Love Chesterfield

Steam train tour to arrive in Chesterfield and showcase local landmarks

Two steam train tours are set to arrive in Chesterfield, bringing passengers from the south of England to discover our historic landmarks.

The Steam Dreams Rail. Co, provider of unique and magical steam train journeys, will be hosting two incredible day trips to Chesterfield, one from East Anglia to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill on 8th May and another from London to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill Rail Ale Festival on 16th May.

The journeys will be pulled by the historic 46100 Royal Scot, providing visitors to immerse themselves in the glamour of yesteryear with an elegant steam-hauled journey. Once passengers arrive in Chesterfield, they will then be able to take part in several excursions around North Derbyshire’s landmarks.

Passengers are able to travel in one of three classes, including Pullman Dining, First Cass or Premium Standard.

A spokesperson for The Steam Dreams Rail. Co explained that there is plenty of exciting activities to get involved in whilst on the tour: “You can sink into your seats and relax as the train sets out for a wonderful journey through Amber Valley to the Peak District.

“Here, you have the option to continue your journey back in time to the Crich Tramway Museum, an immersive museum experience set within a recreated period village, where you can enjoy a ride on board the vintage trams. For glamour-seekers, your indulgent journey can be extended to the elegance of Chatsworth House. Alternatively, visit the town of Chesterfield or continue to Barrow Hill before we embark on our return journey aboard the same beautifully restored vintage carriages in which we started our journey.”

Chatsworth

Chatsworth House

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re excited to welcome passengers from the Steam Dreams Rail Co. tours to our historic town and surrounding areas.

“Being the place where George Stephenson spent the final years of his life, Chesterfield has always had a strong connection with steam.

“It will be wonderful to see the iconic 46100 Royal Scot arriving here, and I hope that passengers enjoy seeing our unique Crooked Spire, the beauty of Chatsworth and the Peak District, and of course the wonderful locomotives at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.”

Barrow hill

Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield

For further information and to book call 01483 209888 or visit www.steamdreams.co.uk

Planning your visit to Chesterfield? Find out more about the latest events, activities and things to do in our historic town.

Royal Scot stream train

46100 Royal Scot: Image credited to Gordan Edgar

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Vibrant new children’s nursery to open in Brimington

A brand new children’s nursery will be opening in Brimington this May, and prospective parents and families are invited to pay a visit.

Heywood House will provide quality childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years in a fun, vibrant and safe learning environment with fresh and healthy meals delivered every day.

The owners have over 35 years’ experience within the childcare sector. Having purchased the grade II listed building on High Street, Brimington last Autumn, substantial renovation works have been made to create a vibrant and welcoming children’s nursery for all.

The nursery will be open from 7.15am until 6pm 52 weeks a year excluding Bank Holidays. Early Years funded places are available. The striking feature of the nursery is its location, within a charming and attractive grade II listed building which has been redecorated with fun bright colours.

Its gardens to the rear have been extensively renovated so that the children can learn and develop in a secure green space, outdoors with nature, whilst having fun with their friends.

Company Director Matt Bell said: “As an organisation, we strive to provide the highest quality care for every child in a safe and friendly environment. This enables all our children to learn whilst having fun and reaching their full potential in preparation for school.

“The nursery will be Ofsted registered and we follow the Birth to 5 Matters guidance and the setting will be a mix of child centred and adult led learning. We’d also like to thank the Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up team for helping us on our way with this new venture in Brimington.”

The nursery will officially open its doors in May 2024, but has open days planned throughout April for parents and carers to have a look around. These are:

  • 10th April 11.00 – 14.00
  • 13th April 11.00 – 14.00
  • 6th May 11.00 – 14.00

Find out more about the Vision Derbyshire business support scheme, and other initiatives available for businesses in Chesterfield.

Did you know Chesterfield was recently ranked as one of the best places in the UK to raise a family? Find out about why our town is a great place to live here.

heywood house exterior 2

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Project showcases young artists in Chesterfield

Young artists in Chesterfield staged a new art exhibition, as part of the Junction Arts project Next Gen, which helps young people launch creative careers.

The exhibition, entitled Self Expression, was on display at West Studios from the 25th to the 28th of March and featured over 30 artworks. The collection included portraits, postcard art, spray paint murals, illustrations, and pottery.

