Chesterfield community news

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

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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.

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Festival to highlight community organisations across Chesterfield

A Chesterfield organisation which aims to benefit the local community is launching a festival to celebrate social enterprises across the area.

Kakou is bringing the SocialFuse Festival for the 2nd year in a row this September, focusing on businesses and groups which make a positive contribution on social impact, sustainability and transparency.

The festival aims to bring together passionate Chesterfield residents and entrepreneurs with an interest in how businesses can positively affect their local community.

Events such as Accessible UK’s Peak District Wellness Walk, or the return of the community crowdfunding evening, Chesterfield SOUP will be included as part of the SocialFuse festival, which runs from 4-9 September 2023.

A spokesperson for Kakou commented: “There are over 100,000 social enterprises operating in the UK alone, and for the second year in a row, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the good work being done by Social Enterprises across Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

“Even if you’ve never heard of a social enterprise, you’ve probably seen some of our work in Chesterfield. From our award-winning public photography exhibition, ‘The Last Photo’, to our involvement in the British Sign Language Choir Unify who recently performed before the nation at the Coronation celebrations this past May.

“Our involvement alone at Kakou has spread far and wide across the UK, let alone the strong network of dozens of other Social Enterprises doing good work for the community in our very hometown.

“We can’t wait for September, and the beginning of a bigger, bolder SocialFuse Festival that we’ve been planning since last year’s inaugural festival!”

To get involved with the festival as a Chesterfield SOUP pitcher or as an official sponsor, get in touch via email at: hello@kakou-technologies.org.uk

To learn more about SocialFuse Festival, and to book your places at the festival’s events, head to: festival.socialfuse.org.uk

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

 

Chesterfield SOUP Ellie and Ann

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North Wingfield community project chosen for national sustainability trial

A community project in North Wingfield has been selected to take part in a national trial, which looks to help consumers reduce their impact on the environment.

North Wingfield Community Garden scheme has been chosen to take part in a national composting trial run through a partnership between Natracare, creator of compostable disposable period products, and Social Farms & Gardens, a UK-wide charity, of which the North Wingfield group is a member.

The partnership sees Natracare providing insulated compost bins to Social Farms & Gardens’ specially selected community garden projects as a pilot scheme. The community gardens will compost garden and food waste, as well as Natracare products. The hot composting should take around six to eight weeks to turn green and brown waste into compost that is ready to use on the garden.

North Wingfield Community Garden scheme near Chesterfield is one of four women-led community garden schemes across the UK to receive a Natracare composting bin. Throughout the ongoing partnership, they will manage and maintain the hot composting process, monitoring and sharing the progress of the composting on their social channels. Additionally, using the Natracare Composting Guide, they will share the value of community composting and the benefits that composting period products has for the environment.

The Social Farms & Gardens partnership is the latest initiative in Natracare’s recently launched Project #BeKind campaign created to draw attention to the need to design health and well-being products for bio-loop systems and to consider the impact of consumer choices on our well-being and the environment.

North Wingfield Community Garden was set up at the start of 2021 as a space where people could safely gather to socialise in a post-lockdown world. Funded by the People’s Health Trust using money raised by Health Lottery East Midlands, the one-acre site is located on allotments at Alice’s View, North Wingfield, and produces a range of fruits and vegetables, all grown using organic and no-dig principles where possible.

It runs social gardening sessions and nature-connection crafting sessions every week. Over the last 12 months alone, more than 50 locals have participated in at least one of these sessions, and there is a core group of 15 regular volunteers who help out with garden maintenance.

Key volunteer and committee secretary Abi Grant said: “Having a hot composter available to us here at North Wingfield Community Garden opens up new opportunities for us to expand our knowledge and become even more sustainable, which is such an exciting thought—we can’t wait to get stuck in!”

north wingfield community garden

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Chesterfield Champions take part in fundraising and voluntary efforts

Businesses in our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have been getting out in the local area, supporting charities and community organisations.

Companies continue to support worthy causes in Chesterfield and beyond, through volunteering or fundraising. Find out more in our latest roundup below.

Mortgage 1st raises more than £2,500 for Bluebell Wood with charity football tournament

Mortgage 1st Bluebell Wood fundraising

Mortgage 1st, one of the largest mortgage brokerages in Derbyshire, has raised £2,589 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, by hosting a charity football tournament with its key business partners across the intermediary industry.

