Chesterfield community news

Chesterfield-based addictions charity to offer new services to residents

A Chesterfield charity which has supported local people for almost three decades has expanded its offer.

Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service (DAAS) has been a primary source of alcohol support in Derbyshire for almost 30 years.  It began life as North Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service, operating from a single room in Chesterfield with 3 part time counsellors.  It is now a county wide organisation with 30 staff and volunteers providing alcohol, drug and gambling support as well as running projects for our military veteran community.

The organisation has developed so dramatically over the last few years that the name is no longer fully representative of the work that they do.  Therefore, on 12th October 2023 they officially changed the name to Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS).

Chair of Trustees John Ydlibi said: “When people hear our previous name, they assume alcohol support is all we offer, however, our scope is now so much more than that”.

DAAS, for the last 8 years been a key provider within Derbyshire Recovery Partnership, the commissioned drug and alcohol support service for adults in the county.  This service provides support for anyone affected by their own or someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use.

The organisation has been proud of its role in helping people get the support they require when they are struggling with their drug and alcohol use, supporting people to achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive future.

More recently, DAAS has begun offering support for those affected by other people’s gambling behaviour.  For every person whose gambling is a problem, there can be between 6 and 10 other people who are negatively affected… friends, children, family, colleagues.

GamCHAT will provide counselling and education to help friends and family to understand better what is happening, how they can best support the person experiencing problematic gambling and while protecting their own health and wellbeing.

To make people aware of the new name change and how the various projects offered by DAAS can support the residents of Derbyshire, the charity is holding several roadshow events across the County.

In North Derbyshire, these are in Shirebrook, Buxton and here in Chesterfield. These drop-in style events will provide the opportunity for employers, statutory and voluntary organisations, and members of the public to talk directly to staff involved and learn how we can support people struggling with drugs, alcohol or gambling as well as members of our veteran community.

John added: “We are proud to have our roots in Chesterfield and how our success here has allowed us to spread our services throughout Derbyshire.”

Roadshows

  • 12th December Shirebrook – Adult Education Centre, NG20 8PE 1.30 – 3.00pm
  • 14th December Buxton – Kents Bank Road, SK17 9HR 10.00 – 11.30am

To learn more, go to daas.uk.com/roadshows.

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

DAAS Team Dec 2023

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Support for Chesterfield residents and businesses affected by flooding

Chesterfield’s businesses, organisations and community groups are working hard to support residents affected by flooding in recent days caused by Storm Babet.

Some residents and businesses had to evacuate their homes and premises due to the rising water levels on Friday.

Read more about some of the support and community fundrainsing efforts taking place across the town in our roundup below:


East Midlands Chamber offers support for affected businesses

The chamber of commerce’s information team, which can be contacted by calling 0333 320 0333, can provide advice to businesses – whether or not they are Chamber members – on what they can do and where support is available in their local area.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Major floods like we’ve seen during Storm Babet can cause huge anguish for business owners, but it’s important they know they aren’t alone and support is available.

“Our information team has already provided key advice to some businesses in our region since the floods hit at the end of last week, and we would urge anyone who would benefit from speaking to a friendly voice to get in touch.”

Some local authorities, including Derby City Council, have also asked employers in the area to encourage employees to work from home where possible to minimise traffic while a clean-up operation is carried out.

Scott added: “During an emergency like this, we are all in it together and there are small steps businesses may be able to take to offer their support, such as through encouraging staff to work from home, where this is possible, for a temporary period.

“It’s also important that all parties – such as local authorities, emergency services, central Government and other local stakeholders – co-ordinate effectively during the clean-up to help everyone get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”


Fundraiser launched for residents affected by floods

Lifehouse church, based in the Brampton area has launched the appeal in partnership with Toby Perkins MP and local charities, agencies and businesses.

Hundreds of people in Chesterfield have been affected by the flooding over the weekend. Homes were flooded and businesses were forced to close due to the conditions.

Having already raised more than £25,000 over the weekend, the church is hoping to be able to provide food, clothing, supplies and the necessary essentials for those in need. A dedicated pot from the Church charity will seek to directly support families and homes that have been affected.

