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Bright futures luncheon 2025

What a fantastic afternoon we had at our luncheon last week! Surrounded by wonderful company, meaningful conversations, delicious food, and glorious weather — it truly was a memorable event.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thanks to our inspiring patron, Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, for sharing her incredible journey and unwavering support for Children First Derby.

In addition to showcasing our services that support vulnerable children, young people and families, we had some powerful recorded testimonies from three of our service users that showed the positive impact the support extended has had on their lives.

The event also gave us the opportunity to show our appreciation by presenting long service awards to two members of our staff Anne Marie and Carina, Manager and Deputy Manager of the Supervised Family Time Service.

Thank you to our amazing staff!

We’re so grateful to our generous supporters:

Arctic cabins – for sponsoring the event
Merchants Jewellers – for donating the stunning raffle prizes
Kings Office Supplies – for the delightful goody bags
Breadsall Priory – for hosting us so graciously and providing such warm hospitality
Passion Flowers Derby – for the amazing flowers

Thank you all for making this event such a success!

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June 2025 Update

Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter! We’re excited to bring you the latest updates, insights, and stories from our Charity.

Let’s dive into what’s new and noteworthy!

We have received a number of donations from wonderful companies and organisations, some including Freemasons Derby and Zaytouna Primary School.

We would like to say a big thank you and extend our gratitude to all of those who have donated. Not only does it help our Charity, but it helps those in need.

Having donations and support helps us improve our services to support vulnerable children, young people and families in the community.

We’re excited to extend a warm welcome to Noor, our new PR & Marketing Coordinator!

Noor joins us as Daniel’s replacement and is already diving into the role, working closely with the team to help showcase who we are, what we do, and how we can best communicate with our stakeholders and service users.

“I’m looking forward to working at Children’s First and joining the team. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. I’m excited to bring my ideas and creativity to the business.”

We’re confident Noor will be a valuable addition and will play a key role in helping us grow and move forward.

 

Our Bright Futures Luncheon is right around the corner. With a delicious 2 course meal, a special guest speaker, raffle prizes and a lot of fun! We are excited for you to join us and support a good cause.

If you have any queries, please contact Bella – bella.kelsey@childrenfirstderby.co.uk

Look out for our social media posts for updates and to hear about the big day!

The newly installed High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Sir Richard FitzHerbert and his wife Fiona yesterday visited Children First Derby and met with Gina Repton – Acting Chair, Amanda Strong – Trustee along with Irshad Baqui – CEO. 

During their visit they took great interest in our work and were keen to support in any way possible.  We’re incredibly grateful for their support, their involvement will not only raise vital awareness of our work but also help us build stronger connections across the community.

Their advocacy empowers us to reach more people, make a bigger impact, and continue delivering the support that’s needed most. Thank you for standing with us!

Thank you for all of your support towards our Charity! We appreciate all of the help and donations.

Allowing us to support vulnerable children, young people and families in the community.

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Young Voices Making a Difference: A Powerful Meeting with Local MPs

Recently, a group of passionate young people came together for an inspiring and impactful meeting with local MPs Baggy Shankar and Kathrine Atkinson. The group was made up with members of our youth forum and young individuals involved in the Anti Bullying campaign.

The meeting was a resounding success. The young attendees were not only grateful for the opportunity to be heard but were also pleasantly surprised by how approachable and understanding both MPs were. Many commented on how easy it was to talk to them and how seriously their concerns were taken.

Throughout the session, a wide range of topics were discussed. Some bravely shared personal experiences of being bullied, while others spoke about witnessing bullying and the challenges that come with standing up for themselves and others. It was a safe and supportive environment where everyone’s voices were heard.

One of the most exciting outcomes of the meeting was the invitation extended by the MPs — they welcomed the young people to visit the Houses of Parliament in London. This generous offer not only acknowledges the importance of their work but also encourages them to continue using their voices for positive change.

This meeting was a shining example of what can happen when young people are empowered to speak up and when leaders are willing to listen.

Make a Donation
Days
Hours
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What is the big give?

The Big Give is a match funding platform dedicated to making it easy for the public and funders to give to impactful charities. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign and we need your support so we can continue supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Reach for wellbeing

We will deliver two 8 week programmes that will cover the following areas:: Mental Health – Exercise – Social connections – Cooking – Confidence – Compare and despair – Solitude and loneliness – Sleep – A celebratory meal to conclude. After which the cohort will be encouraged to join a weekly Peer Support Group of like-minded individuals and benefit from group activities. Each programme will accommodate 12 participants per programme and will support 24 parents over the year. .

Meet leopold: Children Firsts very own worry monster

Children first have launched the hugely requested ‘Listening Lion’ as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

‘Leopold the Listening Lion’, named after the road Children First Derbys centre is based on. Leopold Street.

They are available to children that the charity support and who may need help with their mental health and wellbeing.

