Civic Fundholders 2025
Links CVS
Links CVS provides support to voluntary organisations and community groups in Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire. Hosting Derbyshire Inclusive Futures – Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Enterprise, Links CVS supports a network of 16 diverse ethnic minority community groups.
With the support of the University of Derby Civic Grant, building on existing relationships with CASSPPR (Centre for Applied Social Sciences, Policy, Practice & Research), and working closely alongside the group representatives, we co-produced an event entitled Emotional Wellbeing and Wellness: Support for BME Communities in Derbyshire County. This was a community focused event held in Chesterfield at the University’s St Helena campus.
Participants were welcomed to share their views and ideas about:
- emotional wellbeing with interpreting support where relevant
- were offered information about local mental wellness support services
- had opportunity to engage with public health staff and researchers
- enjoyed a range of wellbeing activities delivered by community members including Nordic walking, yoga, and henna art.
NightWatch™ Dark Sky events
This project aims to deliver a series of engaging night-time events at Rosliston Forestry Centre, led by local voluntary groups including Rosliston Astronomy Group, Derbyshire Bat Group, Derbyshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, and DaNES.
These events will offer hands-on opportunities for individuals and families, particularly those with limited access to green spaces, to explore the night sky and discover nocturnal wildlife such as bats, moths, frogs, and toads. Through guided activities, participants will deepen their connection to nature, share their experiences, and contribute feedback that will inform future events and support research initiatives.
The Pond Project
The aim of The Pond Project is to regenerate a chain of ponds and restore the flow of the streams that connect them. Forming a new circular “Rosary Route” to walk in recognition of the monastic history of Ripley.
The act of doing so will help reconnect the community with each other and the habitat they nurtured. The finished project will provide blue spaces to reflect with wooden benches to prompt a pause. A time to ponder creative notions inspired by the local area and await the great crested newts’ return.
The SEND Dynamic CIC: Being Us
The SEND Dynamic CIC is dedicated to levelling the playing field for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Launched to meet the growing demand for advice and support, we help parents navigate the education, health, and care system across Derby and Derbyshire.
Our Being Us groups provide fortnightly term-time support for autistic girls aged 11–18, offering themed discussions and creative activities designed to promote positive autistic identity, self-acceptance, and peer connection. Topics include alexithymia, zones of regulation, friendships, and autistic role models.
These groups create a sense of belonging for girls who often face barriers to education and social inclusion, helping to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing. Through this work, we strive to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring every child gets what they need to progress.
Find out more about The SEND Dynamic CIC.
Civic Fundholders 2024
Baby People
Baby People is a Derby-based charity and the UK’s first hip-hop school, using music, art, and culture to engage young people who struggle in mainstream education.
They runs workshops, school programs, and community projects to develop creative skills and empower diverse voices. The funding enabled Baby People to undertake an important piece of work in bringing together the community at the Youth Centre in Cotton Lane in Derby.
Visit the Baby People website.
SocialFuse Festival
SocialFuse Festival is Derbyshire’s annual celebration of social enterprise, creativity, and wellbeing.
Held each September, it brings together communities, businesses, and innovators for talks, workshops, performances, and networking. Its mission is to inspire collaboration and drive positive social, economic, and environmental change. The contribution from the Civic Community Fund enabled them to host SocialFuse Festival earlier in the year, and to ensure that the event was free for all attendees.
Visit the SocialFuse Festival website.
Bridge the Gap
Bridge the Gap is a Derby-based children’s mental health charity that supports ages 5–16 through emotional literacy and early intervention. They offer tailored 1:1 and group sessions, family workshops, school programmes, and free online resources. Their goal is to help children manage anxiety, self-esteem, grief, and transitions in a calm, stigma-free environment, with accessible pay-what-you-can options.
Visit the Bridge the Gap website.
Hands on Skin
A partnership with DACCI delivered eight workshops for Afro-Caribbean and African communities, using West African rhythms and instruments to explore identity and heritage.
Participants created simple percussion instruments, learned traditional rhythms and songs, and celebrated their culture in a free community showcase, with potential for ongoing performances and university collaboration.
Whispers from the Woods
The University of Derby Civic and Community Funding Grant supported the creation of Whispers From The Woods, a poetry collection featuring Dan Webber and young ambassadors (16–25) from Derby and South Derbyshire.
The project produced 250 copies, provided work for five creatives, and has grown beyond its 2021 funding—books now appear in libraries, schools, and local venues, with installations and events at Timber Festival, Melbourne Festival, and more. Over 200 copies have been distributed to participants and partners, and the book is being considered for national poetry collections, ensuring a lasting cultural impact.
Find out more about Whispers from the Woods.
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