Church Pastor, Paul Hollingworth commented in a video posted by the church: “We are right in the heart of the community here in Brampton. The floods swept through the whole heart of the town and has had a huge impact on many people’s lives, not just today but for the months ahead.

“We’ve decided to do as much as we practically can today, by setting up a funding page which is going to help people with some of life’s necessities.”

Paul’s wife Sarah, also a Pastor with the church, said: “What we really want people to do is not only give, but to share, because the more people share it the wider the reach is. We have a £50,000 target and I’m really confident that we can smash that.”

Donate to the Appeal on the GoFundMe website.


Offers of Support from Chesterfield Champions

Wilkins Vardy offers temporary business premises

They have a double-width shop front on glumangate (our building was once two properties which we knocked through many years ago) and some offices on three floors, some of which are currently empty.
• They could possibly house part of a small business to sit along our normal office set up on their shop floor.
• They also have some empty space on the upper floors, with IT and telephone connectivity.
•Their shop front has digital displays, so we would be happy for business to use some of these to help with marketing!
You can contact Wilkins Vardy on 01246 270123

 

Paperclip offers 14 days free call answering support for businesses in Noth Derbyshire impacted by the flooding.

If you would be interested in this support please contact Lousie Bellwood at Paperclip on 01246 418181.

The Spire viewed from Old Whittington along Whittington Moor

 

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Champions roundup: How Chesterfield organisations are supporting our town

Chesterfield Champions have shared uplifting stories throughout October on how they’re helping to support people in our area.

Organisations have been creating connections across the community to help strengthen local groups, improve accessibility, and even teaching people how to save a life.

Find out more in our latest roundup below:


Save a Life Scheme receives record sign ups at Chesterfield College

CSALS Chesterfield college

Local charity, the Community Save a Life Scheme (CSALS), visited Chesterfield College to celebrate the fantastic uptake from both staff and students with the programme.

Nick was astonished by the number of staff and students who have been involved saying, “The support and interest from the college has been incredible.”

Both staff and students told Nick that they have walked away feeling more confident due to completing the course. Nick adds, “A lot of people are fearful of the unknown and wouldn’t always step in to help in a difficult situation. Having the basic lifesaving skills that the course equips them with, gives them enough knowledge to save a life.


Support Dog’s successful visit to Chesterfield FC

A successful trial recently saw a support dog pay a visit to Chesterfield FC for a matchday experience.

When the Community Trust took over the running of Chesterfield FC, one of the stated aims was to make the stadium accessible for everyone.

The club recently received positive feedback following Pauline McAllister’s visit to the SMH Group Stadium with Gordon, a 22-month-old support dog, for the game against Oldham Athletic earlier this season.

Speaking about the experience, Pauline said: “We’re socialisers – not trainers. We’ve had lots of different experiences to get the dog used to it.

“We thought a football match would be really good to get used to the noise. We hadn’t got a clue on how to get in or how to get tickets but our experience was absolutely wonderful.

“I was quite nervous about going but we didn’t have any worries at all. The whole thing was lovely. I can’t thank everybody enough.”


Vicar Lane to host Pumpkin Patch this weekend

Vicar Lane Pumpkin Patch poster

Vicar Lane is hosting a hauntingly good time for visitors this weekend, with a free Pumpkin Patch returning to the centre on Saturday 21st October.

From 10am – 3pm, a range of spooktacular activities will be on offer for all the family to enjoy. Visitors can take their pick of pumpkins from the patch while stocks last, and join in with lots of fang-tastic fun brewed up by the trio of witches.

Spellbinding makeovers will also be available from a themed face painter throughout the day, so visitors can transform into their favourite spine-chilling characters.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “We are so excited to welcome local families back to Vicar Lane to get involved in lots of exciting Halloween activities. It’s sure to be a great day out for all!”


Chatsworth Walk Connects Nursing Students and Carers

Group shot community chesterfield chatsworth walk

Led by Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield project the Chatsworth Walk took participants on a picturesque journey from Baslow to Chatsworth House in the Peak District, providing not just breathtaking scenery but also a platform for important conversations about the experiences of unpaid carers and their role in healthcare.