Leopold The Listening Lion is very similar to a worry monster. Children will be able to draw or write down any worries they may have on a piece of paper which can then be fed into Leopold’s zip on his back, where he will ‘eat the worries away’.

Our fundraising Coordinator Bella Kelsey had this to say “Leopold will provide children with a way to express and cope with their feelings and any fears or anxiety.

We have previously used worry monsters successfully when working with families and after many requests decided it was time to time to launch our own mascot that children will become familiar with and use him in a similar way.

Matt at ‘Simply Uniform’ kindly donated the first 50 Listening Lions.

The Lions will be available to buy for £25, or you individuals and businesses can sponsor a Lion which can be given to a child in need

Please scan here to purchase:

Children First derby receive The High Sheriff of Derbyshire’s Award

Children First Derby had the honour of receiving The High Sheriff of Derbyshire‘s Award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community, at a ceremony held at Derbyshire County Cricket Club on 13 March 2025.

 
In his commendation Ian Morgan OBE FCILT, The High Sheriff of Derbyshire said: “I had visited Children First Derby over the last year and was very impressed by the valuable work they have been delivering over the last 50 years through their three services supporting children, young people and families in Derby and Derbyshire”.
The award was received on behalf of Children First Derby by 🔷Amanda Strong, our Trustee, accompanied by Irshad Baqui CEO, at a ceremony that celebrated and recognised the contribution of individuals as well as community and voluntary sector organisations in enhancing the life of the Derbyshire community.

Make a Donation
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

What is the big give?

The Big Give is a match funding platform dedicated to making it easy for the public and funders to give to impactful charities. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign and we need your support so we can continue supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Reach for wellbeing

We will deliver two 8 week programmes that will cover the following areas:: Mental Health – Exercise – Social connections – Cooking – Confidence – Compare and despair – Solitude and loneliness – Sleep – A celebratory meal to conclude. After which the cohort will be encouraged to join a weekly Peer Support Group of like-minded individuals and benefit from group activities. Each programme will accommodate 12 participants per programme and will support 24 parents over the year. .

Family Support Group activities

We run free workshops for parents/carers throughout the year. These include:

Autism Workshop:

8 Week workshop supporting parents pre or post diagnosis. Each session will cover a different topic with the aim of increasing understanding of a child’s perception of the world. It also provides the opportunity to meet other people in a similar position and hear about their experiences in an informal but supportive atmosphere.

Positive Parenting Programme:

5-week programme to provide parents/carers with practical strategies and techniques for promoting positive behaviour in their children.

Reach For Wellbeing Workshop:

8 week programme offering a holistic approach to addressing the mental health and wellbeing needs of individuals. It provides guidance on general health and wellbeing, develop practical skills and establish social support networks. 

Meeting with Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner about our Anti-Bullying Campaign

Irshad Baqui, Chief Executive and Kerreene Davidson, Mentoring Services Manager met Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner at Derbyshire Police Headquarters in Ripley this morning.
Irshad introduced Children First Derby and spoke about the work and the three services of the charity that support vulnerable children, young people and families in the city.
Kerreene then spoke in more detail about the Mentoring Service and delivered a presentation about the Anti-Bullying Campaign that ran towards the end of last year, led by the young people we support. She spoke about the success of the Campaign and the awareness it had managed to raise about the effects of bullying amongst the young people, the schools and other key stakeholders in the city.
Nicolle thanked the team for their work, which she felt was critical in ensuring that vulnerable children and young people are helped and supported to make decisions that would positively impact on their lives. She fully backed the Anti-Bullying Campaign and committed to raise and support the work through her offices.
 
Make a Donation
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

What is the big give?

The Big Give is a match funding platform dedicated to making it easy for the public and funders to give to impactful charities. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign and we need your support so we can continue supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Reach for wellbeing

We will deliver two 8 week programmes that will cover the following areas:: Mental Health – Exercise – Social connections – Cooking – Confidence – Compare and despair – Solitude and loneliness – Sleep – A celebratory meal to conclude. After which the cohort will be encouraged to join a weekly Peer Support Group of like-minded individuals and benefit from group activities. Each programme will accommodate 12 participants per programme and will support 24 parents over the year. .

Baggy Shankar MP & Catherine Atkinson MP visit children first debry

Members of Parliament for Derby, Baggy Shanker MP for Derby South and Catherine Atkinson MP for Derby North visited Children First Derby on Friday 10 January to show their support for our Anti-Bullying Campaign.
Gina Repton, Trustee and Irshad Baqui, Chief Executive welcomed the visitors and spoke about the work and the contribution of the charity over the last 50 years, and how it continues to support vulnerable children, young people and families in the city through its three services.
Kerreene Davidson and Laura Horsley then gave a presentation about the Anti-Bullying Campaign that was delivered by the Mentoring Service and led by the young people we support. They spoke about the success of the Campaign and the awareness it had managed to raise about the effects of bullying amongst the young people, the schools and other key stakeholders in the city.
Baggy and Catherine were impressed by what the Campaign had achieved and were keen to meet with our Youth Forum and to visit the schools where our Anti-Bullying sculpture will be on display over the next few months.
Anti-Bullying Alliance Derby City Council Artcore UK Allegiance Jiu Jitsu Academy Derbyshire Constabulary POST, UK Parliament Roger Dale
 
Make a Donation
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

What is the big give?

