£220k town hall lifeline as funds axe hits volunteers

Credit: EVA

A vital community hub that is Erewash’s second to be hit by county council cuts has seen Erewash Borough Council step in with £220,000 to help secure its future.

Erewash Voluntary Action is crucial to supporting more than 400 local groups and organisations but faced being severely impacted by Derbyshire County Council removing critical funding.

The cut sparked a plea for help to Erewash Borough Council, which just months ago acted to save Cotmanhay Community Network – another local hub left reeling by the county reducing essential support.

A report to town hall leader James Dawson and his cabinet described how Erewash Voluntary Action plays a “key role” in co-ordinating the hundreds of caring locals who dedicate their spare time to helping others.

The senior elected members – who form what is known as the Council Executive – voted for the authority to provide £220,000 over the next two years so the help and support for those working tirelessly to improve people’s lives can continue.

The money will be allocated from the Erewash Investment Fund – which the council has set up to give a £6.5million boost to local communities.

Erewash Voluntary Action is described as a “cornerstone of the community”. Its Long Eaton HQ in Granville Avenue is used as a base by many organisations and charities. They include social enterprises and community initiatives – many of which work with vulnerable residents such as those with mental health issues or who are at risk of loneliness.

In the last year Erewash Voluntary Action handled almost 10,000 inquiries. Its annual report said: “Demand for support has risen significantly in the last five years, particularly around mental health, loneliness, health inequalities, digital exclusion, community transport and support for small grassroots groups.”

Erewash’s Deputy Leader Cllr Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “This is an organisation doing fantastic work in our community. Derbyshire County Council’s funding for it dates back 20 years and it is heartbreaking that this support has been removed.

“Let’s not forget also that when it comes to council tax it is the county that takes the lion’s share – which it is looking to hike by almost five per cent.

“Although the borough council is planning a zero per cent rise we could not stand idly by while seeing the local voluntary sector suffer. This has forced us to come to the rescue – something we are in a position to do only thanks to our past financial prudence.”

Erewash Voluntary Action’s chief executive James Bromley said: “This funding announcement is fantastic news for us. The borough council’s support for the voluntary sector across Erewash has been unwavering – and we are so grateful.”

Unsung aspects of his organisation’s work include support for initiatives to help local people cope with bereavement. The Bottle Kiln café in West Hallam was the venue for a session called “Your Journey with Grief”. It was co-hosted in the eaterie’s Secret Garden by Julie Waite, who runs the Bereavement Hub at Erewash Museum.

A grateful attendee said: “I lost my husband just six weeks ago and I didn’t think I could even leave the house today. But I’m so glad I came. It has really helped with everyone being so gentle and reassuring with me.”