This partnership event with the University of Derby, and Derbyshire Carers Association on 27 September brought together future healthcare professionals and carers for a day of connection, mindfulness, and dialogue.

The Chatsworth Walk underscored the power of community, empathy, and the willingness to engage in conversations that matter. By bringing together unpaid carers, staff, and students, this event highlighted the importance of understanding the experiences of carers, ultimately leading to more compassionate, communicative, and effective healthcare.

Jennifer Raschbauer, Community Chesterfield Project Director commented: “It was a lovely day with some brilliant conversations. It was wonderful to hear some of the shared stories and to see people learning.”


Community Chesterfield, CSALS, Chesterfield College, Vicar Lane and Chesterfield FC 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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Ceremony celebrates construction of multi-million pound mental health facilities in Derbyshire

A new 54-bed mental health facility for adults is progressing in Chesterfield, providing acute adult care on the Royal Hospital site.

Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, has celebrated the ‘topping out’ of the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s new mental health facilities across Derbyshire.

Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Simon Corben, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England, and Geoff Neild, Programme Director for the Making Room for Dignity Programme attended an event held at Derby Kingsway Hospital alongside members of the project team.

The pioneering new mental health facilities are delivered as part of the Trust’s ambitious £150 million Making Room for Dignity Programme – a project using a blend of central, regional and Trust funding to completely revamp the county’s mental health inpatient (hospital) facilities.

The works include the Derwent Unit, a 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and the Carsington Unit, another 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care as well as a 14-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Kingsway Hospital in Derby.

Every room across both Adult Acute Care facilities will be en-suite and temperature controlled, with the facilities also including a shared therapy suite, kitchen, indoor fitness room, online library resource room, arts room and access to a secured roof terrace and garden for wards on the first floor.

James Beardmore, Project Manager at IHP, said: “We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone for these important projects and the exemplary collaboration demonstrated by the project team. We look forward to delivering these adult acute care facilities for the Trust’s ambitious Making Room for Dignity Programme. Once completed, they will greatly improve mental healthcare services across the region.”

Geoff Neild, at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Derwent Unit at Chesterfield and Carsington Unit at Derby form the backbone of our dormitory eradication programme giving each service user their own en-suite bedroom.

“For those service users from Derbyshire requiring intensive psychiatric care there is currently no provision within the county and our service users are currently placed in out-of-area facilities. This has a huge impact on the ability of family and loved ones to provide support at a time when it is often most needed. Kingfisher House will provide a 14 bedded unit meeting the needs of male service users in Derbyshire. Along with the newly refurbished Audrey House the Trust can meet the majority of the needs of both male and female service users requiring high acuity facilities.

“I am delighted that these new facilities will give staff, service users, family and friends fantastic settings in which to deliver or receive therapeutic care and support.”

topping-out_group-photograph

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Transition Chesterfield opens Eco Hub thanks to community funding

Transition Chesterfield has benefited from Chesterfield Borough Council’s community grant funding, enabling them to open an Eco Hub in the town.

Based on Low Pavement in Chesterfield, the Eco Hub is a pilot project that will work with residents to:

  • Improve their awareness of ‘Transition Chesterfield’ and the aims and objectives of the community group
  • Improve their awareness of climate action and the protection of the environment
  • Improve their understanding of net zero and a more sustainable Chesterfield
  • Access further learning and volunteer opportunities

Transition Chesterfield was one of the local organisations to benefit from the first round of funding, receiving £2,500 to open the new hub in the town centre.

The Eco Hub is initially open every Friday from 10am to 12.30pm until May 2024 and may open at other times if successful in recruiting enough volunteers.

The Hub at Low Pavement itself is open most days though for other community-based activities.

A total of £59,965 has been awarded to 16 local groups via the council’s new Community Grants Funding scheme so far, and applications for the second round of funding are now open.

The council is looking for grant applications from community groups and local voluntary organisations in Chesterfield and surrounding areas who have climate focused projects to deliver.

Karl Deakin, a volunteer with Transition Chesterfield, said: “We’re excited to win this funding which gives us a much-needed base for our activities. Our hub project will encourage interest and participation amongst residents to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s also a great opportunity for people to volunteer to help our environment and meet new people.”