Hosted at Goals in Sheffield, the tournament was won by Enable, who ran out as eventual winners in a closely fought final with Meadowhall.

The runners up and winners were presented their medals by friends of the business and footballing legends Paul Wilkinson (Ex-Middlesbrough, Everton, Barnsley) & Iain Dowie (Ex-Crystal Palace, Southampton, West Ham) with the latter playing in the tournament.

Paul Lewis, Head of growth, Mortgage 1st, commented: “We’d like to thank all our business partners and industry friends for their incredible support, having 20 teams on the day was remarkable. Congratulations to Enable on their well-deserved victory and to all the teams for making the journey to the Steel City to play their part in a wonderful day.

“At Mortgage 1st we will always utilise our platform to make a difference where we can, a lot of charities are struggling as the cost of living continues to increase. Bluebell Wood is a charity very close to our hearts and it gave us great pleasure to put this event on to raise awareness and much needed funds for them. Plans are already in place for next year’s tournament and we will stop at nothing to make it even bigger and better in 2024.”

Workpays team Volunteers at Fareshare Midlands

Workpays at Fareshare

Team members at Chesterfield training provider Workpays have volunteered at Fareshare Midlands as part of this year’s National Volunteer Week.

The team was involved in the heart of Fareshare’s food re-distribution, helping to improve the daily lives of people facing food poverty. Activities included storing incoming food, assisting the drivers, and packing food orders ready for the community.

Workpays’ values include acting as one team and leading with kindness, hence, giving back to the community is very important.

Jeremy Carter, Warehouse Co-ordinator at Fareshare, said: “At the moment, there is a lack of volunteers within the community, so Workpays have helped us out a lot today.

“All of the volunteers got stuck in and are contributing to families who may have a low income or are suffering from food poverty. We have so many decent charities that take part, including rehab centers and hostels, and getting orders out to them before the food expires is crucial.

“The more volunteers we have, the quicker food gets to people who need it the most.”

Alex Glasner, Managing Director of Workpays, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team volunteering at Fareshare Midlands. Food poverty is a huge social issue and we believe that supporting our communities is key to who we are as a company.”

“At Workpays, we work day in, day out to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get a good education and the career they want.”

CMP Legal hosts pub quiz to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospice

CMP Legal Team

Chesterfield-based CMP Legal held a Charity Pub Quiz at The Midpoint Bar in Chesterfield on 8th June 2023 to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospice.

Over 50 people attended the event which included banks, accountants and clients. The evening included a Charity Pub Quiz followed by a Charity Raffle, all in aid of Ashgate Hospice.

The event was a huge success and CMP Legal raised £945.47 to support Ashgate Hospice.

Jason Skelton, Co-Founder of CMP Legal said: “Ashgate Hospice are such a beloved charity, and we are delighted to have played a small part in raising much needed funds towards the incredible end of life care and support they provide to the local community.”

CMP Legal was established at the end of the pandemic in 2021. Over the past 2 years, the company has gone from strength to strength and has expanded its team from 4 to 9 members.

BHP Chartered Accountants raises more than £37,000 for UK charities

Chesterfield waterside bhp

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

Chesterfield accountancy firm, BHP has raised its highest ever charity total over the last year, with £37,000 donated to good causes across the country.

Find out more in the company’s post on Linkedin:

Mortgage 1st, Workpays, CMP Legal 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.

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New emergency department now open at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s new Emergency Department has now opened.

The hospital’s new development includes a state-of-the-art approach to patient flow, highly specialised equipment, ultra-modern technology and a real grounding in the community through the locally sourced artwork and wayfinding.

However, the message from the hospital to the public remains that people should only visit the department if they truly need to.

Dr. Katherine Lendrum, Clinical Lead for the UECD and ED Consultant, commented: “The new Emergency Department is an absolutely amazing facility which will provide our local population with Emergency Care but only when they really need it!

“We genuinely hope we don’t need to see people but if someone needs us, we will be there and do our absolute best to give high quality care in a timely manner.

“Emergency departments are open 24/7 365 days a year; they are staffed by a large team of nurses and clinicians (doctors and allied health professionals) who have expertise in immediately life or limb threatening emergencies.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “This is a truly fantastic facility for the hospital and the communities we serve. With clinical leadership, engagement at all levels and years of planning, I’m very proud of the skills, experience and hard work that have gone into shaping our new Emergency Department.

