As we embark on a new year, the Trust can reflect on a highly successful last 12 months, with some exciting plans in the pipeline for 2023!
Through its various programmes, the Trust engaged with around 200,000 people during 2022.
This included supporting families in need at Christmas. Hampers were given to 500 families, with support from the Department of Education’s Holiday Activity Food (HAF) programme and Chesterfield Cricket Club.
Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal, sponsored by Brett Martin Ltd and supported by various local companies, also ensured that toys worth over £10,000 went to youngsters who would otherwise have missed out.
Commenting on the impressive made by the Trust, chief executive John Croot said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to help families at such a difficult time for everyone and credit goes to staff from the club and the Trust for their hard work which made this possible.
“The Trust just keeps growing and growing. We have budgeted to turnover just under £2million, which is phenomenal, really. There are lots of Trusts in the EFL that are not achieving that.
“The work being done by the passionate and committed staff we have never ceases to amaze me.
“Our social prescribing programme continues to grow, and we’re really excited to be in the running for another national award after being short-listed in the HSJ Awards.”
John pointed out that work being done by the Trust also has benefits for the club. “We’re in more schools than ever and I’m sure that has helped increase the attendances,” he said.
The following list provides a summary of some of the Trust’s activities in 2022:
• Free matchday tickets provided to charities to help with fundraising.
• Pan-Disability sessions in football/multi-sports/craft/dance for children with additional needs.
• Social Prescribing link workers provided support to around 130 children and young people with mental health needs. This included visits to Chatsworth House, the bowling alley and attending Tapton Lock Festival.
• Assisted Easter Egg Appeal for Lifehouse Church.
• Easter Camp Inspire holiday activities programme at Parkside Community School.
• Recovery Football Tournament for people recovering from addiction.
• Launch of women’s walking football sessions.
• Boots on Ground Festival Days in Queen;s Park throughout the summer, helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.
• Launch of Cancer Walking Group.
• Senior Spireites’ day trip to Crich Tramway Museum.
• Anti-social behaviour awareness stall on Chesterfield Market.
• Chesterfield Heritage Week stadium tours.
• Monthly Cancer Support Group meetings.
• Cancer Support Group trip to the seaside.
• PL Primary Girls football tournament.
• Rainbow Laces football fixture, with Mary Swanwick Primary School and Chesterfield College designing shirts for CFC players to wear.
• Warm Space and Feed Chesterfield Together projects, helping families in need.
• Adult Weight Management programme extended to sites across the region.
*The Trust’s annual impact report is due to be released at the end of this month, which will provide a comprehensive summary of the organisation’s activities.