The group of eight aged between 16-25 years, have been working together for the last five months to create their debut exhibition, showcasing the artworks they have created during Next Gen workshops.

The group were given the challenge of choosing the theme, creating the marketing, curating the exhibition and organising a private view event themselves. The four-day event attracted many visitors and positive comments including. “Great to see young people expressing themselves through art. Lots of fresh ideas, keep at it. It will enrich your life and the lives of those who see it.” “Exciting artworks on show! What will these artists do next?!”

Next Gen is a Junction Arts project that has been running as part of a wider ‘POV’ project since June 2022 and is delivered in partnership with Bassetlaw CVS, Rhubarb Farm, Centre Place, Bassetlaw Action Centre, Inspire, Voluntary Action Doncaster, South Yorkshire Community Foundation. There have been similar projects delivered across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire to include the point of view of young people in volunteering and open up voluntary organisations to 16-24-year-olds.

The project was funded by Arts Council England Volunteering Futures fund and aimed to encourage young people to volunteer through the arts.

Based on the group’s interests, Junction Arts runs a fortnightly creative session, working with different artists to give the young people an opportunity to be creative, meet people with similar interests and learn from professionals. Sessions have included portraits, spray painting, pottery, sign-writing and architectural design!

Next Gen Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “I have been so impressed by the work that our Next Gen group have created, so to see it all in one place at the Self Expression Exhibition was a proud moment for them, their families and for Junction Arts!

“The exhibition celebrated the young people’s artwork and provided a platform for their voice. None of the young people had been part of a public art exhibition before or had been involved in organising one – so it was a lot of hard work and a bit of a learning curve, but they all did an amazing job.

“Next Gen aims to give young people an insight into different creative careers, help them to develop new skills, grow their confidence and make useful connections. The project will continue, with the group running their own sessions, supported by us. Anyone aged 16-25 years is welcome to join the group, please get in touch!”

If you would like to be part of Next Gen contact; jemma@junctionarts.org.

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Junction Arts self expression exhibition participants

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Chesterfield festival of cycling to take place this summer

The annual Chesterfield Festival of Cycling is set to take place in the town this June.

Cycle Chesterfield, a local community group dedicated to promoting cycling in Chesterfield is gearing up for the event. It aims to showcase the cycle infrastructure in and around town, promote cycling as an alternative means of transport and build links across our communities.

This year’s festival runs from the 7th – 16th of June and offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to people of all abilities and ages. From guided rides at a steady, inclusive pace exploring the town’s hidden gems to interesting talks by cycle adventurers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Holmebrook Valley Park Cycle Funday, where families can enjoy a day of outdoor activities and games. This event not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages residents to embrace cycling as a fun and accessible recreational activity.

There will be a variety of themed, free, guided recreational rides which will demonstrate some of the cycling infrastructure in Chesterfield and the wider area, including the brand-new section of the East/West route. Rides will generally start in the town centre and will head out in a range of directions, including rides taking in Grassmoor, Holymoorside and Hollingwood. The rides will proceed at a steady, inclusive pace.

In addition to rides, the festival will be hosting a talk by author, adventurer and cyclist Emily Chappell. Emily was the first woman to finish the Transcontinental Race in 2016, has cycled across Asia from Turkey to China and has authored two books about her exploits.

Moreover, the festival serves as a platform to showcase Chesterfield’s cycling culture. From taster sessions for adapted bikes for disabled adults to BMXers showcasing their skills at Ringwood Park to an exploration of some of the town’s public art on the Art Trail ride, the festival celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the local cycling community.

Cycle Chesterfield has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and awareness in the area. Through lobbying efforts and community outreach programs, the group continues to push for safer streets and better cycling amenities, not only improving the quality of life for residents but also contributing to a greener, more resilient future for our community.

You can find out more about the festival and cycle chesterfield online: Facebook – CycleFestChesterfield & CycleChesterfield or via the website – https://cyclechesterfield.org/

Find out more about cycling in Chesterfield here, and to discover great events taking place in our area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Two boys on bmx bikes going round a sloped corner

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Franklin & Sons Partners with Red Engine to achieve sustainability goals

Independent soft drinks and mixers brand, Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield-based Global Brands is launching a new-to-market product format.

The product will be launched across all UK Red Engine sites, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.