“We are on time in opening the facility and have delivered on budget, despite building work starting during Covid. It is testament to a great team who have worked tirelessly to deliver this work. Thank you to everybody involved.”

Dr Anthony Kenny, Programme Director for the Emergency Department development, said: “The new department has the ability to live monitor patients, it has a dedicated children and young people’s area and a specialist zone for neurodiverse patients or those experiencing a mental health crisis, all of which mean we are providing a truly world-class facility for the region.

“The area above the department is one of the proudest ‘added extra’ elements; we have a state-of-the-art simulation suite and facilities which will support training for ED colleagues to provide the best possible care and we have also included modern changing and break-out rooms.”

Dr Lendrum concluded: “Sometimes (in up to 70% of attendances) people choose to come to an emergency department with less urgent problems – perhaps because they don’t know where to go or because they perceive they will be seen quicker; get all the tests they need done or be treated faster.

“Problems that have lasted many days, weeks or months, that you would like a second opinion on or are already being managed by another team often do not fit into an emergency category.

“If you feel well enough to have your tea before coming to an ED think again – could my problem be managed by someone else better tomorrow?! It is everyone’s responsibility to use health care services wisely.”

Alternative sources of help for less urgent problem, particularly out of hours include NHS111, local pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.

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

chesterfield royal new Emergency department

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New assessment unit for children and young people opens at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

GPs and clinicians in Chesterfield and beyond will now be able to refer children and young people to a purpose-built £2m state-of-the-art Paediatric Assessment Unit.

The exciting new development, which will care for some of the hospital’s youngest patients has 12 treatment spaces and is adjacent to the paediatric area towards the rear of the hospital. It will ensure that children who have been referred by a healthcare professional can be assessed, investigated and reviewed much more quickly and responsively, in a setting which is far more suited to their short-term needs.

It forms part of the latest round of developments at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, and this bespoke unit is not just a new build – it will help to release space on children’s inpatient areas and improving the experience for colleagues and patients. The unit has been designed with children in mind; and features a space for waiting and playing and bright colours in all areas.

Tracy Barker, Lead Nurse for Family Care, said: “We are incredibly excited to see this come to fruition. Previously children who will now be referred to the PAU were treated on our inpatient ward, which is not always the best environment for a short stay.

“We have been able to perform simulation exercises as part of the development to ensure the layout is accessible and fit for purpose. This has meant that we will be able to hit the ground running from opening day.

“I am incredibly proud to see it opening and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this from day one and to all my colleagues – especially the building team for their flexibility and the domestics team who have worked incredibly hard to get it to sparkle!”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am delighted that we are opening the PAU, which will provide support and care for our youngest patients and their families. This is just one of many developments on site which will allow us to continue to provide exceptional care for our patients.

“The PAU will receive referrals from clinicians and will work together with our primary care, community and Emergency Department colleagues to provide a complete package of care for our patients. We continue to ask parents and guardians to take children and young people with emergencies to the Emergency Department in the first instance, where we will then assess and potentially move to this area based on a clinical decision.”

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

royal hospital assessment unit

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Sixteen Chesterfield voluntary and community groups benefit from grant funding

Local community and voluntary organisations are set to benefit from almost £60,000 worth of funding, as part of a new scheme to deliver grassroots projects to improve life for local people.

A total of £59,965 has been awarded to 16 local groups via Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Community Grants Funding scheme.

Those awarded funding include:

  • Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centre
  • Relate Chesterfield and North Derbyshire
  • Barrow Hill Community Trust
  • Positive Healthy Vibes
  • Standing Tall
  • Young Enterprise
  • Fairplay
  • Transition Chesterfield
  • Hobby Talk
  • Inspiring Inkersall Community Group
  • Friends of Spital Cemetery
  • Hope House
  • Gussies Pantry
  • Chesterfield Cricket Club
  • Inclusive Pedals
  • Friends of Badger Park

The funding 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.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re really pleased to have allocated this funding to these local groups to help them deliver vital projects that will help our communities continue to thrive, and we look forward to watching the projects progress.

