Author: Jordan Hazell

Staff from a Derby-based housebuilder have helped to raise more than £7,000 for a children’s charity in the city.

Children First Derby, who work to support vulnerable children, young people and families in the city, have received £7,192 from Miller Homes East Midlands, whose offices are also based in Derby.

The housebuilding firm’s staff took part in a charity challenge to clock up as many miles on foot as they could within a calendar month, with their combined efforts totalling 7,192 miles.

This resulted in £1 per mile being contributed towards the fundraising pot from the national housebuilder’s head office, with the money all going towards Children First Derby, who are Miller Homes East Midlands’ charity of choice.

Louise Webb, Fundraising Coordinator for Children First Derby, said: “Children First Derby are extremely grateful to Miller Homes for their continued support and fundraising over the last two years. The team at Miller Homes are always fantastic to work with and their latest fundraising effort is incredible, to raise £7,192 in just one month is a fantastic achievement.

“Thank you to everyone that took part in the challenge. This generous donation will make such a difference to the vulnerable children, young people and families that we support in and around Derby.”

Miller Homes have been supporting Children First Derby since 2021, raising more than £22,000 in that time.

Based at their regional offices on Pride Park, Derby, Miller Homes East Midlands is currently building new homes across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.

Tom Roberts, regional operations director of Miller Homes East Midlands, said: “Part of our ethos as a housebuilder is to support our community through a variety of ways, and we’re particularly proud of our heritage in Derby and being afforded the opportunity to actively engage with local charities and community groups.

“Miller Homes East Midlands is a keen supporter of the amazing work carried out by Children First Derby, and we were really pleased to greet them with the news that our staff had been able to raise over £7,000 throughout the course of just one month to go directly back into the charity to further aid the work they do. A huge well done to everyone within our team for putting on their walking boots and collecting the miles required to achieve this feat for charity.

“We feel very passionate about this charity and look forward to keeping in touch with the team from Children First to understand how this funding has helped to impact the lives of young people across Derbyshire.”

To find out more about the homes currently being built by Miller Homes across the East Midlands, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/locations/east-midlands-and-the-surrounding-areas

This year saw the return of the hugely popular Children First Derby Fashion Show sponsored by Fatball. Now in its eighth year, the event, held on Friday 24^th March at the Derby Conference Centre, raised over £2,300 to help support local vulnerable children, young people, and families.

The fun-filled, packed event was hosted by BBC Radio Derby Presenter’s Andy Twigge, (Twiggy) and Dave Fletcher, who kept the audience entertained throughout with their witty commentary. The guests of honour included Children First Derby Patron, renowned Actress and BAFTA nominee, Gwen Taylor, and The RT Hon Dame Margaret Beckett DBE MP.

Louise Webb, Fundraising Coordinator said, “I was delighted with the feedback from the fashion show. From the volunteers that helped organise it, to the models and the retailers, everyone contributed to making the night a huge success.”

The Fashion Show models included local business leaders who strutted their stuff on the catwalk to help raise funds and awareness for the charity, alongside a host of the charity’s longstanding volunteers, trustees and supporters. There were even several younger models this year, who helped diversify the range of clothing modelled as they danced up and down floor.

The dazzling models showcased a range of day wear and beautiful evening wear. There were also some stunning bridal dresses on show, which led to audience participation and a fun game of ‘Say Yes to the Dress’, with young model Zainab taking the crown as best dressed.

Stunning outfits were provided by Threadz Preowned Vintage, Dalrymples of Sawley, She’s A Rainbow Melbounrne, Izzi Fashion, Front Row Fashion Boutique, Cabi, Young Ideas, Next, Rebecca Henry Melbourne and Jillian Hart who all kindly supported the event, and outfits were accessorised with lots of sparkle from Merchants Jewellers.

The interval consisted of some head spinning entertainment from the Trinity Warriors Dance Academy who have recently auditioned for a popular TV Show. From back flips to break dancing, James, Mac & Cannon really got the audience clapping.

As part of the event, various fundraising activities took place throughout the evening, which included a raffle and guess the name of the giant bear – Fred, named after our chair of trustees.