Franklin & Sons has been working on producing a 200ml can for its Premium Indian & Premium Light Tonic in a bid to support the company with its sustainability goals, and has found perfect launch partner in Red Engine.

Flight Club and Electric Shuffle are two competitive socialising venues that have risen rapidly in popularity over the last few years, modernising traditional games such as darts and shuffleboard to reinvent the bar experience for the 21st century.

The aluminium cans weigh 94% less than the 200ml glass bottles, leading to a reduction in weight per case, significantly reducing transportation costs, fuel consumption and packaging volume, leading to a much lower carbon contribution.

Crucially for a hospitality venue, this initiative will also minimise waste and is projected to create a substantial 42% reduction in wastage removal expenses for Red Engine.

Dustin Acton, Chief Operating Officer at Red Engine, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, commenting: “We have worked with the team at Franklin & Sons for a couple of years now and we’re impressed with how much they value our partnership, going above and beyond to meet our business needs.

“Franklin & Sons is fully aligned with our morals and values and consistently looks for ways to add value to our business, showing true commitment to nurturing a collaborative relationship.”

James Stimson, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons added: “At Franklin & Sons, we are constantly innovating, and pride ourselves on demonstrating agility when it comes to meeting our customers’ needs.

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with an institution such as Red Engine, and that we have been able to provide a solution for such a valued customer. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, using 95% less energy than producing new packaging, and creating 65% less CO2e during the recycling process than their glass counterparts.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the business and are excited to be alongside them in their sustainability journey.”

Global Brands supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Global Branks team packing products in warehouse

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Chair’s Blog: Showing pride in Chesterfield’s beautiful green spaces

We are so proud of our local area; from the wonderful people who live and work here to the historic charm and architecture of our town centre and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.

This April, I wanted to highlight some of the achievements of our communities, as well as encouraging everyone in our town to keep working together to make Chesterfield a brilliant place to live and work.

Picturesque parks

Our tremendous open spaces, such as Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Park and the Chesterfield Canal continue to win awards for their unique natural landscapes, which of course is helped by the dedicated teams of people whose continuing hard work helps to maintain these areas for us all to enjoy. It’s great to see that further tree planting is taking place at a few parks across Chesterfield too; keep your eyes on the Chesterfield website for further updates!

Chesterfield Canal Paddlespots 2

Proximity to the Peak District

If you travel just 10 minutes or so out of town, you’re transported to the breathtaking beauty of the world-famous Peak District National Park – perfect for a weekend stroll or even an activity that gets the heart racing a bit more such as rock climbing, caving, or cycling.

It was fantastic to hear that our town has been named the best in the UK for access to green spaces. The average distance to the nearest park, public garden or playing field is less than 300 metres, and 95% of our town’s homes and flats have private outdoor space. Again, this is something we should be so proud of, and one of many reasons why people love living here.

Building our communities

Given this backdrop it is no surprise that we are seeing a rapid increase in the number of people looking to move here. Just last year, local estate agent Redbrik reported an almost 200% increase in online searches for properties in Chesterfield, with more people keen to benefit from the fantastic quality of life our town offers.

Bearing this in mind, let’s celebrate Earth Day 2024 this April by continuing to look after our small corner of the planet, and making sure we are showing plenty of love for our beautiful town and county.

There is no doubt in my mind that we all play our part in keeping Chesterfield a beautiful place to live. From helping to keep our town clean and tidy, to telling those who don’t know about our town how much you enjoy living here!

It could be as simple as mentioning a family walk you enjoyed, or even an outdoor event you loved. You could even share a photo or two of your experiences on social media using #LoveChesterfield and tagging in one of the Chesterfield UK channels. The more we show Chesterfield in a positive light, the more attractive the town becomes to others, which can only be a good thing for our high streets and our communities.

Family enjoying nature and supporting their wellbeing in queens park

 

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Chesterfield Business community shows support for local initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield have once again showed their commitment and generosity by helping a number of local causes.

The last month has seen our organisations support schools, charities, ex-servicemen and women, and local foodbanks.

Read the latest from our network of Chesterfield Champions below:

Local support provides music to the ears of Brookfield students

Music to their ears

A team of local businesses have pooled their resources to put an end to crackles and feedback by replacing Brookfield’s old microphones and speakers with a state-of-the-art sound system.

