Derbyshire County Council Warm Spaces Funding
Derbyshire County Council has been developing an approach to Warm Spaces in response to the cost of living crisis that will impact our communities this winter, and we are pleased to confirm that the Derbyshire Warm Spaces Grant Programme for 2022/23 has now been launched.
 
A Derbyshire Warm Space will be a free, warm, and welcoming space for people across Derbyshire who are struggling to heat their homes this winter. It can be a charity, community venue, council building, in the NHS, a café or other hospitality venue that commits to Derbyshire’s Warm Space Pledges.
 
Voluntary, community and charity organisations in Derbyshire can apply for a grant to set up warm spaces this winter. DCC have launched a £50,000 Warm Spaces Fund to support organisations to provide a warm refuge for residents and their families struggling to heat their homes.
 
Organisations can apply for up to £1,000 towards the cost of opening up community venues or to extend their opening hours during the colder months.
 
If you would like to apply for a Warm Spaces grant, please email grants@derbyshire.gov.uk  for an application form.
 
There is more information on the DCC website: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/your-health/keeping-warm-in-winter/warm-spaces/warm-spaces.aspx 

Find out where the Warm Spaces in Chesterfield and Bolsover are located
A Google map has been developed by the Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership that includes all the key information you need to know about where the warm spaces in Chesterfield are located and what is on offer.Each of the spaces is free to access and everyone is welcome to drop in.
See the Warm Spaces google map here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1KkfzxdLSd2nHiPsI6_xkcU7EBOjFmb0&ll=53.24318292347747%2C-1.4144078500000035&z=12
 
Don’t forget that settings such as libraries, sports centres and supermarkets will continue to be open and offer seating areas and café’s where people can go to be warm.

Bolsover CVS have compiled a list of Warm Spaces in Bolsover, you can find out more at https://www.bcvs.org.uk/bolsoverwarmspaces

For Warm Spaces information in other parts of Derbyshire please contact your local CVS.
 
Cost of Living Small Grants Fund
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Derbyshire County Council has made funds available to support the continuity and additional provision of services in the voluntary and community sector during winter 2022-23.
 
Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups and organisations are recognised as providing essential services which alleviate loneliness, support positive mental health, provide peer-to-peer support and enable community connections and resilience. They have a vital role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of local residents during the coming winter and the purpose of the Cost of Living Small Grant is to safeguard these services and to add extra value during the challenging months ahead.
 
Funds are available to groups and organisation in Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire to assist with increased operational and running costs, increased demand and additional needs to keep services open and able to respond to the cost of living needs of their beneficiaries.

For more information and application form visit https://dva.org.uk/cost-of-living-small-grant-fund/

Financial Inclusion Information and Support leaflet
Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership’s Financial Inclusion Group has produced an information leaflet to help people find out where they can go for free help and advice locally if they are experiencing financial difficulties. Download here

Erewash Voluntary Action (EVA) are excited to announce that Derbyshire Mental Health Forum has been allocated funding by Joined Up Care Derbyshire, in partnership with the Police, Crime and Commissioners, to administer a Grants Programme that will support small to medium Voluntary & Community organisations and Social Enterprises across Derbyshire and Derby city that work with people to improve their mental health.

There will be two types of grants available:

• Mini grants of up to £500 for small groups and organisations, including non-constituted groups
• Small grants of up to £5000 for small to medium sized organisations, excluding non-constituted groups

The grant application documents are now available on their website and the scheme will accept applications from the 1^st November until 16^th December.

Derbyshire Mental Health Forum (erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk)

They will also be holding an online launch event on the 8^th November at 10.00am for interested parties to find out more about the scheme and how to apply. If you would like to register to attend or have any other queries regarding the grants please don’t hesitate to get in touch via Naomi@erewashcvs.org.uk or Claire@erewashcvs.org.uk

As we move into winter, we know that this is likely to be a particularly challenging time for some people.  
 
To support professionals (working or volunteering) to refer and signpost vulnerable residents to essential services and self-help advice this winter, Derbyshire County Council has opened up a Winter Pressure Single Contact Point.
 
– The service will run from October 2022 – March 2023.  
– It provides a single contact point for colleagues to direct enquiries, if you are not sure where to send them currently.
– The service is open to all health professionals, social care practitioners, district/borough stakeholders and voluntary sector partners – who may come across a vulnerable person this winter that needs help.
– To help manage demand – if you already know where you need to direct your enquiry, please continue using existing pathways by going directly to the appropriate service.
– Eligibility criteria applies to some services.
 
