More families across Bolsover and North Derbyshire will soon be able to access specialist hospice care at home at weekends following new investment in Ashgate Hospice’s Community Nursing Service.

Last year, Ashgate cared for 2,537 patients and those important to them across North Derbyshire, including 395 people from Bolsover District.

A £125,000 donation from Mr and Mrs Harry and Judith Roels will enable Ashgate to expand its Specialist Palliative Care Nursing Service from five days a week to six by the end of October, subject to recruitment.

Bolsover District Council has also agreed to invest £100,000 a year for the next four years. This will support the development of the service, with the ambition of providing specialist community nursing support seven days a week by October 2027.

The council’s funding will also enable Ashgate to continue its Children and Young People’s Service until the end of 2027, supporting children, young people and families across Bolsover affected by serious illness and bereavement.

The expanded service will mean more people living with a life-limiting illness can access specialist assessment, symptom management and care at home over weekends. It will also support people to remain in the place they choose and help reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Claire Shaw, Director of Care Services at Ashgate Hospice, said:

“This is incredibly welcome news for people living with a life-limiting illness and the families who care for them across Bolsover and North Derbyshire.

“Our Specialist Palliative Care Nursing Service already provides expert care and support to people in their own homes five days a week. Thanks to this investment, we will be able to extend that support to six days a week by the end of October, before working towards a seven-day service next year.

Recruitment for additional Community Nurses will begin shortly, with the expanded six-day service expected to begin by the end of October.

Two regional artists have been commissioned by Chesterfield-based Junction Arts to create new work celebrating the charity’s 50-year history.

Poet and performer Betty Powdrill and filmmaker Christopher Bevan have created The Stories We Weave, a series of films, poetry and a travelling exhibition capturing voices and experiences connected to Junction Arts.

The work premiered at Chesterfield Children’s Festival through a trail around Queen’s Park and an interactive living room. It will return at Tapton Lock Festival on Saturday, 5th September, before being presented again at Bright Winter Nights in November.

The Stories We Weave forms part of 50 Stories for 50 Years, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Stories gathered from Bolsover, Shirebrook, South Normanton, Pinxton and Chesterfield have inspired 11 films and poems, with a Willow Weaver connecting stories across generations.

Junction Arts began life in the 1970s as South Normanton Community Arts. Today, it is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England, delivering participatory arts projects, festivals and events across the region.

Betty Powdrill said:

“To work on the 50 Stories for 50 Years project has been a real joy. Hearing the stories of so many people connected to Junction Arts has been incredibly moving. I feel immensely proud of what we’ve created, and hope audiences see something of their own experiences reflected in the work.”

Christopher Bevan said:

“To try to capture 50 years of Junction Arts is to capture the experiences of thousands of people. Collaborating with Betty has allowed us to bring poetry and film together to create something that reflects that shared spirit of creativity and resilience. We’re excited for audiences to experience these stories.”

BRM returns as headline sponsor for Chatsworth 10K

Chesterfield-based law firm BRM is supporting Blythe House Hospice’s Chatsworth 10K for a sixth consecutive year as headline sponsor.

The Derbyshire and Yorkshire-based solicitors is also fielding a team of runners for this year’s race, continuing its long-term partnership with the hospice.

Eva Gardner, SQE apprentice at BRM, said:

“After running the Chatsworth 10K for the first time last year, I knew I wanted to have another go. Whilst it was a challenging course, it was wonderful to run through the woodlands, and it certainly helped hearing the supporters cheering us along from the side. I can’t wait to represent BRM again in September and support Blythe House Hospice.”

BRM has supported the charity since 2017, with its annual Wills Month campaigns raising more than £75,000 in donations.

Rob Woodhead, executive director at BRM, said:

“We’ve raised funds for Blythe House Hospice for almost a decade through different initiatives, and we’re proud to once again be the headline sponsor of their Chatsworth 10K – a highlight of the Derbyshire sporting calendar.

“From everyone at BRM, we wish you the best of luck, have fun, and enjoy running, walking, and racing around the stunning grounds at Chatsworth.”

The official chip-timed Chatsworth 10K takes place on Sunday, 13th September, with a 3K fun run also available. Funds raised will support Blythe House Hospice’s services for people affected by life-limiting illnesses across the High Peak, Hope Valley, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield and North-East Derbyshire.

Last year’s event raised more than £54,000 for local hospice care.

Ashgate Hospice, Junction Arts and BRM are among more than 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

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