Some groups are finding that their usual meeting place is not big enough to allow for social distancing.  Links CVS would like to hear from any venues who may be able to offer them alternative facilities, please complete this short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RXZ9NWS

Communication Unlimited have produced a British Sign Language video to update people who are Deaf and hearing impaired about support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s an update on the status of some Derbyshire County Council services, including how to make contact with the Council, the status of recycling centres, country parks and libraries. It also gives advice on contacting Deaf / hearing impairment support services, staying safe as well as information about Communication Unlimited’s blue card scheme which was set up to support Deaf people who may struggle with communication while wearing a face mask.

The content of the video was based on feedback from the Deaf community about what information they require.

View the video HERE

Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Volunteer Centre partners with NE Metro Chicago Volunteer Centre, in unique twinning project.

Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Volunteer Centre is excited to announce an agreement with NE Metro Chicago Volunteer Centre in the USA, to establish and grow ties between the two organisations.
This is the first international relationship between two volunteer centres, designed to promote dialogue, exchange experiences and implement joint activities – all created to foster improvements and mutual progress.

The twinned groups have agreed to focus their efforts on these clear goals:

• To promote volunteering and local social action in a variety of forms 
• To act according to the rules of hospitality, with respect for our diversities, in an atmosphere of trust and in a spirit of solidarity
• To offer people the possibility of participating in the exchanges between our two communities without discrimination of any form
• To promote the universal values of liberty, democracy and equality

Barbara Tubekis, of The Volunteer Center of N.E. Metro Chicago in the USA, said: “When Dave Radford of The Volunteer Centre of Chesterfield & N.E. Derbyshire reached out to us, we were thrilled at the possibilities to help people not only locally, but globally. Although we are thousands of miles apart, our missions and goals couldn’t be more compatible. We are both dedicated to helping people in need, and the most vulnerable. We look forward to building a network of volunteer support that reaches over the ocean.”

David Radford, of The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield NE Derbyshire, said: “We have many links with local and national voluntary organisations, but this is the first time we’ve been able to take our work to an international level. And our friends in Chicago have been amazingly receptive.”

Unique twinning logo, designed by Magnus Shaw.
For quotes and photographs please contact: The Volunteer Centre, Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire 01246 276 777 / magnus@chesterfieldvc.org.uk

Join us in our project to create an accessible and inclusive virtual community music group for Chesterfield and the surrounding area.

Open to everyone of all abilities – to sing, make music and perform together.

Our ensemble will consist of four sections:

• Vocals – three part harmony (soprano, alto and tenor)
• Instruments – whatever instrument you play or can make! We will be including links to making your own instruments out of household items or using free online apps.
• Rhythm section – percussion of any kind.
• Sign Language – for those who wish to take part using British Sign Language

 So, whether you are completely new to music, have some musical experience, or just want to try something new – Fusion Music is for you!

Fusion Music has been designed by Kakou CIC alongside Community Growth CIC as part of the Chesterfield Cultural Education Partnership. We want to provide a fun, uplifting and creative way for community engagement with the arts during this time of lockdown.

Our Mission: to encourage and support singing and music making for people of all ages and experience so that they:

• Learn to enjoy singing and performing
• Develop musical skills and understanding
• Experience the wider learning and developmental benefits that performing provides
• Reduce isolation and experience long-term benefits to health and well-being

There are no auditions – learning materials are provided and weekly sessions will be delivered remotely, through online resources that enable people to explore music through performance, technology and composition.

The end goal is to produce a virtually-recorded performance featuring the Fusion Music Ensemble, representing the rich and diverse culture of the community of Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Starting in September we will be releasing all the learning material for the song and start to hold the virtual rehearsal sessions.

For more information, or to express an interest in taking part visit – https://fusionmusic.socialfuse.org.uk/

Derbyshire County Council’s Falls Prevention Social Marketing Campaign has relaunched across Derbyshire.  As part of this campaign, they are running a small grants scheme to support local activities, especially amongst community groups, teams and services who are not usually involved in falls prevention work.  They would welcome applications from across Derbyshire but are particularly interested in those people who live and work in areas with higher numbers of fallers.  These are High Peak, Chesterfield, South Derbyshire and Amber Valley (Belper).

• Information, an application form and reporting template can be accessed HERE

• The closing date is Monday 21^st September 2020.

As part of the activity, Derbyshire County Council can provide support to successful recipients.  This will include help with planning, evaluation, free falls awareness training and training around ‘How to Engage communities remotely/digitally’. 

First Steps ED have been lucky enough to share the most incredibly inspiring stories from those who took part in their #WFAWM campaign. Each letter tells a unique journey, reflecting on personal experiences of overcoming adversity, and the hope it has created for the future. If you missed them on social media, you can find all of the WFAWM letters on their website, or submit your own to info@firststepsed.co.uk!

Here at Community Chesterfield, we love working with you all and we hope that we have been helpful to you and your organisation. We are now half way through our funding period and need to learn from what we have been doing. We want to ensure that we support as many of the local voluntary community sector groups as possible and of course we need some proof that this project was worth funding. We hope that you can help us by completing this very quick questionnaire as we really need your feedback. 

It should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Thank you very much in advance to all who can respond.

The questionnaire can be accessed HERE

Find out about the work of Community Chesterfield HERE

An Introduction to how to use various online tools and resources to collaborate, whether it be for simple chatting, meetings or larger group

As part of Kakou’s Fusion Music project they are holding a webinar to introduce people to participating in group activities remotely using the internet.

Most people are familiar with email or social media, however in a time where isolation and social distancing is becoming the norm, communities and grassroots groups are turning to new and unfamiliar online tools to coordinate, share information, support each other, and connect.

This webinar will give an overview of how to use various online tools and resources to collaborate, whether it be for simple chatting, meetings or larger group projects with file-sharing.

The majority of the tools featured are free or low-cost, but provide high impact.

This webinar is free and open to individuals, community/grassroots groups and larger organisations.

Date: Tuesday 1^st September 2020

Time: 10.30am

Location: Virtual – a link will be sent out prior to the event

Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-connectivity-tickets-117642741607

https://www.sortified.com/day-opportunities