This service is by professional route only.
 
Further details can be found at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/winterpressures. On the website you will find a simple referral form, that you need to fill in to access support.
 
If you have any further questions, please contact: healthandwellbeing@derbyshire.gov.uk

‘Feeling Connected Fortnight’ runs from 17th October until 28th October. This amazing community initiative is the brainchild of the ‘Feeling Connected’ team, part of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, based at their welcoming Hub on Lower Pavement in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Project Manager James Starky told us: “We are planning an exciting fortnight of championing local groups and individuals who bring their community together. This will include a ‘thank you’ event on the 19th October at our Hub. We have produced 3000 copies of our fantastic free newspaper called ’Nurturing Neighbourliness’, offering 50 great ideas for people to use in their neighbourhood. We’d love it if people would get in touch to let us know about any events they plan to host or any groups already happening.”

Feeling Connected has played a vital part in the creation and continuation of many valuable community initiatives in recent months. Here are some great examples of funding proposals which have recently been awarded a grand total of £30,672.30!

The Grassland Hasmoor Big Local Senior Citizens Group and Friends of Eastwood Park applied together for funds for their ‘Let’s Chat’ benches and ‘Let’s Chat’ friendship and IT Group. They have added ‘Let’s Chat’ plaques to two benches in Eastwood Park to encourage people to do just that. The funding has enabled them to begin a new weekly drop in session in Hasland offering people a chance to chat with others and develop internet skills and surf the web. Sessions take place every Friday morning at Hasland Club from 10am-12noon. Contact: chrisnewton62@yahoo.com for more information.

Derbyshire LGBT+ are being supported to set up 3 new social groups for LGBT+ over 18s at the LGBT+ Centre on Rutland Road in Chesterfield. The funds will go towards staffing, materials for activities, and promotion. It is expected that these groups will reach out to around 60 people in the community. Visit www.derbyshirelgbt.org.uk to see their calendar of events.

Barrow Hill Community Trust applied for funds to restart New Haven Rest Centre, an amazing community facility which sadly closed in 2020. Following a Feeling Connected grant, the Trust is now able to reopen the centre, initially as a community venue. Spokesperson Ann Lucas said “A small group of wonderful volunteers will manage the room on a day-to-day basis and plan to provide a safe, WARM and friendly space this coming winter. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, social activity, information and advice and the company of other people.” For more information contact Ann Lucas by email: annpickard@hotmail.co.uk.

East Peak Countryside Associates will be working with members of the community in Chesterfield to support people to be healthy using the outdoors. Outdoor space from Staveley to Stonegravels / Whittington Moor will be utilised. To find out more about this project follow them on Facebook: East Peak Countryside Associates CIC.

Compassionate Voices received funding to provide 4 wellbeing and empowerment workshops entitled ‘The Power of You’. It is intended that the workshops will support up to 50 women by offering them twice monthly meetings to stay connected and encourage them to reconnect with others socially. You can find Compassionate Voices at the Feeling Connected Hub, Lower Pavement, Chesterfield on the third Thursday of each month from 6pm-7.30pm or visit acompassionatevoice.co.uk.

Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre were recently awarded funding for a monthly peer support recovery group for 20-30 people living with a chronic exhaustive condition. These include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Post Viral Fatigue (including Long Covid) and Fybromyalgia. The free support group will take place monthly at Lifehouse Church, 90 Chatsworth Road or you can join them via Zoom. To find out more visit their Facebook page: Chatsworth Wellbeing Centre.

B:friend is a face-to-face befriending project. Its Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Group have recently received funding to support new work in our area, where volunteer befrienders pledge to visit an isolated older neighbour once a week for an hour. Find more information on their website: letsbfriend.org.uk.

If you would like to find out more about Feeling Connected, you can contact James Starky, Project Manager on 07743 514934 or message FeelingConnected via Facebook.

Equal Strands LEGO club is held on the third Saturday of each month at Grassmoor Community Club.
 
The club is for autistic children and adults who have an interest in LEGO. It is also an opportunity for families and carers. 
 
The cost is £5 per person for the two hour session. All proceeds go towards room hire and new LEGO sets. 

