Community News 2025 03 10

Speak up for nature
There's still time to speak up for nature and have your say on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Derby and Derbyshire (LNRS).

We've already received more than 230 responses to our public consultation about the plan which sets out how councils, businesses, landowners, land managers and other organisations will work together in the future to make sure nature and habitats on our doorsteps can thrive and survive.

When nature thrives we all benefit, and you can make your views known by filling in our consultation online, or if you're in the Glossop area on Monday (10 March) or Swadlincote on Wednesday (12 March) look out for the team at our final two LNRS consultation events. They'll be at Manor Park, Glossop, and Sharpe's Pottery Museum in Swadlincote from 10am-4pm.

School places offered
Is your child going up to secondary school this September?

We offered secondary school places to almost 9,000 parents across Derbyshire on National Offer Day last week and 95.6% got their first preference.

Anyone who hasn't already made an application should do so urgently

Almost every parent in Derbyshire made their secondary school application online by visiting our website.

Parents who have applied for places at infant, primary or junior schools for their child will be notified on Wednesday 16 April 2025.

Step forward for waste treatment facility
Three waste management firms have been selected to progress to the next stage of the procurement process for a contract to fix and operate the Sinfin Waste Treatment Centre in Derby.

This marks a significant step in our joint project with Derby City Council to secure a long-term waste management solution for Derby and Derbyshire, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and value for residents.

New social hub launched
With our support, a café in Chesterfield has launched a new social hub for residents with learning disabilities and autism.

Board & Bean now offers a welcoming space for residents to meet new people and build their confidence and social skills through playing games of all types and genres.

After being approached by the Derbyshire's Community Connectors Service, owners Andy, Clint and John were supported to launch a social hub shortly after opening in December last year.

Community Connectors support people with disabilities and autism to help them create connections in their local community, explore their interests, increase social activities and gain valuable skills.

Events for unpaid carers
If you're an unpaid carer, did you know there are lots of activities, training and events which are free for you to take part in this month?

Online events include things like manual handling, hospital discharge and carers' assessments. There are also sessions on gardening, meditation, chair-based yoga, men's chat and reading. And carers' support groups are held around the county in person.

Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service – which is delivered by Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) on our behalf – includes support, planning, financial advice and social activities.

To access the events and activities, you'll need to be registered with DCA.

Follow DCA on Facebook and X for news, updates, and events.

Give electricals a new lease of life
Have you got any broken electricals lurking in the back of the cupboard?

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be reused or recycled.

Why not pop along to one of Derbyshire's 22 Repair Cafes to see if yours can be mended.