Louise added, “Children First Derby relies on public donations and fundraising from events like this, with all the funds going straight back into running our vital mentoring and family support services, contributing towards costs such as family trips and mentoring activities, allowing children and young people to participate in new, creative activities that they might otherwise be unable to experience.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended for their incredible support, which is, as always, very much appreciated and of course to the sponsors Fatball, the models, our fabulous volunteers, especially Sandra Harrison who created this idea of a fashion show eight years ago and is still active in the organising today.  and the generous retailers who all helped make the event possible.”

In an effort to generate even more funds for the charity, cricket commentator Dave Fletcher started an informal auction for a Derbyshire County Cricket T20 Blast Pass, which saw local businessman and continued supporter of the charity Karim Merchant of Merchant Jewellers, place the highest winning bid of £150.

Vulnerable children supported by a highly valued Derby charity have been given a sweet treat this Easter with the donation of a huge pile of chocolate eggs. 

Staff at Lubrizol’s UK headquarters in Derbyshire dug deep by answering a call from local charity Children First Derby for companies to donate Easter eggs for youngsters who may not have many treats in their lives. 

Lubrizol was one of several companies to have responded, with its staff going out and buying a grand total of 92 eggs that were handed over to grateful leaders of the charity, destined for youngsters who may not receive the traditional chocolate treat that millions of other youngsters do. 

Claire Hollingshurst, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “Colleagues at Lubrizol are always so generous when it comes to giving up their time for others or donating to great causes like this one. It was brilliant to be able to hand over a grand total of 92 Easter eggs to young people who are being supported by Children First Derby – an amazing charity that I know does so much for families in this area. 

“Many families may take it for granted that their children can have an Easter egg at this time of year but not every young person is so lucky. I hope that the eggs donated by Lubrizol and other local companies are enjoyed by all those children who receive one.” 

Children First Derby, which turns 50 next year, is a Derby charity that works with vulnerable children, young people and their families to make a positive impact in their lives and the local community. 

Louise Webb, fundraising co-ordinator for the charity, said that the Easter eggs donated by Lubrizol and other companies would be highly appreciated by children who are being supported its three services: family support; mentoring and supervised contact for looked after children. 

Through these services the charity supported 444 children and 140 adults in the Derby area in 2022, and leaders have said it has seen more demand with the impact of Covid and increases in the cost of living. 

Louise said: “There are lots of things that we might take for granted that some children can’t– like Easter eggs.  

“We are seeing more and more need for our services and we’re very grateful to companies like Lubrizol where staff have been so generous in going out and buying Easter eggs which I can promise will be very much enjoyed by all the young people we deliver them to!” 

Children First Derby has reported “incredibly positive changes” in the lives of children, young people and families it has supported, including improved school attendance and attainment, reduced levels of anti-social behaviour, better relationships with family members, increased confidence and reduced social isolation. 

The charity also delivers weekly diversionary activities including a football club, drama and climbing. 

The charity relies on generous public donations to carry out its important work. 

Children First Derby has been awarded the contract for the provision of Family Time Services for Derby City Council for the 20^th consecutive year, in which time it has developed from a limited provision, to a busy high-quality service, providing up to 1000 family time sessions a year for looked after children and young people.

Children First Derby’s Supervised Contact Service focuses on delivering a child centred service, providing a neutral and safe space for children in the care of the local authority to spend time with their loved ones, usually parents and grandparents or other family members.

Anne Marie Macken, Contact Service Manager, said, “I am very proud to have worked for the contact service since it began 20 years ago and I’m delighted that we have continually been awarded this competitive contract, as it is testament to the positive and valuable service we provide.

“The contact team is experienced and committed to promoting positive and meaningful family time for children. Family time is very important in helping children and young people develop their sense of identity and contributes to maintaining relationships and connections within families. It can also assist in children making sense of their past and manage issues of loss and separation. This principle underpins all the work we do and ensures that the service is delivered to meet the needs of the children above all else.”

Both the Contact Service Manager, and the Deputy Contact Service Manager, Carina James have worked at Children First Derby since the Supervised Contact Service was established 20 years ago, providing stability and consistency in the lives of children who have experienced frequent and traumatic disruptions.