For more information contact brickyardanomalies@icloud.com

Could you be our next Voluntary Sector Partner Governor?

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a Board of Directors and a Council of Governors that work on your behalf to improve health services for the future (https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/get-involved/council-governors).

Derbyshire Voluntary Action are the appointing body for the two Voluntary Sector Partner Governors, one of the Partner Governors is coming to the end of their term and we are looking to appoint a new Partner Governor.

A brief description of what the role involves:

• Governors serve for an initial period of 3 years and are eligible for reappointment for 9 years
• It is a voluntary role (travel expenses are paid)
• A DBS check is required
• Governors sign a Code of Conduct
• There a 7 Council of Governor meetings a year usually lasting 3 hours (some reading time is required prior to the meeting)
• Commitment to the role varies depending on how involved you are – minimum commitment would be approximately a day a month
• Induction would be in January 2023

The Partner Governor Briefing Document below gives more detail about the role.

Lynn Tory, who is currently a Partner Governor is happy to chat with anyone who is interested in the role, just contact us at DVA (info@dva.org.uk) and we’ll put you in touch with Lynn.

“I was appointed by Derbyshire Voluntary Action and have been privileged to represent the voluntary and community sector for the past nine years on the Trust’s Council of Governors using the opportunity to try to make a difference to patients’ experience.

Developments during this time have included unannounced ward visits, providing governors the chance to speak to patients, moving forward on the Smoke Free site and development of colleague wellbeing opportunities.

I would encourage anyone to become involved in the governance of services for patients and staff of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.” – Lynn Tory

If you are interested in being nominated for the role of Voluntary Sector Partner Governor please send an expression of interest to info@dva.org.uk explaining why you would like to take on the role (in no more than 200 words).

As a result of the success of Derbyshire County Council’s ‘Let’s Chat’ Derbyshire bench signs campaign an indoor version of the campaign has now been developed by our Mental health and Suicide Prevention Team. The indoor campaign is being rolled out in conjunction with Joined Up Care Derbyshire. Similar to the outdoor version the indoor campaign is aimed at encouraging people to connect and reducing social isolation through having conversations, as well as promoting information about mental health and wellbeing including support available.

The indoor campaign will run from November 2022 into 2023. Free online and physical resources will be available as part of the campaign and once again QR codes and weblinks will be used to signpost to further information. Resources planned include posters, window stickers, signs including for tables and a social media resource tool kit.

Derbyshire County Council Public Health would like to hear from any organisations and venues who are interested in participating in the indoor campaign. This includes from the public sector, community settings and big or small businesses, as well as any other places who would like to potentially take part. There is no finite list of locations but are Derbyshire County Council Public Health keen to encourage any area where there is footfall within Derbyshire.

Location could but are not limited to:

• Workplaces
• Shops
• Café’s
• Leisure centres
• Food Banks
• Waiting rooms
• Offices
• Public facing locations
• Open public spaces

To express your interest please fill complete the hyperlinked form, or for further information please contact luke.oldham@derbyshire.gov.uk

Example of resources which will be available are below:

• ‘A’ card stands which will go on tables, one for encouraging conversations, another offering support
• Window stickers to offer a link to find support
• Posters/ Flyers for putting up but also can be used digitally
• Email banner for people to use

During Feeling Connected Fortnight (Oct 17th-30th) we are launching our new website: www.feelingconnected.org.uk

We hope it will be a useful resource, with details of how we can support anyone wanting to organise events, groups, activities or projects in their neighbourhood.

Share it with someone you know, who may be inspired to bring people together where they live. We can provide training, materials and tools, ‘start-up’ funds and support them as part of the #feelingconnected family.

The Voluntary Sector Awards hosted by The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire take place on 26th October and we’ve been nominated!

‘The Last Photo‘ Exhibition has been nominated for Most Innovative Project, this was a project between Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Mental Health Liaison Service and The Georgia Bird Foundation along with support from Chesterfield SoBS, The Tomorrow Project, Mentell and Kakou.

Community Chesterfield have been nominated for the Partnership Award, for the partnership project between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Derby University.

The Voluntary Sector Awards take place on 26th October at 7pm at The Winding Wheel in Chesterfield.

Find out more https://chesterfieldvc.online/the-voluntary-sector-awards-2022/