareness – Be aware of any changes in your body
• Fast – If you notice changes, act fast. Contact your GP
• Early – Early detection saves lives. Recognise the symptoms and act promptly
Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK and affects 1 in 15 men and 1 in 18 women. The disease is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. 9 in 10 people survive if diagnosed in the early stages.
The project employs a community approach to improving cancer survival, creating a network of Be Cancer SAFE champions who help to remove barriers and normalise conversations about cancer.
People can help to raise awareness by:
• Encouraging friends, family and colleagues to visit the GP if they notice unusual changes to their bodies
• Raising awareness of cancer symptoms and screening within your community
• Spread the #BeCancerSafe message
Kat Johnson, who is a project worker for the campaign says: “4 in 10 people cannot name a symptom of bowel cancer, we want to change that. We want as many people as possible to recognise signs and symptoms at the earliest opportunity and take the chance to be screened or contact their GP if they have any concerns”
Accountancy Recruitment Group to take on ’30K in a day’ challenge
Chesterfield’s Accountancy Recruitment Group is taking on a huge charity challenge to support local charity, Fairplay. The ’30k in a day’ walk will take place in some stunning places, including hiking up and reaching the summit of 7 fells.
Lauren Stubbs, Business Consultant at the company commented: “We will be tackling The Old Man of Coniston, Grey Friar, Crinkle Crags, Great Knott, Pike of Blisco, Little Carrs and Wetherlam – we’ll reach 859m elevation at our highest point. There are around 25 of us altogether and we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity.
Fairplay supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. They offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of families- providing support to children and young people, aged 0-30, and to parents and siblings.
Speaking on how important it is to support local community groups and charities in Chesterfield, Lauren said: “There are some amazing causes and local charities which are bringing so much into the community. Often you won’t hear about these charities vs some of the larger ones but they are equally as important- and fundraising events like this are essential to give as much back to the charity as they do for the community.”
To support the charity effort, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/team/fairplay
Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Ashgate Hospice, Vicar Lane, Accountancy Recruitment Group and Fairplay supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.