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning, and environment said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges humanity faces worldwide, and it needs us all to consider how we can make individual changes to our routines as well as how we can will make substantial changes in the borough of Chesterfield.

“Community groups can play a huge part in helping to educate and inform our communities so we would love to hear about any local project ideas that could benefit from the available grant funding.

“Chesterfield Borough Council has more than £118,000 available to eligible local groups in this financial year (2023/24) so we are encouraging as many people as possible to find out more about the scheme and submit an application.”

The funding allocated through the grant scheme will support local groups to deliver projects that will build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding can also be used by community projects to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.

Grants range from £500 to £6,000, and the deadline for applications for phase two is Friday 27 October.

Further information about the Community Grant Scheme, including details of how to apply can be found on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund.

Funding for Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

transition chesterfield eco hub

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Community and charity efforts highlighted across Chesterfield

People and businesses in Chesterfield continue to show their support for our local communities.

Recently, a Chesterfield firm raised over £7,000 by hosting a charity golf day in the town. In addition, a local manufacturing firm donated life-saving equipment to one of the town’s walking football teams.

Meanwhile, a teenager from North Derbyshire has picked up a national award after raising more than £10,000 for various causes.

Read more about the latest fundraising initiatives below:


SMH Group’s charity golf day raises £7,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association

SMH Group - MNDA - Golf Day

SMH Group, a local firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, has raised over £7,000 for the company’s charity of the year, the South Yorkshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The money was raised at the firm’s annual charity golf day, which took place at Chesterfield Golf Club in September.

The MNDA is a charity close to many people at the SMH Group, as it supports individuals and families battling the devastating impact of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). With no known cure, the MNDA plays a pivotal role in providing essential care, support, and research funding to improve the lives of those affected by MND.

Ross Jordan, Partner at SMH Group comments: “As a progressive company by nature, we wanted to make this year’s charity golf day bigger and better than ever. After the success of our first two events, we had a big target to aim at and we’re absolutely thrilled to have smashed it, raising more than three times the amount we did last year.

“This was achieved by opening the event up to more sponsors, who we can’t thank enough for their kind donations of tee sponsorship, competition sponsorship, raffle and auction prize donations, as well as all 29 teams who donated to take part – we couldn’t have done this without you!

“We had a lot of keen, and competitive, golfers take part, which made for a very entertaining day with the individual on-course competitions, as well the overall team competition for first, second and third place.”


Spireites Walking Football Club receives a life-saving donation from United Cast Bar

united cast bar defibrillator donation

Local engineering company, United Cast Bar Ltd. have donated two CellAEDs (Defibrillators) to the Senior Spireites Walking Football Club following one of their players suffering a Cardiac Arrest during a recent match.

Thanks to the knowledge and quick action taken by another player, CPR was administered and their closest AED was used to revive the player (Mel) suffering Cardiac Arrest. Mel is now recovering at home following a short hospital stay.

Malc Perks, Chair of the Senior Spireites, says the experience made him realise that the club needed better access to defibrillators (AEDs) for away matches in other locations, and social trips that are attended.

He said: “seeing first hand how vital the AED was in saving Mel’s life made me realise that we needed other units for use at all our events and matches. James from UCB and the CellAED supplier CorMed-DX have been very quick to respond to my request which means that our members will be better protected at future matches and events that the club attends.

“Our experience shows that we were lucky to have someone who knew how to do CPR. To make sure that others can do the same thing in future we are having several of our members enrol on CPR courses in the next few weeks. As a result, I would urge all sporting clubs to make sure that they have access to a defibrillator, know how to use it, and have people in the club who are CPR trained.”


Ashgate Hospice launches ‘Go Pink’ fundraiser

Ashgate Fundraising team

Local charity Ashgate Hospice, which provides patients with end-of-life care is urging people to ‘Go Pink’ to help raise funds and awareness.

The hospice will host its second Go Pink for Ashgate week fundraiser between 9th and 15th October this year.

Families, schools and organisations are encouraged to organise their own pink-themed fundraising event or initiative to help Ashgate raise funds so it can be there for patients and their loved ones.

