‘2020 was the year that Chesterfield’s big heart and amazing community spirit was needed more than any of us can remember.  Residents, community groups of all kinds, businesses and statutory services rose to the challenge and worked together to make a difference for so many people who needed help to get through lockdown.  It was a privilege to be a lead partner in our local Community Response Hub.

Our social connections are so important, and contribute to our wellbeing more than we perhaps realise, so my message for Christmas is, let’s make the time and effort to connect with each other in whatever ways we can, and to reach out to those around us who are isolated and may be feeling lonely at this bittersweet time of year. ‘

You can read more messages of positivity for 2021 from other Chesterfield Champions on the Destination Chesterfield website.

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has seen many organisations across Derbyshire working to ensure the basic needs of the most vulnerable residents are met, and it has become apparent that a number of community and voluntary sector organisations would benefit from additional resources to maintain their current level of response.

The COVID-19 Emergency Fund aims to support voluntary and community sector organisations with funding to allow them to them to continue to play a key role in the local response to COVID-19.

How much you can apply for
Formally constituted organisations can apply for a maximum of £2,000.
Non-constituted organisations can apply for a maximum of £250.

Deadline for applications
Applications are reviewed on a regular basis. No date has been set for closing the fund, but it is recommend that organisations submit their application as soon as possible.

Visit the Derbyshire County Council website to find out more and download the application form: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/community/lottery-funding/covid-19-emergency-fund/covid-19-emergency-fund.aspx

A new resource has been developed by Derbyshire County Council Public Health – Supporting You to Protect Mental Health and Wellbeing in Adults

This Framework for Action has been developed to support non-mental health organisations to promote mental health and wellbeing in Derby and Derbyshire.

It is relevant for any organisations that are supporting others right now – including staff, volunteers, or residents.

A stepped approach to the promotion of mental health and wellbeing is recommended, whether you are considering staff or resident wellbeing, or both. Not everyone will require signposting to specialist mental health services, and input at an early stage can often prevent later mental health distress.

The resource provides:

• a guide for you to plan and structure your organisation’s response to mental health and wellbeing
• a framework to support yourself, your staff and your volunteers
• key actions
• information and signposting

GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP are teaming up to provide a trio of services for free to help gamblers kick-start the recovery journey this Christmas. Launching today, a new TalkBanStop campaign is backed by ex-footballer and recovering gambling addict Michael Chopra.

The Christmas period poses a heightened risk to those struggling with gambling, and the pandemic has only increased common risk factors including isolation, boredom or money worries.

The TalkBanStop campaign launches as a 12-month pilot to offer three free tools to help people stop gambling – support via GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline, free Gamban blocking software and GAMSTOP self-exclusion.

• Talk: By speaking to one of GamCare’s trained advisers on the National Gambling Helpline (over the phone or via live chat), gamblers and their loved ones can access expert information, advice and support, including arranging access to peer-to-peer support or an NHS referral if appropriate.
• Ban: Gamban’s software blocks access to thousands of global gambling sites and apps, and can be installed on up to 15 devices – including those in the household. This would usually cost £24.99 per year, and is now being offered free to anyone contacting the Helpline.
• Stop: GAMSTOP self-exclusion prevents access and creation of new gambling accounts with all online gambling operators across the UK, free of charge. Users will also stop receiving marketing messages from gambling businesses.

Read more

The winter months can be hard and this year will be even more difficult for many people. Derbyshire County Council have set up a food voucher scheme for children and additional help for people suffering financial hardship during the pandemic. Find out more HERE

Derbyshire Voluntary Action is wanting photo’s and/or stories of your small family gatherings at Christmas time. Perhaps there’s family you haven’t been able to visit all year or perhaps you are planning on having a virtual Christmas with another family.

We would also like to hear your experiences and see photographs related to the vaccine; whether you have received it, given it or trained especially to give it. Please take a look at our website page- https://dva.org.uk/covid-19-book-project/ or contact Charlotte at charlotte@dva.org

Derbyshire Voluntary Action are delighted to share our third Network Newsletter Home Edition. We hope you find it packed full of useful information.

As always, we remain committed to supporting our voluntary sector, and we hope that the information shared in this newsletter allows you to feel connected to what is happening within our communities in Derbyshire.
 You can view our Network Home Edition – Issue 3 HERE or download the PDF

Using stand up comedy to build, maintain & retain good mental health.

In a recent study 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point in the last year they felt overwhelmed/unable to cope (according to Mental Health Foundation). 40% of men say they’re simply unable talk about their mental health (according to Priory Group). This is something Dave understands well.

As a teenager he developed anorexia – it developed rather than began becoming his normality over time. He didn’t realise he had a problem. Eventually when he did, he was so overwhelmed he couldn’t find the words to explain what was going on.

Being a professional comic Dave used the tools at his disposal – humour. His “hilariously entertaining” (Mail On Sunday) approach sensitively used comedy to help him understand, accept and explain his eating disorder while informing, educating & entertaining people about mental health.

Dave now wants to do the same for others. Working with academics from King’s College London, The University Of Nottingham and The University Of Kent he’s designed a 6 week online comedy course aimed at people with experience of mental health problems.

The course is fully funded by Derbyshire County Council so that it’s free to participants and will be delivered through the award-winning Midlands Based Charity First Steps. This is all to help stop the suffering of so many people while also providing some much-needed light relief.

Stand Up to Mental Health Recovery

First Steps are now looking for people to try this innovative, enlightening and exciting new recovery method. This free course starts in January and is recruiting now. Start dates include: Tuesday 19th January at 7pm (and every Tuesday for six weeks) or Wednesday 20th January at 6.30pm (and every Wednesday for six weeks)

So if you want to build confidence, communication and connection and have a history of mental ill health please email info@DaveChawner.co.uk or info@firststepsed.co.uk

Available FREE to individuals, groups and communities across Derbyshire!

In 20 minutes, this whistle-stop workshop will introduce you to the causes and consequences of falls and will equip you with some strategies to reduce your own falls risk and that of the people you care for.

Falls can have long-term consequences and not just for the  person who has fallen…so grab a coffee or tea and a large piece of cake and join Age UK Derby and Derbyshire for an informative session!

You’ll receive a badge and a certificate; all that is asked of you, is that you continue to talk about falls risks with family and friends and help to reduce the incidence of falls in your community.

For more information and to book a session for you or your organisation please email:Sue Sheldon and Lindsey Coombs at: fallsawareness@ageukdd.org.uk
Telephone: 07875 427921 (Sue) or 07745 273333 (Lindsey)