Community Buildings Advisory Service

We support a network of around 280 community buildings across Derbyshire, providing information, training and advice that they wouldn’t be able to access without our help. During the pandemic, we sent out 24 e-bulletins and presented eight online training sessions to guide committees through an incredibly difficult time, as many had to close their doors and were unsure of how to proceed.

“I always think, ‘Where would I go for help if I didn’t have RAD?’ Helena Stubbs, the Community Buildings Adviser, is very professional and knows what she’s talking about.” - TS, Community Building Committee Member

Community Oil Buying

Almost 20% of properties in Derbyshire aren't connected to the main gas network, meaning many residents rely on oil or LPG to heat their homes, with fuel prices and accessibility varying drastically. We help to increase the affordability of this fuel for around 600 of our Community Oil Buying members, making purchases in bulk to negotiate a better price - saving our customers around £40,000 a year.  

"Thank you for the work you do. I have found ordering through your scheme so much easier than ringing around companies myself each time I needed oil. I have had no hesitation recommending RAD to my neighbours.” - JE, Ashover

Digital Inclusion

We have delivered training to over 70 service users, helping them to feel confident about using technology in an increasingly digital world - reducing social isolation and loneliness, and boosting access to learning, work, and training opportunities.

“It is wonderful to have someone who can help me out with the internet.” - LC, digital inclusion beneficiary

Feeding Derbyshire

Through our batch cook project, we helped to support 11 community cooking groups to cook hot, healthy meals for the vulnerable during the height of the pandemic. Within the first year of its inception, this project supplied over 3.7 tonnes of food. This resulted in over 163,500 nutritious meals being distributed to those in need in Derbyshire, at an average cost of just 91 pence per meal.

“It’s lovely to have a hot meal delivered to me every week whatever the weather. It’s always freshly cooked and nutritious. Thank you.” - JM, Batch Cook Recipient

Suicide Awareness

We delivered training to 196 people via 16 training sessions in 2019-2020, with 100% rating the courses as “good” or “very good”, helping to increase their knowledge and understanding of suicide prevention.

"Brilliant training on suicide awareness from Rural Action Derbyshire. Learned a lot that I can put to use if it's ever needed. Would highly recommend to anyone." - LO, Training Attendee

The Willow Project

We commissioned short film The Willows to highlight the issue of rural domestic abuse, and have conducted around 20 online training sessions to inform people of the signs of the abuse and provide advice on how they can help those who may be in need.

"Domestic abuse is a difficult topic to address but the style and way it was presented enhanced my learning in what I felt was a very safe environment. The delivery was pitched at the right level and there was enough time to absorb the information and ask questions." - DC, Training Attendee

Wheels to Work

After leaving the Wheels to Work scheme, 75% of the clients are in the same job as they were when they started on the scheme, 92% feel they have more independence and 80% feel that they have better life chances. 

“I wouldn’t be able to do this job if I didn’t have support from Wheels to Work. I’ve got my independence back thanks to their help.” - SG, W2W Beneficiary