With the final week before Christmas always comes the Derby County Community Trust’s Annual Report, which this year details a year truly like no other.
Changing rules and regulations, lockdowns and tier systems have meant the Community Trust’s sessions have had to constantly adapt to deliver to those who are part of their network.
Despite all the adversity faced, the magnitude of the statistics reported has not been changed.
Since March, the Community Trust has delivered a staggering 545,005 minutes of virtual activity, equating to over a year of ‘real life’ time. Over 7,500 participants have engaged with these online sessions.
Alongside this, their support for schools across the county has not changed, and despite all the new rules in place, activity has been adapted safely to still support over 10,000 pupils.
The Trust’s own learners were also welcomed back to lessons safely in September, where their largest ever cohorts got their studies underway.
A brand-new Tackling Loneliness Together project was launched to support those who may live alone, or be more isolated as a result of the pandemic.
Whilst adapting their existing sessions, the Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected. project has been jointly run by club and Trust to support other gaps and demand in Derby.
The success of the food donation hub at Pride Park has been incredible, with fans and supporters doing their bit to make a difference in the most difficult times.
Throughout the height of the original lockdown, the Derby County Community Trust were able to lend their offices to NHS teams to continue to allow their appointments to run safely.
The Community Trust’s Active Recovery participants were also invited to take part in an incredible opportunity, to launch the third kit for the 2021/21 season and raise awareness around breast cancer.
Simon Carnall, Head of Community, said: “When I look back at the last nine months, I look back with real pride at the work we’ve done, but also at the way we have worked with the football club to be at the centre of the city’s response.
“The work of the Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected. initiative will have a legacy in the city for years to come.
“There is brilliant work being done, but there’s lots more to do, and I think we’re in a good place.”
The work of the Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected. project will be running up until Christmas, with staff from football club and Trust preparing, cooking and delivering over 500 meals to those across Derby who are isolated this week.
A holiday hunger project will also be in place over the festive break, thanks to the campaign of Marcus Rashford MBE, which the Community Trust are proud to deliver on.
To read the full report, detailing the highs and lows of a year that no one could have expected, please see: derbycountycommunitytrust.com/about/annual-reports.