Latest News | 24 November 2020
Virtual Rams tour for Culture Secretary
Derby County Community Trust recently welcomed Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden for a ‘virtual visit’ to find out more about its project to keep people safe, active and connected through the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Dowden, who is Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, was interested to find out more about the trust’s ‘Stay Safe. Stay Fit. Stay Connected’ scheme.
He joined an online call with Leon Taylor, a trustee and volunteer at the trust, Paul Brookhouse, project manager at Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance and Caroline Spalding, assistant headteacher at The Bemrose School.
The project was initiated by Derby County’s players and manager, who recognised the role that a football has to support its community, particularly during a crisis.
The need for increased supply to the food network became the starting point of the project, which has operated a donation hub at Pride Park Stadium since April.
Mr Dowden’s visit involved a virtual tour of the food network hub in Derby to show how organisations have come together to source and supply food packages to those in need.
Another element of the project that the Secretary of State was keen to learn more about was its youth mental health support, a particular concern for vulnerable pupils.
Caroline said: “Derby County were able to come in and deliver very tailored, specific well-being sessions, alongside our academic approach.
“100% of pupils said it helped them get back into routine and their grades and attendance have continued to rise as a result of the programme.
“I genuinely think the impact of Derby County coming in has been totally different to us delivering these projects ourselves.”
The visit culminated with some discussion on future plans and the project’s legacy beyond the pandemic.
In response to the second lockdown, the weekly food donation hub at Pride Park Stadium has been reinstated and will open every Thursday from 11am to 2pm.