Seven schools, including Arkwright Primary School, Old Hall Junior School, Walton Holymoorside Primary School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School will be supporting Go Pink for Ashgate by holding non-uniform days and urging pupils to wear pink.

Rachel Broughton, Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “It’s time to get your pink on! Can you wear something pink or hold a pink themed event and show your support in return for a donation to the hospice?

“Why not dress as a pink flamingo or wear pink bunny ears to work – do whatever you wish!

“Please reach out to us if you’d be interested in being involved; your support will help raise the £9 million needed to provide our care each year.”

To find out more about how you join in with the Go Pink for Ashgate week celebrations go to https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/go-pink.


North Derbyshire teenager wins 2023 British Youth Award for fundraising efforts

Hayden Hudson

A teenager from North Derbyshire has been honoured with a prestigious national award after showing selflessness, kindness and commitment for a number of causes.

Hayden Hudson, aged 13 will be one of only 24 people nationally to be presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour, in a special ceremony taking place at The Palace of Westminster on 12 October 2023.

Hayden has raised in excess of £10,000 for multiple charities during the past five years. After learning about how the cancer unit at his local hospital helps people who are unwell and suffering, he decided he wanted to do something to help. Although Hayden has ADHD, ASD and learning difficulties, he decided to physically challenge himself to raise funds for charity.

Each year Hayden undertakes two fundraisers. He selects the charity he would like to help and then thinks of bigger and better ways to raise funds. His fundraisers are usually endurance challenges and require extensive physical effort.

Hayden is passionate about swimming, with aspirations to one day represent Team GB at the Olympics. Many of his fundraising activities are sponsored swims, one of which saw him swim 44 miles over the course of two weeks. He also undertook a triathlon with a bike ride over 18 miles, to raise money for Bluebell Wood, a hospice for children.

During lockdown, when the swimming pools were closed, Hayden embarked on a 100-mile sponsored bike ride, raising much needed funds for the local food bank and Parish church. Hayden continues to challenge himself for the benefit of others in the community.


SMH Group, United Cast Bar and Ashgate Hospice 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 community groups urged to apply for grant funding

Community groups and voluntary organisations are reminded to check if they are eligible for grant funding from a scheme designed to help boost grassroots projects.

Over £59,900 of funding has already been allocated to organisations across the borough as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund – and applications are still open, giving even more eligible groups the chance to apply.

With grants ranging from £500 to £6,000, the Community Grants Fund scheme aims to support local projects that will help to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding can also be used to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.

Further information can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

The scheme is already helping to fund 16 projects across the borough – ranging from funding new equipment, setting up new community groups, refurbishing community hubs, helping deliver programmes to help develop skills and employability, providing volunteering opportunities, and running workshops to help with mental health issues.

The deadline for community groups and voluntary organisations to submit an application is Friday 27 October.

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is also running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wishing to apply for a grant.

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, said: “We are really pleased to have secured this funding – it will support the delivery of important projects across the borough. We’ve already been able to provide 16 groups with funding since we launched the scheme earlier this year and are looking forward to watching those projects progress.

“I strongly urge other groups in our community to check if they are eligible and get their application in before the deadline so that we can make sure our communities continue to thrive.

“If you are unsure if you are eligible or would some support and guidence with submitting a bid, you can talk to our team who will be more than happy to help. You can contact them by emailing communitygrants@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 959657.”

Funding for the grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

town hall drone shot

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Two new mental health support services open in Chesterfield

A charity has partnered with the NHS to open two new crisis support services in Chesterfield, providing support for those with mental health concerns.

The first of the two services to open is the crisis house in Chesterfield, which opened on 18 September, and the safe haven in Chesterfield which will open its doors on 26 October, both run by charity – P3.

The new crisis house will provide 24/7 residential support for those referred by NHS mental health professionals at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, while the safe haven will offer out-of-hours support on a self-referral basis every day of the week between 4.30pm to 12am for anyone who is struggling and needs a friendly face to talk to, including during the festive period.

