The Derbyshire Holiday Activity and Food programme

The University of Derby is pleased to be able to support the Derbyshire Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme as part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and widening participation. Building on our strong partnership with Derby Theatre and our civic mission to improve health and opportunity across the region, we have developed a new link with the Bramblebrook HAF programme.

This activity forms a key strand of our Recognising Potential series, a programme designed to nurture and develop aspiring doctors in Derbyshire. We already deliver a range of widening access initiatives—including simulated work experience and support with applications to medicine—providing high-quality opportunities for students who may face barriers such as limited access to professionals or the financial costs associated with traditional experiences. Our aim is to level the playing field and ensure that talented young people can pursue careers in healthcare regardless of background.

Over the Christmas holidays, we took a team of healthcare students to Bramblebrook to deliver engaging sessions in health promotion, covering dental hygiene, mental wellbeing and basic life-support skills. Alongside these practical activities, our students will work to raise aspirations and increase awareness of healthcare careers among young people who may not otherwise encounter these pathways.

During the event, the children took part in role‑play and hands‑on “taster” experiences that demonstrated what different healthcare professionals do day‑to‑day. Activities included a scenario‑based challenge focused on recognising and responding to medical conditions, an interactive demonstration of effective tooth‑brushing using large props, and a basic life‑support practice activity using training equipment.

The session aimed to build confidence and broaden awareness of healthcare opportunities at an early age, and it had an immediate impact—several participants left expressing interest in becoming a doctor, dentist, or paramedic.

We are delighted that the Tom Donaldson Trust and Derbyshire Hub Plus are funding this work in recognition of the importance of Widening Access. This initiative reflects the University of Derby’s civic agenda, supports social mobility, and helps promote healthcare professions to communities traditionally underrepresented in medicine and the wider health workforce.