Community News - 22 Sept 2020

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Information for local groups, societies, clubs, parish and town councils

22 September 2020

New future for local government in Derbyshire?

A new chapter for local government could be about to unfold.

Central Government is due to announce how it would like to see local councils organised in the future. And in preparation, we have announced ambitious plans for the future of local government in Derbyshire.

We’ve been working closely with our district and borough council partners on a new way of working called Vision Derbyshire to get the best possible deal for local people, communities and businesses.

If a devolution deal cannot be achieved with Vision Derbyshire, then we will look to set up a single unitary authority covering the whole of the county.

Find out more here

Residents urged to stay alert following coronavirus spike

‘If you have coronavirus symptoms, act like you’ve got it and stay at home.’

That’s the message from Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health after a sharp increase in cases in the High Peak.

Dean Wallace is urging everyone to keep following government advice to stay apart, wash hands and wear face coverings to help stop the spread after cases began to climb in the area for a second time.

It comes after residents in Heanor were also urged to stay alert following a rise in confirmed cases of Covid 19 in the area.

Derbyshire libraries to open by the end of September

All but one of our libraries will be open and operating their normal opening hours by the end of the month.  Only Wingerworth Library will remain closed for the time being. The library will reopen when it's certain it can be used safely by customers and staff and that social distancing can be followed. Our mobile libraries are also gearing up for a return to the road from the 21 September in the mornings only with an appointment system in place. Find out more here

Cash boost for our communities

Over the past two years we’ve awarded almost £1 million to groups and clubs making a difference in their community. Our Action Grants scheme has provided a financial boost for a number of projects and activities including tackling anti-social behaviour, art workshops, environmental work, supporting disabled people, building refurbishments plus much more. There’s excellent work going on across Derbyshire in our local communities and we’re delighted to have been able to offer some support along the way. We’re continuing to give grant support with our recently launched Youth Activity Grants which you can apply for now. Find out more here

Supporting young people’s mental wellbeing

The past few months have been hard for everyone, including our children. That’s why we’re supporting Better Health’s #EveryMindMatters campaign which provides tips and advice to help you look after the mental wellbeing of the children and young people in your life. Whether it’s worries over going back to school or concerns about getting or passing on the virus, there are always steps to help them cope. Find out more here