Last Thursday a celebration of 3 years of investment in Chesterfield’s communities was held at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus. The Lottery funded venture, Community Chesterfield, has helped local charities connect to the University. The Project has brought about skills sharing and enabled local people with lived experience to engage with future health and social care professionals.
The Community Chesterfield Showcase included an early announcement that Lottery funding for the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action partnership would continue.
Jenny Raschbauer Community Chesterfield Manager said “I’m so proud of the positive impact that our work has had on students and charities and after hearing how much the University and the community of Chesterfield value what we do I’m excited to be continuing this amazing community led project”
The opening speech at the event which was held on International Nurses Day was given by Dr Denise Baker, Dean of Health, Psychology, and Social Care at the University of Derby. She said “I was delighted to be able to support the showcase event for Community Chesterfield. The project has brought together many stakeholders who share an interest in health and well-being. The University has benefitted enormously from the project, especially building links between students and the voluntary sector. Both staff and students have gained from their experiences over the last 3 years and we look forward to what opportunities still lie ahead. The impact of this project is tangible and making a real difference to the health and social care arena in the region”
His Worship the Mayor of Chesterfield was also in attendance meaning this community gathering was his first engagement in office.
Project activities include offering training and shared learning opportunities, work placements, research projects, volunteering opportunities within Chesterfield’s community and other ways of creating meaningful connections.
Keep up to date with new activities on Facebook @ComChesterfield, Twitter @comchesterfield and Instagram @communitychesterfield