“We’re really lucky to have so many important community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield. They really do make a difference to the lives of local people, so it’s vital that we can provide them with grants such as this to help them achieve their goals.”

Applications for the second phase of the scheme have now reopened, allowing even more eligible organisations to apply for grant funding, with grants ranging from £500 to £6,000.

Full details on funding can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf/community-grants-fund.aspx

The deadline for applications is Friday 27 October.

Fairplay is one of the groups to have received grant funding. The charity supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. Funding will be used to support a new project that will give young people with learning disabilities the chance to engage in work-based activities within their communities.

Heather Fawbert, Fairplay CEO, said: ’This Community Grant will enable Fairplay young people to make a real difference in their local community. They will be volunteering on a wide range of projects, showcasing the many skills that they have developed whilst at Fairplay. The young people are all very eager to get started!’’

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).

It is 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.

Fairplay

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Chesterfield Champions support local community and charities with exciting initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield have kicked off the summer with a number of initiatives, aimed at supporting the community and local charities.

Recent events and activities included a postcard show featuring 173 artists, a charity football match between local businesses, a dance group for residents affected by cancer, and a bake-off to raise funds for vulnerable people in our area.

Find out more in our roundup below:

Chesterfield Postcard Show raises £1,200 for local charity

postcard show

This year, the Chesterfield Postcard Show saw record entries, donations, and visitors, raising over £1,200 for local charity, Junction Arts.

The 2023 show featured 329 pieces of original art, with 173 artists, creatives and community groups submitting their work for the exhibition, which took place between the 9th and 19th May at West Studios in Chesterfield.  Many entries were from local people but there were also submissions from across the UK and Europe.

All money raised from the sale of the postcards supports Junction Arts community projects and events in the area, creating a better future for everyone through the arts.

Over 200 people visited the show during the 10 days and 52 artworks have been sold so far.   For those that didn’t make it to the exhibition, the postcard-size artworks are still available to buy, via the Junction Arts Etsy page.

The Chesterfield Postcard Show was organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom, to allow creatives, communities, and up-and-coming artists to show their work in a professional exhibition.

This year’s show was entitled ‘Wish You Were Here’ and celebrated the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts said: “We are so grateful to the artists and groups who have created and donated their work in the theme of ‘Wish You Were Here’, both Dave and I were blown away by the support and growth in uptake for the second show. We can’t wait to see what 2024’s show will be like!”

This year’s exhibition of mini masterpieces was sponsored by local financial services firm, Rosewood Wealth Management. Their support allowed organisers to run outreach workshops within the town centre, increasing accessibility and increasing local involvement.

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Company Director at Rosewood said: “Rosewood was delighted to sponsor The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023. Attending the exhibition at West Studios, it was amazing to see some of the incredible postcard designs produced by participants. We especially liked the fact that those involved were able to produce their own unique, personalised mini masterpieces. Organised by Junction Arts, their mission to unite the community through the medium of art was something we greatly admired.”

Local transport firms face off in charity football match

city taxis football match

Leading taxi and private hire firm City Taxis went head-to-head with Chesterfield vehicle hire company B&B Vehicles in a charity football match last weekend, raising money for The Sheffield 1000 and Support Dogs.

The Sheffield 1000 aims to get 1000 people donating £1 each week, with the money donated to local charities and good causes every week of the year. Support Dogs train puppies into support dogs for people with epilepsy, autism and other disabilities in their day to day lives.

The game, which took place at Bramall Lane, was organised by City Taxis’ Business Development Director Paul Gosney and B&B Vehicles’ Maz Kenyon.

After a strong start by City, B&B pulled it back with an equaliser that meant it was 1-1 when the final whistle blew. With a tense penalty shootout deciding the winner, City managed to come out on top after professional footballer Joe Green saved three of the five shots.

Paul Gosney, Business Development Director at City Taxis, said: “It was great to manage the City Taxis team to victory today, all for a good cause. After a strong 90 minutes from both sides, it was a fantastic ending to a brilliant day, where we raised both funds and awareness for our chosen charity, The Sheffield 1000.”

New dance group opens for Chesterfield and Derbyshire residents affected by Cancer

community dance classes

People across Derbyshire who have been affected by cancer are invited to join a new local dance group to meet, socialise and get together with other people living with the condition.