P3, the social inclusion charity, work with people to change their lives for the better, providing a variety of services all across the UK, that aim to give everyone the chance to be part of the community they live in and feel connected.

The crisis house, safe haven and urgent crisis drop in service are part of a wider programme of partnership activity led by NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Joined Up Care Derbyshire which aims to improve outcomes for people and reduce the need for people to attend hospital Emergency Departments when they are experiencing immediate mental health needs.

Other elements of the programme that are already established include the 24/7 Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service, the crisis house and safe haven in Derby as well as the mental health street triage service across Derbyshire.

Jenny Appleby, Head of Adult Mental Health Commissioning at NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, said: “This is a fantastic new addition to our local offer for people with immediate mental health needs.

“We are so pleased that this is up and running and it really responds to what local people have told us they need. It is the result of collaboration between community and voluntary sector and statutory organisations, working together with local people.”

Fiona White, Area Service Manager at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that these local services are open to the people of North Derbyshire. These services will be a great addition to our crisis and helpline services.”

Ann-Marie Humphries, Operations Manager at P3 Derbyshire, is pleased to announce the launch of these new services. Ann-Marie said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to support people living in Derbyshire to access the right support for their mental health at the right time.

“We have seen the success of the Safe Haven in Derby and hope the Chesterfield service achieves the same positive outcomes, benefitting people in the area.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing distress or anxiety, or feeling that you cannot cope, please contact Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service on 0800 028 0077 for support over the phone.

For more information on the crisis support drop-ins as well as job opportunities for the service please visit the Derbyshire Mind website.

mental health support centre chesterfield

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New community wellbeing space opens in Hasland

A new community interest company has opened in Hasland, aimed at improving access to heath and wellbeing for people in the area.

Kula is seeking to make yoga and mindfulness within reach to more people in Chesterfield. Co-founders and local couple, Bronwyn and Kevin both found benefit in yoga and mindfulness and are excited to share it with more people. The pair want the rewards of yoga to be available to all, regardless of experience, background or income.

Bronwyn explains: “We moved to Chesterfield in 2019, just before lockdown. Those two years were hard not knowing anyone, and as we’ve gotten to know more people, we’ve heard the same story repeating itself. People saying they want to meet others and saying they want to look after themselves better.”

Bronwyn and Kevin have a track record of delivering for the community. Kula is a for-impact organisation, acting in the interests of the people it serves. Profits are reinvested into the community, helping to subsidise classes for those who need it. Every class you pay for at Kula does two things. It helps fund subsidised passes, and it helps teachers hold regular ‘pay-what-you-can’ classes for all.

“We have tiered pricing” Kevin explains, “not everyone is in the economic position to pay for classes. Our Oak passes are the true price of classes at Kula, but we also have Elm passes. Elm passes are our effort to make access to classes within reach.”

Depending on your financial situation, you choose the right pricing for you. And if you can’t commit to a membership, you can drop in to classes or attend their ‘Karma Classes’ that are pay-what-you-can, between £2 – £10. As Kula establishes, they’re hoping to be able to offer more Karma classes on their timetable.

Kula’s mission has clearly resonated. They received an overwhelming level of support from the people of Chesterfield in their recent Crowdfunder. In just 5 weeks, Kula’s fundraiser surpassed their initial target of £1,500 and has raised £1,740 to date.

The financial support from residents has made the space even more warm and welcoming, and has funded the tools necessary to start helping the people of Chesterfield. The space is now stocked with yoga chairs and other specialist equipment that will enable even more people to take advantage of all Kula has to offer. Even though the official Crowdfunder is finished, they’re still accepting donations.

Kula are hosting an open weekend 22–24 September, where you can try a class for £5. These taster classes will be shorter than usual, at 45-minutes, allowing time to meet and chat to the team. Or, for those not sure about yoga, people are able to pop in to meet the team and ask any questions. There’ll be herbal teas, freshly brewed coffee and homemade cake to share. As space is limited, advance booking is required for these classes onto classes.

The venue will also be hosting plenty more opportunities to get involved, with a variety of classes and workshops coming up. If you’re new (or returning) to yoga, their 6-week Introduction to Yoga course is a great place to start. You’ll get an overview of the core poses and how to get the most from them. This will be running on Tuesday evenings at 8pm, starting October 3rd.