The PFA, headed by Greg Campbell, explains more: “As a group of Brookfield parents, we come together a few times each term and raise money for the school. When the opportunity arose to match the school’s funding budget for a new sound system, we were quick to accept the challenge.”

He said, “Having the support of Palfreymans from Chatsworth Road, Specsavers Chesterfield, Validate consulting and Londis all pull together has been a brilliant team effort.”

Keith Hirst, Headteacher commented: “We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and hard-working parent association. The BPFA [Brookfield Parent and Friends Association] work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support students at Brookfield.”

“The new sound system is something that will benefit the whole school community and I am very grateful for the support of the BPFA, along with local businesses – Specsavers, Londis, Validate and Palfreyman’s – in helping to provide this system.”

Chesterfield Champion, Validate Consulting made a substantial financial contribution towards the equipment. “We have been enjoying performances at Brookfield for many years and it has been a pleasure to be able to support the school in this way,” Said Damien Eaves, Managing Director of Validate. “We hope that the equipment will be useful to the school for many years to come.”

Representatives from all the local business were treated to a VIP experience at the performance of the Little Mermaid at Brookfield Community School, which ran the week before the half-term break. Once again, the student performances were outstanding, and the new sound system ensured not a single line was missed.

BRM hosts a Free Wills Month in partnership with Ashgate Hospice

Leading Derbyshire and South Yorkshire law firm BRM is hosting its annual Free Wills Month in support of Ashgate Hospice this April.

Between 1 and 30 April, people of North Derbyshire can have a will professionally drafted for free. In return, clients are asked to consider making a voluntary donation to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice.

Local people will benefit from a complete wills service from BRM’s expert team, including free registration with Certainty, The National Wills Register. The suggested minimum voluntary donation is just £75 for a single will and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

BRM has supported Ashgate Hospice for many years and has raised an impressive £71,000 for the charity through its Free Wills Months, helping fund Ashgate Hospice’s vital end-of-life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Rob Woodhead, Executive Director at BRM, said: “Ashgate Hospice is an organisation we hold close to our hearts here at BRM and we are delighted to be partnered with them again this year to host our annual Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.

“We know the care and support that Ashgate Hospice provides for our community is truly outstanding, so we are honoured to have raised more than £71,000 for them so far.

“Last year we managed to raise an amazing £20,000 for Ashgate during the month and this year we’re aiming to raise even more!

“We’re encouraging anyone who doesn’t have a Will to take advantage of this fantastic offer that not only benefits you and your family but also supports such a worthy organisation.

“It’s very important to have a Will in place, as it ensures that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are provided for.

“I would like to say thank you to our clients for their generous donations and also to our Wills team for their hard work during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.”

Laura Law, Legacy and In Memory Officer at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM for once again supporting the hospice during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month this year.

“Having a will in place is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Not only will supporting Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month give people a fantastic opportunity to write their will for free, but they’ll be helping us provide care for families across North Derbyshire when they need us most.”

People can make their Will at BRM’s Chesterfield office on Saltergate, with disabled access and free parking. The firm is also offering free home, hospital, and hospice visits for those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book an appointment to take place between 1 April and 30 April to take advantage of the offer.

Appointment spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

To find out more about the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month, and to register for an appointment, visit brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate or call 01246 555 111.

Spireites help provide food bank collection stations

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield FC have teamed up with Rural Action Derbyshire to provide food bank collection stations at the SMH Group Stadium and The Youth Hub in Chesterfield town centre.

Paula Dealtry, project co-ordinator at Feeding Derbyshire, who visited the HUB to deliver the boxes, said: “Through collaboration with Chesterfield FC Community Trust, we will increase the amount of food donations we can provide to projects across Derbyshire, which will in turn directly support residents in need.

“Establishing accessible food collection points for the general public to donate essential food items will greatly benefit communities across Derbyshire by aiding those in need.

“It also promotes awareness of the various ways individuals and organisations can offer support. We’re thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Trust in aiding the residents of Derbyshire.”

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, added: “We look forward to working together to collect essential food items for local families. During a cost of living crisis, the need has never been greater.

“I am so pleased that the Trust, the club and our community can help to contribute to this vital service.”

To find out more about Rural Action Derbyshire, please visit: www.ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.

Local Charity awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

AFCT have announced that they have awarded over £2.8 million of funding that will deliver significant changes and improvements in armed forces communities with hidden or compelling needs across the UK.

Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service is one of the 32 successful projects awarded funding for its STAND TO Derbyshire Veterans Community Services project.

John Ydlibi, Chair of Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service said: “It is fantastic that we are able to partner again with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and deliver support to Derbyshire ex- servicemen and women, some of whom have struggled immensely since leaving the Armed Forces.

“We are extremely proud of our STAND TO Programme, which has been successfully run by veterans for veterans, and this RECONNECT project will ensure that our Derbyshire veterans have the opportunity to connect with peers who have gone or are going through similar challenges”.

The RECONNECT project will reach out to veterans who are struggling to engage in services, who may be isolated, and whose needs are often hidden and complex. The Veteran-to-Veteran programme will facilitate early-stage engagement, offering regular contact and supported access to established Derbyshire Mutual Ex Service Support groups, peer support, buddying and volunteer opportunities.

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield entrepreneur sets up new Derbyshire wellness retreats company

A new wellness retreats business has been launched in Derbyshire by a Chesterfield-based entrepreneur. Bliss Retreats has been launched with the help of a start-up loan from the British Business Bank.

Director Jo Jepson spent most of her childhood and teenage years adventuring in the Peak District, where her love of the landscape and calmness of nature gave her the self-healing tools to manage all of life’s ups and downs.

Having worked at senior levels in the charity sector for over 20 years she decided to launch her own business, with the ambition to create family-run business, creating a legacy for her own sons and grandson.

Bliss retreats fosters mindfulness and wellbeing retreats, workshops and we have plans to deliver corporate away days, to reset and recharge your mind, body and spirit.

The passion and vision of all of of the retreats is driven through harnessing the power of nature to recentre, rebalance, rejuvenating minds, achieving better health and wellbeing.

Jo said: “Bliss Retreats works in partnership with expert practitioners and therapists, and together the business creates a safe and joyful space, providing grounding and relief to people from all walks of life who may be experiencing poor mental wellbeing, feeling overwhelmed by life or just looking to balance out their hectic lifestyles with some “me time”.

“Using various practices such as yoga, breath work, sound healing, mindfulness, meditation, crystal healing, reiki, forest bathing and taking time immersed in nature, we strive to deliver a safe and welcoming space that encourages transformation, connectedness and wellbeing.”

Find out more about the business at: www.Bliss-retreats.com

The Start Up Loans programme helps people start or grow their businesses and is part of the government-owned British Business Bank’s remit to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses. They can borrow up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum and repay the loan over one to five years. The programme also provides 12 months of free business mentoring.

If you would like to learn more about Start Up Loans support, visit: https://www.startuploans.co.uk/

To find out more about business support initiatives available here in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Jo Jepson Bliss retreats

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, Visiting

Full lineup confirmed for Chesterfield Pride 2024

The full lineup of acts has been confirmed for the 2024 Chesterfield Pride Festival at Stand Road Park, with Liberty X confirmed as the headliner.

Taking place on Sunday, July 21st, this year’s event will see two stages packed with chart topping stars, including singer/ rapper Amelle, formerly part of the iconic Sugababes.

Also appearing is Clubland’s most successful artist Kelly Llorenna who has over 15 top 40 singles to her name, and is best known for the massive anthem “Set You Free”.

The Main Stage will also see performances from ’80s heart throb Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, ’00s pop legends The Cheeky Girls and will be headlined by the incredible Liberty X who have been kindly sponsored by East Midlands Designer Outlet.

The Kranlee Cabaret Stage will be headlined by the outrageous Kitty Scott Claus from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also from Drag Race, the super talented Scarlett Harlett will appear at the event.

The Cabaret Stage will also see arguably the world’s best Lady Gaga tribute Donna Marie, who has performed across the globe as Gaga. International Drag Queens KY Kelly and Miss Penny have also been confirmed to perform. There will also be some fantastic local unsigned artists including Mill, Darlin Trio and Lexi Whiteside taking to the stage.

Organiser Dan Walker says: “The team and I are really proud of how the event has grown in recent years and this line up is one of our most exciting to date. To have this caliber of artists perform at the event is testament to the amazing support the event has received in the last few years.

“We are passionate about the event being community driven and we believe the event is fantastic value. We love welcoming new attendees every year.”