The centre in Leopold Street, is well equipped with a range of toys and equipment which reflect the diverse needs of all the children who have family time here. The family rooms provide a great space and equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities. There is a large enclosed, safe garden, with a range of outdoor furniture and equipment, including basketball, football goals and a newly installed summer house. There is also a large, fully equipped kitchen in which families can cook, bake, or sit down and enjoy a meal together.

Irshad Baqui, CEO, Children First Derby, added, “It is fantastic to have been awarded this prestigious Council contract again and speaks volumes about the service that we provide and of the team here at Children First Derby.

Very few contact centres provide such a range of facilities, and we receive regular and consistent positive feedback from children and families. We aim to provide a welcoming environment, with a homely, relaxed feel as far as possible within a supervised setting.”

For more information please visit: Supervised Family Time – Children First Derby Website

Derby’s leading retail and leisure destination has announced its new charity partner for 2023.

After receiving more than 40 applications from local charities, Derbion Cares has selected Children First Derby as Derbion’s charity partner for 2023.  

Launched in 1974, Children First Derby is an award-winning charity that aims to relieve the distress and suffering of children in the local area by providing life-changing support to vulnerable children, young people and families.

Derbion will offer Children First Derby support throughout the year through fundraising, free in-centre activity space, staff volunteer time, centre resource and much more.

Set up by Derbion colleagues, Derbion Cares was launched in 2022 and has already provided three local charities with over £37,000 worth of support. In its first year, Derbion Cares partnered with YMCA Derbyshire, Safe and Sound, and RSPCA Derby & District giving over 180 hours of volunteer time and supporting with sponsorships, fundraising, facilitated donations and free space in-centre.

Beth McDonald, Managing Director at Derbion, commented: “After such a successful first year of Derbion Cares, we’re proud to announce Children First Derby as our charity partner for 2023. We’re excited to have the opportunity to work closely with Children First Derby to create a series of impactful activations that will benefit the charity, young people and families in the wider Derby community.

“Our Derbion Cares Committee were keen to support a local organisation that focuses on tackling some of the key issues facing our community – focusing on helping children and families, we believe we can help Children First Derby make an even bigger impact over the year ahead.”

Louise Webb, Fundraising Coordinator at Children First Derby, said: “Our primary focus is to support the most vulnerable people in local community, and we’re confident that the support from the Derbion Cares initiative will give us a fantastic opportunity to fulfil this objective, while helping to raise awareness about the vital work Children First Derby does.”

To find out more about Derbion Cares, please visit www.derbion.com/derbion-cares/

Children First Derby is celebrating today after being awarded £311,618 in funding, over five years, from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Children First Derby is a local charity that works with vulnerable children, young people, and their families, to make a positive impact on their lives. Children First Derby will use the funding to enhance their highly effective community Family Support Service, which they have been delivering since 2015.

The service provides early intervention support to vulnerable families with children up to the age of 18, in the most deprived areas of Derby, designed to remove the need for Social Care intervention.

Irshad Baqui, CEO, Children First Derby said: “Families need support for many reasons and may struggle to cope due to family breakdown, mental health issues, social isolation, or children’s challenging behaviour.

This new National Lottery funding will allow us to enhance our service which aims to support families to move forward positively with their lives. Our support is child-centred, holistic and based on recognised good practice. We focus on improving family relationships, building resilience, reducing mental health issues, and facilitating connections with appropriate community support networks.”

In addition to providing one to one support to vulnerable children and families, Children First Derby offer several parental support workshops which provide practical and constructive guidance to help families address the challenges they face.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities to prosper and thrive. 

Fred Jacques, Chair of Trustees, Children First Derby explained, “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can help even more families that need to access our vital services. The pandemic has intensified the situation for vulnerable families in the area and we are finding more families facing challenges due to increased isolation and loneliness and in the absence of the support from wider family networks. A significant number of parents and carers are experiencing mental health issues and another major area has been behaviour management, mainly due to children’s anxiety and isolation. All this has meant that the demand for the service has significantly increased, and the type of support needed has also changed. This funding will make a big difference to people’s lives.”

During the pandemic, in 2020 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed almost £1 billion to charities and community organisations across the UK.