The Dancing for Health sessions have been kindly funded by the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity Fund which enables the classes to be provided free to all the participants.

Sessions are held every Thursday morning 10am – 11.00am at the Calow Community Centre, Allpits Road, Calow, Chesterfield S44 5AT.  Refreshments are available after the class and an opportunity to socialise with other group members.

Leading a physically active lifestyle during and after cancer treatment is linked to an improvement in many of the adverse affects of cancer and its treatment.

The Dancing for Health Seated Dance programme is specially designed to accommodate people affected by cancer and provides a physical and social activity that is gentle and safe.

The dance routines are fun and easy to learn. They can be done seated or standing, making them fully inclusive and get everyone involved no matter what their ability.

Dancing is a multidimensional activity that contributes positively to many aspects of a person’s overall health. Boosting happiness and mental health and keeping both the body and brain active to make participants feel great.

The classes are delivered in a group setting with others who share similar health challenges. Participants are also welcome to bring a friend or family member with them.

Tracey Barnes, Managing Director, Dancing for Health CIC, said:  “Dancing for Health provides fun and friendly dance classes for people who can’t attend a mainstream dance class because of medical or age-related reasons. Our classes are really accessible for people with cancer and enables them to use dance, to help manage their symptoms and improve mood.

“My job is so rewarding, making a difference to people’s quality of life and hearing how our dance classes have helped them is why I go to work every day.”

Oasis Studio hosts ‘bake off’ for Hope House Charity

oasis studio hope house

Chesterfield-based creative and digital firm, Oasis Studio recently hosted a bake off competition, to raise funds and awareness for Hope House Chesterfield.

The charity works to support those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area.

Oasis Studio’s team worked together and held a ‘budget-bake off’, where members of the charity and residents joined them for the morning. It provided an opportunity for the Oasis Studio team to hear about Hope House’s upcoming charity events and learn more about the crucial service they provide.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio commented: “The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t discriminate. Everyone has been affected by it. Whether it’s looking at how you can spend less on your weekly shop or assisting a family member with household bills to get them by, it continues to affect everyone. Local charities aren’t exempt from this. With people having less available funds, financial support for charities has also suffered.

“As a local business, we have a responsibility to support our local community and charities in any way we can. Hope House Chesterfield offers a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable individuals in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area, and without support from the local community and businesses, they would struggle to continue to provide that crucial lifeline.

“The team raised £170 for the event and donated the bakes for the team and residents at Hope House Chesterfield to enjoy.”

Junction Arts, Rosewood Wealth Management, City Taxis, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Oasis Studio supports 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 FC honours community heroes with glittering awards ceremony

The Technique Stadium witnessed a night of high emotion off the pitch recently, at the Chesterfield FC Community Awards.

The event, which was sponsored by KranLee Logistics, saw 13 awards handed out to reccognise outstanding individual acts of kindness and bravery from people in our local area.

The club’s marketing manager, Bridget Ball, said: “It was a truly humbling experience to listen to the stories told on the night about the award winners by those who had nominated them.

“I would like to congratulate the award winners and thank all the companies and organisations who supported the event.”

Hosted by Becky Measures and Simon Morykin, the event also featured live music from Russell Shaun and Amber Holmes.

  • Community Award, sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, won by Dan Walker.
  • Carer of the Year award, sponsored by WS Sherburns LGV, won by Lillie Evans.
  • Neighbour of the Year award, sponsored by PK Group, won by Dan & Lauren Harley.
  • Act of Kindness award, sponsored by Elite Contract Clean, won by Rebecca Smith.
  • Above & Beyond award, sponsored by Ideal Flooring, won by Gary Topley,
  • Sporting Achievement award, sponsored by Leengate Valves, won by Amy Calpin.
  • Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Bridge Inn Blues Away Travel, won by Clare Black.
  • Young Person of Courage, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors, won by Anya Willerton.
  • Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Netcoms IT, won by Patricia Willerton.
  • Adult Bravery award, sponsored by FabworX, won by Ruth Haslam.
  • Local Hero award, sponsored by Kimberley Caravans, won by Craig Collins.
  • Green Champion of the Year award, sponsored by Penny Hydraulics, won by Samuel Morris.
  • Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by KranLee Logistics, won by Martyn Rhodes.

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

Chesterfield FC Community-Awards

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