A male speaking into a microphone to a group of 5-9 year old children at a Junction Arts event

Volunteers’ Week celebrates community spirit across Chesterfield

By Alex Baddley - 5 June 2026

Volunteers’ Week is being celebrated across Chesterfield, with local organisations recognising the vital contribution volunteers make to strengthening communities, supporting services and delivering events.

Chesterfield Champions are highlighting how volunteering continues to play a central role in bringing people together, creating opportunities and supporting community life across the borough.

Building friendships through volunteering at Ashgate Hospice

A retired teacher and a Sheffield Hallam University student have formed an unexpected friendship while volunteering together at Ashgate Hospice.

Ashgate Hospice is highlighting the important role volunteers play in bringing people together across generations. More than 660 volunteers currently support the hospice across North Derbyshire.

Anne Leadbeater and Harrison Fawbert volunteer side by side in the hospice’s Day Services, supporting patients by serving refreshments, assisting with activities and spending time talking with visitors.

Anne began volunteering following retirement from a career in education across Derbyshire, initially supporting the hospice as a driver before moving into Day Services, where she found a welcoming environment and a renewed sense of purpose.

Harrison, who first became involved while studying fine art at Sheffield Hallam University, now volunteers regularly and has found that the experience has helped build confidence through interacting with patients and visitors, while also shaping his interest in art therapy.

The pair now volunteer together every Friday and have built a strong friendship through their shared time supporting the hospice’s services.

Anne said:

“I needed a purpose. Ashgate just felt so welcoming from the start. There’s such positivity – people expect it to be sad, but it really isn’t.”

Ashgate Hospice continues to encourage people of all ages to consider volunteering, with opportunities available across its retail, patient services, fundraising and community support roles.

Over 1,500 hours of volunteering support Junction Arts events

Arts and community organisation Junction Arts is recognising the contribution of its volunteers, who gave more than 1,500 hours of their time in 2025/26.

The volunteers support a wide range of activities, from major public events such as Chesterfield Children’s Festival and Tapton Lock Festival to behind-the-scenes work, including preparing materials, supporting school workshops, and assisting with fundraising activities.

Junction Arts says its volunteers play a key role not only in delivering events, but in shaping them, bringing insight, lived experience and community connection into its work.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said:

“They don’t just help us run our projects; they shape them.

Our volunteers are one of our most valuable assets at Junction Arts, they make our events and workshops possible but as members of our community themselves and from working closely with our participants, they offer key insights, knowledge and connection.”

Volunteers help bring people together through Chesterfield Community Roast

The Chesterfield Community Roast, supported by Kakou, is celebrating the impact of its volunteers who help deliver a free monthly community meal and Warm Welcome Space at Whittington Moor Methodist Church.

Now in its fourth year, The Chesterfield Community Roast Team is a volunteer-led group that organises a monthly event serving a cooked Sunday roast for the local community. The initiative began in 2021 with a simple aim: to reduce social isolation. Through the dedication of a small group of volunteers, that idea has grown into a well-established monthly gathering.

Each month, volunteers come together to cook and serve lunch for around 60 to 90 people, creating a welcoming space where people can connect, share food and take part in activities including quizzes, singing and bingo.

Organisers say the project continues to play an important role in reducing loneliness and strengthening community connections, with many attendees forming lasting friendships through regular attendance.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Founder of Kakou Technologies, said:

“Our volunteers are involved in every aspect of the event, from planning and food preparation to welcoming guests, serving meals, organising activities and creating the warm, friendly atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Community Roast.

“Their commitment has helped thousands of people access a safe and welcoming space where they can enjoy companionship and support.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity invites local people to become volunteers

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity is encouraging people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to volunteer and help support patients, families and staff.

As part of National Volunteers’ Week, the charity is recruiting new volunteers to support fundraising activities, events and community engagement initiatives. Volunteers will help the charity fund projects and enhancements that go beyond core NHS services, improving experiences for patients and their loved ones.

Whether people can spare a few hours occasionally or are looking for a more regular commitment, there are a range of opportunities available. Volunteers play an important role in supporting fundraising campaigns, helping at events and raising awareness of the charity’s work across the local community.

To help people learn more about the opportunities available, Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity is hosting a drop-in recruitment session at Chesterfield College on Monday, 8th June 2026, from 10:00am.

Jayne Stringfellow, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Charity Committee, said:

“These volunteers will help us go even further – bringing warmth, energy and community spirit to our fundraising and events, and supporting the projects that make a real difference for patients and families.

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, this is a great opportunity to be part of something new and help shape how our charity supports care here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.”

Emma Costello, Volunteer Co-ordinator, added:

“Volunteering has been such a positive experience. You feel part of something bigger, you meet lovely people, and you know the support you’re giving helps fund things that really matter for patients and families. We’re so grateful to our volunteers and this is especially exciting as we’re also in National Volunteers’ Week.”