Social isolation in Derbyshire, is set to be tackled head-on after funding was awarded to a new community-led scheme by the Mayor of the East Midlands.
The funding, totalling £224,307, has been awarded to social enterprise Parkside High from the Mayor’s £3 million Community Development Fund, delivered through the East Midlands Combined County Authority. The investment will support the development of Future Cotmanhay, a programme designed to help residents connect, collaborate and build long-term resilience.
Cotmanhay is one of 10 neighbourhoods across the EMCCA region selected for targeted investment after being identified as facing high levels of disadvantage, alongside having fewer community and voluntary organisations compared with other areas.
Each of the selected neighbourhoods has been awarded up to £300,000 to support community-led projects focused on building skills, strengthening local resilience and empowering residents to play a leading role in shaping the future of their area.
The Mayor’s Community Development Fund aims to support inclusive economic growth, tackle inequality and ensure communities most affected by social and economic challenges are not left behind.
Future Cotmanhay is structured around three key themes:
- Improving communications to build trust
- Increasing resident participation to strengthen community voice and agency
- Expanding opportunities through volunteering and skills development
A major element of the scheme will be the launch of the Cotmanhay Community Assembly, bringing residents together to discuss local issues, share information, make collective decisions and strengthen relationships across the neighbourhood.
The project will also introduce Cotmanhay News, a community publication to be delivered to every household three times a year. The aim is to ensure residents feel better informed, more connected and able to engage with opportunities and support available in the area.
To help residents manage the ongoing cost of living pressures, the scheme will distribute around 1,200 warm space resources, including clothing and draft excluders, supporting households to stay warm and reduce energy costs.
The project will also support the Cotmanhay Community Wharf outdoor space, improving access and encouraging local participation. This element of the programme aims to create and fill 30 voluntary opportunities, helping residents gain experience, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging.
In addition to the Future Cotmanhay funding, Softclue Data Empowerment has been awarded £22,400 to deliver its Softclue Community Program in Cotmanhay.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:
“Cotmanhay residents know their community better than anyone, and this funding is about giving them the tools and support to lead change locally. By empowering people to come together, share ideas, and take action, we can tackle isolation and create a stronger, more connected neighbourhood for everyone.
“By supporting community-led projects like this one, we’re building stronger, healthier neighbourhoods, boosting pride in place, and making sure everyone across our region has the chance to share in its future.”
By putting funding directly into the hands of community organisations, the Mayor of the East Midlands’ Community Development Fund is supporting long-term, sustainable change driven by local people.
The investment in Cotmanhay represents a significant step towards tackling social isolation, digital exclusion and economic disadvantage in Derbyshire, while empowering residents to help shape a stronger and more connected future for their neighbourhood.
Image credit: iStock
