|
We're excited to announce that we've secured a £249,950 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help celebrate Derbyshire’s rich heritage of makers and innovators.
 The two-year programme – Derbyshire Makes History – will focus on our industrial legacy in textiles/knitting, ceramics, mining, and quarrying. It will provide tailored support to strengthen the local cultural economy and heritage sector.
What’s included?
- Six new short film commissions
- Outreach via The Makory, a mobile workshop and gallery
- Small Grants Programme.
Derbyshire Makes History will run alongside the wider Derbyshire Makes programme with a dedicated focus on heritage skills development and community engagement.
📸Mill workers from Strutts Mill, Belper in 1896.
In partnership with the Environment Agency, we're inviting current and aspiring community flood wardens to a special evening event designed to inform, inspire and connect.
This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering as a flood warden to learn more about the role and how it supports emergency response efforts during flooding.
It takes place on Thursday 25 September from 5.30pm-8pm at County Hall in Smedley Street, Matlock.
You’ll hear directly from guest speakers representing key incident response agencies, including Derbyshire Fire & Rescue, Police, Mountain Rescue and local council representatives.
Booking is essential – email: floodresilience.eastmidlands@environment-agency.gov.uk
Whether you're already volunteering or just curious about how you can help your community, we’d love to see you there.
|
We're inviting community groups across Derbyshire to apply for funding to set up ‘warm and welcoming spaces’ to help local residents stay cosy this winter.
We're working with Derbyshire Voluntary Action to provide financial support to provide a warm welcome to residents around the county.
Grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 are available to support local charities, community groups or community venues to set up new warm hubs or contribute towards the costs of existing spaces.
The Warm and Welcoming Spaces aim to provide support for local people through the winter months – offering a place to meet new people, to enjoy a hot drink, get information on local services and take part in activities.
|
We've approved a 25-year plan to increase woodland coverage within Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest – meaning more trees, more wildlife and more beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The forest covers 289 square miles in the east and south of the county.
Supported by DEFRA and funded through the Trees for Climate Fund, this initiative is part of a national effort to boost green infrastructure and climate resilience.
Annual tree planting grants are available for landowners, farmers, businesses and community groups. These cover:
- Access infrastructure (gates, paths, stiles)
- Expert planning advice
- Ongoing tree maintenance.
This ambitious plan will help make Derbyshire greener, healthier and more vibrant for future generations.
|
We're closing the stretch of the A54 Macclesfield Main Road, between the A53 Leek Road and the junction with the A537 at the county boundary, for five days from 10am today (Monday 22 September) for repairs.
The road will be closed to all traffic during the works.
We’ll be patching the road ahead of winter to seal and protect the surface. And we’ll be laying new high-friction, anti-skid surfacing. While the road is closed, our team will also be looking at the road's drains and its construction to prepare a major programme of repairs in spring 2026.
Next year's repairs are likely to include major resurfacing, drainage improvements to reduce surface water damage, earthworks to stabilise the banks at the side of the road and new safety barriers.
A signed diversion route will be in place for traffic to follow, using the following roads: A53, A523, A537 and the A54.
We're supporting Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
This year’s theme is From Awareness to Action, underlining the fact that falls are not a normal part of ageing.
Most falls can be prevented and older adults have the power to reduce their risk of falling.
Top tips to prevent falls:
-
Check your eyesight – Free NHS eye tests are available for over-60s.
-
Monitor hearing – Hearing loss can affect balance; regular checks are key.
-
Use the right walking aid – Make sure it suits your needs.
-
Review medications – Some can cause dizziness or instability.
-
Stay active – Join Stronger for Longer, a falls prevention exercise programme by Age UK Derby & Derbyshire.
|
We're hosting free events during Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Week to showcase how smart home technology can help people stay safe and independent at home
Come along to learn how devices like Alexa, falls detectors and digital sensors can offer peace of mind.
• Buxton Market Place – Tuesday 23 September, 9am–4pm
• Swadlincote Market – Friday 26 September, 9am–2pm
Free webinars throughout the week
Covering topics such as preventing accidents, supporting people with disabilities, autism, mental health conditions and carers.
|
We and our waste contractor AWM have launched a Community Fund offering grants of up to £500 to seven Derbyshire-based groups.
Projects could include creating community gardens, installing recycled benches or bird boxes, or running events that promote reuse. Eligible applicants include community or volunteer groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Judges will prioritise ideas that offer value for money, benefit the local environment and bring people together.
Organisations can submit more than one application but will not be awarded more than one grant. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 30 September. Successful applicants must spend their grants by 31 March 2026.
On Thursday 25 September, head to the SMH Group Stadium in Chesterfield for a potentially record-breaking event – the largest ever chair-based exercise session in the world.
Hosted by Age UK Derby & Derbyshire, Live Stronger for Longer and Chesterfield FC Community Trust, this fun and inclusive activity is open to all – no matter your fitness level.
Time: 10am–1pm
Location: SMH Group Stadium, 1866 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ
Book here
|
|
