Derbyshire Community and Voluntary Groups to Receive Funding Boost

Community and voluntary groups supporting older and vulnerable people are set to receive a share of £2.5 million from Derbyshire County Council.

More than 200 grants will go to organisations across the county ranging from larger groups such as Derbyshire Carers Association, Disability Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living and the Alzheimer’s Society to around 150 smaller groups including lunch clubs, exercise groups and befriending services.

The groups which will benefit from the funding provide a wide range of services and support aimed at helping people to stay independent for as long as possible and promoting their health and wellbeing. This can prevent, reduce or delay the need for people to use mainstream social care services.

A review will be carried out to decide exactly where the funding should be used.  The review, which will use criteria agreed by the Health and Wellbeing Board, will aim to ensure the money available is being used in the most efficient and effective way and supporting the most vulnerable people.

Derbyshire County Council’s Assistant Director for Adult Care Julie Vollor said:

“Community and voluntary groups provide wide ranging services across the county which can support people who need a bit of extra help to stay living independently, safely and well in their own homes.

“We recognise the value of many of these services and are pleased to be able to fund them for the coming year.

“The review will look at a number of factors, including who the services help and in what way, as well as whether there are other services that could provide similar support. Most importantly, no decisions would be made on funding without consultation.”