A MAJOR initiative has been launched to ensure businesses across Derbyshire’s High Peak now have even greater opportunity to work more closely with some of our area’s leading voluntary groups.
The new ‘Helping out the High Peak’ scheme has been established by High Peak Community and Voluntary Support (CVS) after receiving financial support from the Severn Trent Community Fund.
It will ‘match-make’ companies of all sizes throughout the High Peak who want to put something back into their community.
The Helping out the High Peak initiative will be run by High Peak CVS’s recently appointed Business Engagement Officer, Andy Hamill, who is now actively looking to sign up businesses wishing to participate.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for small and medium-sized companies to foster relationships with community groups which could directly result in increased brand recognition and greater customer loyalty,” said Andy.
“In time, it’s hoped that a spirit of mutual support will underpin this new initiative which will bring universal benefits.
“On a daily basis, High Peak CVS works with some outstanding community groups who rest at the heart of our area’s wellbeing in a host of different ways, and this scheme will also ensure their continued success.”
Andy is initially contacting companies across Buxton, Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith to discuss potential ways to collaborate.
“It might be that businesses are able to provide free legal, accountancy or HR advice or they might simply be able to offer photocopying or printing services,” continued Andy.
“Alternatively, they might have a meeting room that’s unoccupied for a part of the day that they wouldn’t mind being used occasionally by a community group or a member of staff that could spare an hour or two to carry out a much-needed repair.
“In honesty, there are many different ways that businesses of all sizes can get involved with Helping out the High Peak that will be transformative for those groups – as well as our wider community.”
Andy brings 30 years’ experience to his new part-time role with High Peak CVS and he also works as the National Director of the National Association of Boys & Girls Clubs (UK), a role he took in April 2020 after 22 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester.
The father-of-two grown up children lives in Buxton and is also part of the leadership team of the Church in the Peak.
Severn Trent is supporting local charities and community group with over £20 million in the ten years from 2020 – helping to make a real and tangible difference to the wellbeing in our communities.
Sue Heyes, Community Fund Officer at Severn Trent, said: “The Helping out the High Peak initiative is a brilliant example of how strong partnerships can make a real difference to local communities.
“High Peak CVS does outstanding work at the heart of the community and this scheme builds on that by helping community groups access skills, time and resources that can be transformational for their day‑to‑day work.
“Helping out the High Peak captures exactly what the Severn Trent Community Fund is about, empowering local people, supporting great ideas and helping communities to thrive.”
To take part in Helping out the High Peak email Andy on Andrew@highpeakcvs.org.uk .