Tickets are £7 (+booking fee) if bought in advance. Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. There are a limited amount of WILDES VIP passes remaining. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about some of the great events and activities coming up in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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New skills programmes launched to help get people back into work and advance their careers

Companies in Chesterfield will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes, which will help to boost their organisations and reduce skills gaps.

A range of new skills programmes that aim to help people living in Chesterfield get back into work, access new career opportunities and boost their skills in their current roles are being launched by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by partners including Workpays, DBC Training and Workers Education Association.

The range of courses includes programmes that businesses can sign up for but also courses that people who are currently out of work can individually sign up for.

For individuals looking to develop skills to progress towards and into work, Workpays are offering a work readiness and digital inclusion programme from the 1 April to be delivered from a variety of community settings.

Businesses in the borough will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes provided by DBC Training, including a range of Microsoft short courses that will address workplace digital skills gaps and increase productivity.

Specialist care training provider, Workers Education Association will be providing fully funded digital skills training to support people working in the care sector progress their careers.

Funding for the programmes has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “These are targeted programmes that will help ensure our residents can get the skills they need to access career opportunities and progress in our borough. These programmes form a key part of our skills action plan, which seeks to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“As part of our skills action plan we work closely with businesses and these programmes aim to provide the skills they need to grow. I’d encourage local business owners to see if these programmes are suitable for them and get in touch as soon as possible to sign up.

“However, we’ve ensured that there is support available for everyone and our work readiness and digital inclusion programme will be run in the community and residents who are seeking employment will be able to sign up directly for these or sign up through their work coach.”

Workpays will be running a work readiness and digital inclusion programme. This will be hosted in community venues across the borough and will help people to develop employability and basic skills that will help them to join the workforce. They will also provide some basic digital skills and access to ICT equipment.

Workers Education Association will be working in care sector businesses to provide their employees with the digital skills they need to progress in the sector.

DBC Training will be providing a digital upskilling programme for businesses. This will allow employees to work through a range of digital courses designed to help them improve their skills, increase productivity and advance their careers.

Further training programmes focussed on green and digital skills for businesses and science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be launched later this year.

The new skills programmes are just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Workpays and DBC Training support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Nibe business

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More than 1,000 runners take part in Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K has been hailed a great success by organisers, with more than 1,000 runners taking part.

The event returned to Queen’s Park on Sunday 24th March for the first time since the event was moved to March from its previous October date.

Philip Nind was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 00:35:36, with Hayley Gill the first female to finish in a new course record time of 00:37:30 beating her old course record time by over 10 seconds.

The oldest participant in the event was Dave Onion aged 83, and Jayden Peace was the youngest at 15.

Harry Hewitt and Molly Bayliss were the first boy and girl across the line in the Veezu Fun Run, which returned for another year and took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

14 organisations also took part in the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K’s weekend of events.

This year’s event saw the inaugural Nuzest Chesterfield 5K Challenge take place on Saturday 23 March. Situated within the boundaries of Queen’s Park, the winner of the event was Louie Jenkinson. Charlie Parker aged just 8 completed the Challenge also.

The event also helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes, with an estimated circa £30K pledged for charities selected by the runners from across the region including the 10K’s charity partners – Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Cavendish Cancer Care.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K said: “Following a brief hiatus, it’s been fantastic to see the return of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k to Queen’s Park.

“Ever since we first launched the event in 2020, our goal has always been to create a fantastic experience for participants that benefited the local community and generate much-needed funds for our partner charities. The people of Chesterfield really turned out, there were so many people who turned out to cheer on the runners all around the race route which was amazing.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped ensure that the event came together, including our event partners, sponsors and of course the runners who took on the course on the day.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteer marshals who gave up their free time on a Sunday morning to assist the runners, help the public and keep everything running smoothly.

“The patience from the people of Chesterfield who are most affected by the road disruptions is greatly appreciated and we thank them for their understanding throughout the day.

“The money raised by this event will help good causes like the Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Cavendish Cancer Care, and other charities to continue their fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Foundation said: “It’s been yet another fantastic Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

“Every year it’s such a great atmosphere with spectators lining the streets of the town centre and beautiful Queen’s Park showing their support for all the runners.

“It’s important to have events such as the Chesterfield 10K and everyone at Redbrik are more than happy to support. As a business with a significant presence in the town, it’s great to help showcase the town as people come from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part.”

Redbrik 10k

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