From the Mayor of the East Midlands completing a 150-mile active travel challenge, to Chesterfield Champions supporting young people into careers, and a hospice nursing team marking more than 100 years of service, these stories showcase achievements, skills and community commitment across our region.
FASTSIGNS inspires future talent through careers programme
Chesterfield-based signage company is helping to inspire future talent through a programme designed to give young people real insight into careers in creative and manufacturing industries.
FASTSIGNS has partnered with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) to support the Careers Made in Chesterfield programme, funded by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The initiative links young people, parents, teachers and carers with local opportunities across key sectors including manufacturing and engineering, property and construction, and social care, helping to strengthen the pipeline of future skills across the town.
As part of the programme, a group of young people from Thr1ve, a social prescribing initiative, visited FASTSIGNS to explore how the business operates. The visit included behind-the-scenes access to design processes, production techniques and the specialist equipment used to manufacture signage.
The experience ended with a hands-on workshop led by director Martin Slater, where participants designed and produced their own custom signs to take home. The session provided a practical introduction to both creativity and technical manufacturing skills.
Martin Slater, Director at FASTSIGNS, said:
“Opening our doors to these students isn’t just about showing them the ropes; it’s about showing them what possibilities await them in the creative and manufacturing industries and giving them the opportunity and confidence to believe in their abilities.”
Paula Symonds, Projects Manager at DEBP, added:
“The visit to FASTSIGNS was a hugely valuable experience for our students. Martin and his team provided a fascinating insight into the industry, from the day-to-day challenges and technology to the various career pathways available locally and internationally. The feedback from the pupils was extremely positive; seeing the equipment in action and then being able to manufacture their own signs to take home truly brought the industry to life for them.”
Alongside its work with young people, FASTSIGNS has also supported Mossbrook Primary School with bespoke inclusive “core vocabulary” signage designed to improve communication across the school environment.
Interested in engaging with young talent? Sign up to our Skills and Employability newsletter to discover opportunities to connect with young people: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter
Ashgate Hospice nursing team marks more than 100 years of combined service
Ashgate Hospice’s nursing team is celebrating more than 100 years of combined service this International Nurses Day (12 May), recognising decades of dedication to providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care across North Derbyshire.
The team at Ashgate Hospice works within Day Services, supporting people early in their palliative care journey through drop-in sessions, appointments, physiotherapy, complementary therapies, emotional support and clinical advice.
Collectively, the team has built up decades of experience. Veronica Doxey and Sue Blair have each completed 30 years of service, Gail Fawbert and Sarah Kerry have each reached 20 years, while Amanda Ashcroft, Tracey Howarth and Ami Brunyee have each completed 10 years with the hospice.
Together, the team supports patients across North Derbyshire, the High Peak and Dales, including care delivered in people’s homes as well as at the hospice.
Sarah Kerry, Head of Onsite and Support Services at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“We’ve worked together as a team for 10 years and have built strong relationships over that time. Throughout, our shared goal has always been providing excellent care. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do.”
She added:
“We recognise each other’s skills and strengths and support one another whenever it’s needed. We’re open and honest as a team – nothing is off the table, whether that’s having a laugh together or talking through more difficult situations.
“What I like most about my role here is that we have the luxury of being able to spend time with patients. We get to know them as individuals, understand their needs, and empower them to live well, and for as long as they can.”
Last year, Ashgate Hospice supported more than 2,600 people, including over 1,300 in their own homes, highlighting the scale and importance of its community-based care.
Sarah added:
“Our role is incredibly rewarding. It’s about planning care, managing symptoms and being there for patients and the people important to them when they need us most.
“My job is made easier because of the people around me. This team is so supportive and there’s a whole lot of laughter as well as care in what we do. Some days are very challenging, but we always support each other. We treat every day as a new day.”
She added:
“Even though we’re supporting people through very difficult times, there’s still a lot of warmth and laughter. Patients are looking for the positives in each day, and we share those moments with them.”
