Derbyshire Voluntary Action is a membership organisation for North Derbyshire’s health and wellbeing related voluntary and community sector. North Derbyshire spans the districts of High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover. Through our specialist infrastructure services, we actively engage with and support our 320+ members, which range from tiny volunteer-led self-help groups through to local and regional charities delivering projects to the benefit of large numbers of Derbyshire residents.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is commissioned by Derby and Derbyshire CCG and Derbyshire County Council to provide:
Representation. We have a proven track record of being a significant contributor to multi-agency work. We are the voice of the voluntary and community sector at the strategic table, arguing the case for positive change for the sector at: the Health & Wellbeing Board, Place Board, Place Alliances, Health and Wellbeing Partnerships, Adult Safeguarding Board, Parent Connectedness Project Board, County Learning Disability Board (Chair), STP workstreams, Mental Health STP Board, and previously on the now discontinued Adult Care Board and the Carers’ Commissioning Board. We also provide representatives from amongst our staff and Trustees for the governing bodies of Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. We aim to be a proactive, hands-on partner, volunteering for and contributing enthusiastically and effectively to sub-groups when appropriate.
A communication channel and a platform for information exchange and debate. For many years Derbyshire Voluntary Action has provided an effective mechanism for two way communication and consultation between statutory agencies and the VCS, using themed member groups, quarterly forums (a specialist mental health forum and a more general health and social care forum), focus groups, newsletters and e-bulletins to share information and facilitate debate. All of these platforms have the added value of providing opportunities for networking and partnership building.
A specialist directory of health and care related voluntary and community groups. Derbyshire Voluntary Action maintains a specialist database of health related voluntary organisations in Derbyshire.
Small Grants Programmes. We manage and administer several different small grants programmes on behalf of Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group and four local authorities.