And it’s not just yoga & mindfulness, Kula is planning various events, like film nights, food nights, wellbeing workshops and more to help in bringing the community together. Find out more about Kula on their website.

Looking for a great location and quality of life for you and your family? look no further than Chesterfield! Find out more about the benefits of living in the area here.

Bronwyn Kula main photo

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Residents invited to share memories of Chesterfield pop culture for museum project

Chesterfield residents are being invited to take part in a new project that aims to involve local people in a celebration of pop culture and community memory.

Project REVERB aims to collect images, ephemera and oral history recordings which can then be used to inspire works of art which will form the basis of a future exhibition. Chesterfield Museum is currently working on the exciting project with oral history recordist and artist, John Hall from Artspace.

On Sunday 8 October from 11am to 3pm, Chesterfield Museum and REVERB will be in the Pavements Shopping Centre, hosting the first event which coincides with the Chesterfield Record Fair. As well as a place to reminisce and chat to the team, there will also be interactive activities designed to spark musical memories, including a large memory map and a fun badge-making activity.

Record Fair 2

Chesterfield Record Fair

John Hall said: “As well as the big names, Chesterfield has produced loads of its own bands, promoters, fanzines, and DJs. It has had- and still has- great independent record shops, and atmospheric venues that have supported the endless cycle of scenes and trends over the decades, all important to the vitality and changing flavour of the town’s pop culture and identity.

“We are looking for the evidence of all these years of local creativity – the stuff in the back of the drawer, in the scrapbook, or maybe framed on the wall. The stuff you just can’t throw away because of the magic it contains and the memories it can summon.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, and if there’s a story, let’s hear that too.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to be working with John Hall on this project. Our town has a rich cultural history with a host of huge names performing over the years. I hope lots of you will take part in this project and help ensure that your memories can live on for years to come.”

Eventually the project aims to present an exhibition which draws on memories of the local pop scene using images, ephemera (collectable items that were expected to have a short-term usefulness), and oral history recordings to inspire works of art, photography, sound, and film.

The project team are interested in collecting digital scans and photographs of items including posters, leaflets, autographs, photos, tickets, record / music shop bags, fliers, locally produced records, live tapes, badges and more.

Booking is not required for the event on Sunday 8 October.

Hudson's Records Bag

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield organisations continue strong community spirit

Several businesses, charities and community organisations in Chesterfield are continuing to launch new initiatives, aimed at supporting people across the area.

The town’s network of Chesterfield Champions is continuing to help raise the profile of our area and strengthen links, by hosting charity events, launching new support groups and more.

Find out more about some of the latest news from across our community in our latest roundup.


Spireites launch new LGBTQ+ supporters group

Rainbow Spireites

Chesterfield Football Club is now working alongside a new supporters group, aimed at improving the matchday experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The group was formed by supporters, Darren Yates and Ellie Yates, with the aim of creating a safe space and ensuring everyone feels welcome at the SMH Group Stadium.

Darren explained: “Our main aim is to be that safe space for LGBTQ+ supporters, who don’t want to come to the game on their own.

“It is also to be a critical friend of the club to help them reach into the community more.

“A group like this can really help fans feel welcome at games, and not have to worry about feeling alone or unwelcome.

“Everyone at the club has been brilliant and totally supportive. We were at Chesterfield Pride and the response was really good. People were saying that they were really happy to see the group being formed.”

Outlining plans for the future, Ellie said: “We’re hoping that now we’ve started getting a few members on board, we can start doing some meet-ups and talk to our members to see what they want to get out of the group as well.

“We’ve joined a regional alliance with some LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups. At the moment, we’re just letting people know we’re there and once we’ve got more members, we’ll look at pre-match meet-ups to encourage fans who might not feel safe enough going to games.”


Vicar Lane to support children’s charities with One Great Day event

Vicar Lane Fun Day

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will once again be supporting the UK-wide annual charity day ‘One Great Day’ on Saturday 2nd September.