The Big Give is a match funding platform dedicated to making it easy for the public and funders to give to impactful charities. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign and we need your support so we can continue supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Reach for wellbeing

We will deliver two 8 week programmes that will cover the following areas:: Mental Health – Exercise – Social connections – Cooking – Confidence – Compare and despair – Solitude and loneliness – Sleep – A celebratory meal to conclude. After which the cohort will be encouraged to join a weekly Peer Support Group of like-minded individuals and benefit from group activities. Each programme will accommodate 12 participants per programme and will support 24 parents over the year. .

Children First Derby Welcomes New Fundraising Coordinator

🌟 Meet Bella Kelsey, our new Fundraising Coordinator! 🌟

With a passion for connecting people and causes, Bella plays a key role in helping us raise the support needed to make a meaningful impact. From organising fundraising events to building lasting relationships with donors, their commitment ensures that we’re able to turn generosity into action.

Previous to this Bella was an Operations Coordinator in the social housing sector, Bella has said she has a passion for helping people, making a difference and has always wanted to work in the third sector.

We are very happy to have Bella onboard and look forward to the journey that’s to come, Let’s work together to create positive change! 💫

Make a Donation
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

What is the big give?

The Big Give is a match funding platform dedicated to making it easy for the public and funders to give to impactful charities. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign and we need your support so we can continue supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Reach for wellbeing

We will deliver two 8 week programmes that will cover the following areas:: Mental Health – Exercise – Social connections – Cooking – Confidence – Compare and despair – Solitude and loneliness – Sleep – A celebratory meal to conclude. After which the cohort will be encouraged to join a weekly Peer Support Group of like-minded individuals and benefit from group activities. Each programme will accommodate 12 participants per programme and will support 24 parents over the year. .

Christmas Presents Appeal: A Heartwarming Success

This year’s Christmas Presents Appeal has been an overwhelming success, and we are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support from local businesses. The generosity and kindness shown by our community have been truly heartwarming, making a significant difference in the lives of families who are struggling during what should be a joyful time of year.

Thanks to the incredible support from local businesses, we have been able to ensure that every child we support receives a gift this Christmas. In many cases, we’ve been able to provide presents for siblings as well, making the holiday season a little brighter for entire families. The level of involvement from businesses has been nothing short of amazing, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.

In addition to gifts, many businesses have generously donated funds, allowing us to provide supermarket vouchers to families in need. This support has been vital in helping struggling families put food on the table and ensure they can enjoy a meal together this Christmas. For many, this gesture has made all the difference, easing the burden of financial stress and allowing them to focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

One example of how this support has impacted lives is the story of a mother who was referred to our family support service after experiencing financial hardship due to domestic violence and separation. She has two young children, ages 4 and 7, and this Christmas, thanks to the generosity of our donors, she was able to give them each a present. In addition, they received a supermarket voucher, ensuring her family could enjoy a festive meal and have something to look forward to in the New Year.

We are truly thankful for the overwhelming support of our local businesses, and for the trust our community has placed in us to make this Christmas special for families in need. The impact of their contributions will be felt long after the holiday season, and we are honored to be able to share in the joy and warmth they have brought to others this Christmas. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this season a little brighter for those who need it most.

We would like to thank the following businesses who have supported during this campaign: Pladis Global, Arctic Cabins, Unite The Union, ALSTOM, Dunelm Derby Community Support, Turner & Townsend, Rothera Bray Solicitors, CJH Solicitors, DHU Health Care CIC, Holly Jayne hair. AM2PM Recruitment, Nuffield Health, National Gas Services, JNC Landscape Gardening, Network Plus, Esker, Futaba Manufacturing U.K., Allestree Library, Noel Baker School, Huber Parking and many more.
Make a Donation
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

What is the big give?

The Big Give is a match funding platform dedicated to making it easy for the public and funders to give to impactful charities. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign and we need your support so we can continue supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Reach for wellbeing

We will deliver two 8 week programmes that will cover the following areas:: Mental Health – Exercise – Social connections – Cooking – Confidence – Compare and despair – Solitude and loneliness – Sleep – A celebratory meal to conclude. After which the cohort will be encouraged to join a weekly Peer Support Group of like-minded individuals and benefit from group activities. Each programme will accommodate 12 participants per programme and will support 24 parents over the year. .