University of Derby’s Community Fund awards over £13,000 to support 12 local projects

The University of Derby’s Community Fund, which was set up five years ago to inspire projects that seek to benefit its local communities, has now reopened for applications.

The University is committed to giving back to local people and has awarded a total of £50,000 through the fund. So far this year, £13,321 has been given to 12 schemes, ranging from school projects and sports initiatives to activities for older people.

One of the latest recipients, St George’s Primary School in Buxton, was awarded £800 from the fund. The money was put towards creating a fun, open and inviting reading zone at the heart of the school after their previous library was recommissioned as an office.

New and accessible shelving was installed, along with comfortable seating able to accommodate a whole class, and the school plans to buy a computerised library system to catalogue and organise the books. The children will learn important research and library skills during their class visits and a team of volunteer librarians will support the maintenance of the library, developing their skills along the way.

Becky Lambert, PTA committee member at St George’s, said: “The funding for our school library will benefit all of the children in so many ways. Our new library will be at the heart of the school, making books accessible to all of the children and promoting a love of and joy in reading."

Hannah Hallam, Development and Alumni Relations Manager at the University of Derby, added: “Ever since we first opened our doors as a teacher training college in 1851, the University of Derby has been committed to serving our local communities. We are proud to be part of a fantastic city and county and we are always looking for innovative ways to invest back into the community.”

Other projects which have received funding this year include:

• £950, The Glossop Men’s Shed, Buxton: buying and installing a new wood-burning stove to allow the facility to be used throughout the year by older men at risk of loneliness and isolation
• £950, St Anne’s RC Church, Buxton: buying audio-visual equipment and WiFi connectivity for the community centre, which is used by a wide range of people and groups in the area
• £340, The Golden Oldies Charity, Derby: launching new social Sing and Smile sessions to help vulnerable older people improve their mental and physical wellbeing
• £900, Burton Youth for Christ, Derby: funding outdoor activity sessions, arts and sports workshops for young people to help them build positive relationships
• £300, Woodville Children’s Centre, Derby: running sessions for vulnerable young people and adults to promote education and confidence in preparing healthy meals
• £2,500, GAD Khalsa Sports Club, Derby: funding venue hire and transport costs to increase participation among disadvantaged young people, females and minority groups
• £581.73, 4^th Derby Guiding, Derby: buying a new tent for the Guides to use on their camping trips and outdoor activities
• £500, Making Space – the Capability Garden, Derby: buying gardening equipment, plants and seeds for a dementia-friendly community garden in Markeaton Park
• £1,500, Friends of the Cromford Canal, Derby: running canal trips for disadvantaged young people and adults to promote their physical, mental health and wellbeing
• £2,000, Clowne Infant and Nursery School, Chesterfield: creating a safe and secure green space which can be used for a range of outdoor learning activities
• £2,000, SAAFCO Union of Students’ Society, Derby and Chesterfield: funding activities for two Armed Forces education and awareness family days to be held at the University’s Derby and Chesterfield based campus.

The deadline for applications for the next round of Community Fund grants is Sunday 15 July. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based in Derby, Buxton, Chesterfield or Leek.

ENDS

For further press information, contact Sam O’Hanlon, Public Relations Officer at the University of Derby, on 01332 592766 or email s.ohanlon@derby.ac.uk