One Great Day is a series of family and community charity events being held throughout the country to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and another local charity close to the heart of each community. This year Vicar Lane is proud to be sharing donations with GOSH and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, The Children’s Hospital Charity.

The event includes a range of free outdoor activities, a tombola and face painting for the youngsters.

From 10am – 3pm, mini aspiring footballers will have a chance to meet Chester the field mouse for a fun shoot-out challenge. For a minimum donation of £1, visitors can show off their skills to score against Chesterfield FC’s cheeky mascot.

To help raise as much money as possible the centre will be running a raffle draw – including a grand prize of 4 tickets to see Chesterfield Football Club play at home.

Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator said: We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us raise much-needed funds for two amazing charities. With the help of Chester the field mouse and Theo the bear, we hope to bring a smile and beat the amount raised last year.

To see the full schedule of events this One Great Day at Vicar Lane, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/ and plan your day out.


Charity skydive supports children with additional needs in Chesterfield

fairplay

A charity skydive has recently took place to raise funds for Fairplay, a charity which supports young people with additional needs in our area.

Rachel Middleton took the leap, and has so far raised more than £1,000 for her efforts. Rachel commented: “I’ve worked for Fairplay for over two years now and I want to support them to do more great work!

“We support families, child and young adults with disabilities and promote independent living skills in SCaRT, Moving Forward and Enterprise. We have lots of groups running including our gorgeous cafe, craft and gardening groups. Along with the new addition of our shop which the young people make things to sell and will be helping to run themselves!”

Find out more about the initiative on Rachel’s JustGiving page.


Chesterfield Royal Hospital awarded ‘Trailblazer’ status from Race Equality Matters

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the prestigious Trailblazer status from Race Equality Matters, a not-for-profit organisation seeking to improve racial equality.

Trailblazers are organisations that are successfully taking action and making an impact on race inequality and Chesterfield was selected for work on The Big Promise solution, where people and organisations make a public commitment to create meaningful and positive change.

Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status is determined by an independent panel of experts – all with lived experience. It aims to identify meaningful impact, keep momentum going, inspire others and evidence an organisations commitment to tackling race inequality.

Becoming a Trailblazer means that the work Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CRH) has done to implement The Big Promise has resulted in significant change and made an impact across the breadth of the entire organisation. This is a step that contributes to their aim to successfully address racial inequality and become a more diverse, inclusive and equal organisation.

Hailey Pottinger, Co-Chair of the Race Equality and Cultural Inclusion Network at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: The Big Promise helped us to create an inclusive environment where everyone could get involved and talk to us about Race Equality. By giving the Big Promise a central focus, especially as part of Race Equality Week, we created a positive statement and encouraged conversations with colleagues and members of the public. The aim was to increase the understanding that race equality is everyone’s business and secure buy-in and a sense of personal responsibility.

“At Chesterfield, a lot of work is being done to raise awareness of anti-racism (and how that is different to simply not being racist). This work is laying the foundations for conversations around racism and feeding into the creation of our Anti-Racism Strategy. There was a big focus on as part of Race Equality Week.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director and Race Equality Network Exec Sponsor, at Chesterfield Royal NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are pleased to be highlighted as trailblazers; however, we recognise that this is an ongoing process and there is a lot more we all need to do as an organisation and as individuals to ensure that that we not only highlight this agenda but actively drive action and change. As a Board of Directors, we have made a commitment to tackling race inequality and to be accountable for taking actions. It is something that is very important to all of us and to our colleagues across the organisation.”

BHP hosts work experience academy to provide a taste of the workplace for young people

Chesterfield waterside bhp

BHP offices at Chesterfield Waterside. Image supplied by Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Chesterfield accountancy firm, BHP has recently supported a number of young people by providing a work experience programme this summer.

The firm launched its first ever work experience academy, which the firm expained on its Linkedin page was well recieved by those who took part. The company said: “Our participants really enjoyed the practical, structured programme and many of them said they’ve been inspired to pursue a career in finance following their time with us, which is so great to hear!

“We’re really looking forward to meeting and getting to know our new Graduate and Non-Graduate trainees, who will be joining us very soon.”


Chesterfield FC, Vicar Lane, Fairplay, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and BHP support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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