Rural Action Derbyshire

03/06/2026

It's not you, it's us!

If you're struggling to get through to us today, then we apologise! We're having some technical issues with our phone lines (3rd June), so if you need to get in touch, email:

[email protected]

Or if it's an urgent matter, call:
07745 327 198
(Until 3pm today)

Thank you for your patience!

29/05/2026

🎧 The Willow Project Podcast Is Back! 🎧

After a short hiatus, Beyond the Silence returns, with Michelle, our Willow Project Officer, hosting her first podcast episode!

Season 2, Episode 4 is now live!

This episode explores a powerful question:👉 Step in or stand by?

Joined by Emily Brailsford, Michelle unpacks bystander theory, what it means, what stops us from acting, and how we can all become more confident active bystanders, especially in rural communities where “minding your own business” can feel like the norm.

These conversations matter.💚

👉🏽 Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6h27RE37ZhsXM5fbd2deLF...

Beyond The Silence · Episode

27/05/2026

🚨Heads up, email scam doing the rounds 🚨

We’ve been made aware of fraudulent emails circulating more widely.
👉 Be cautious of unexpected emails
👉 Don’t click links or open attachments
👉 Double-check who the email is really from
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and delete it.

Stay safe and spread the word

We're asking you to beware of a scam email currently circulating.
The scam claims that households may receive a visit to check their smoke alarms, and that those without a working alarm will be charged £500.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service does not charge for home fire safety visits (Safe and Well visits) or any of the equipment fitted as part of these visits, including smoke alarms.
Avoid engaging with suspicious emails and report any concerns to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Please also share the warning with friends, family and neighbours.

26/05/2026

📣 Funding opportunity for Derbyshire organisations

Digital Support Derbyshire has launched a new round of small grants, with £5,000–£10,000 available to support projects tackling digital exclusion across the county.

Applications open 25 May 2026 and close 30 June 2026 (1pm), with projects starting on 1 October.

We’re inviting voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups to apply. Funding can support activities like one-to-one digital help, NHS App skills, training Digital Champions, and reaching people who are currently excluded or isolated.

There are also bookable 1:1 support sessions available on 3 June to help you shape your proposal.

Find out more, download the guidance, and apply here:


For questions or to book a support session, contact

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26/05/2026

🌿 **We’re Hiring: Rural Community Development Officer** 🌿

Are you passionate about supporting rural communities and making a real difference? Rural Action Derbyshire is looking for an experienced and motivated individual to help deliver affordable housing initiatives, strengthen community buildings, and promote sustainability across Derbyshire.

You’ll work closely with community groups, parish and town councils, and local partners to build resilient, thriving rural communities.

If you’re a confident communicator with community development experience, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 Apply now:

18/05/2026

🌟 Help us secure £5,000 for our rural communities! 🌟
We’ve got an exciting opportunity to win £5,000 to support our work and we need your help!
We’ve been entered into a Health & Wellbeing special draw, where 10 charities will each win £5,000. The best part?
👉 The more nominations we receive, the higher our chances of winning!
💙 How you can help
It only takes a minute to make a big difference: Nominate us using the link below.
✅ Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to do the same
🗓️ Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 24th May
Every nomination brings us closer to securing vital funding to support our rural communities. Thank you so much for your support 💚

https://movementforgood.com/draws/special/health-wellbeing?cn=1061531&ct=health&i=1779109622-22909.jpg&utm_source=holiday+card&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=M4G2025card&utm_id=M4G2025card

14/05/2026

THE WILLOW BLOGS: “The Wounds People Don’t Always See”

Many of the deepest impacts of domestic abuse aren’t visible. This blog by Michelle Grosse explores the lasting mental health effects - especially in rural communities - and why support matters.

Shared this Mental Health Awareness Week to raise understanding and remind people they’re not alone.

👉 Read more:

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14/05/2026

🌟 Celebrating the people who keep our communities strong 🌟

Rural Action Derbyshire is looking forward to attending this special service at Derby Cathedral, hosted by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and The Dean of Derby, celebrating volunteers and trustees across the county.

This year shines a light on trustees—the often unseen volunteers whose leadership is vital to charities and community groups.

📅 Sunday 7 June | ⏰ 2:30pm | 📍 Derby Cathedral

Find out more and book your place:
👉

07/05/2026

RAD NEWS ARTICLE: 'RAD Supporting New Heating Fuel Fund'

Many Derbyshire households rely on heating oil or LPG to keep warm, and rising fuel costs are placing real pressure on those already struggling.

In our latest article, we explain how a new fund from Derbyshire County Council is helping vulnerable residents who live off the mains gas network — and the role Rural Action Derbyshire is playing in delivering this vital support.

We outline who the fund is for, how eligibility is assessed, what support may be available, and how the application process works. We also share how successful applicants will be supported through RAD’s Community Oil Buying Scheme, helping ensure fuel reaches households when it’s needed most.

If you or someone you support relies on heating oil or LPG, this is important information to read and share.

👉 Read the full article and find out more:
https://ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk/rad-supports-new-heating-fuel-fund/