Derby College Group students back Sole Mate campaign helping local children access fitted shoes

For children, properly fitting shoes are about far more than comfort. Ill-fitting footwear can impact posture, movement and long-term physical health, while also affecting confidence and self-esteem. Having shoes that fit well, look good and are chosen with care helps children feel valued, included and able to take part fully in school and everyday life with dignity.

Derby College Group (DCG) students are playing an active role in supporting a new community campaign designed to improve the health, confidence and well-being of disadvantaged children across Derby.

The “Sole Mate” campaign, launched by 58i Small Business Hub, part of social enterprise Enterprising 4 Change, encourages residents and businesses to rethink corporate giving by purchasing gift vouchers that fund high-quality, professionally fitted shoes for children living in poverty.

As part of Derby College Group’s commitment to meaningful employer engagement and real-world learning, DCG has collaborated with campaign partners to provide business support and student involvement. The work has been led by Lorna Edwards, Head of Business and Business Courses at Derby College Group, with students contributing through course activity and work placements.

Two DCG students, Martina Nistorova (17) and Jai Kumar (19), have been directly involved in supporting the campaign as part of their professional development and community engagement. Their work has given them hands-on experience of working with a local social enterprise, while contributing to a campaign that delivers tangible benefits for children and families in the city.

Lorna Edwards, Curriculum Manager for Business at Derby College Group, said: “This campaign has provided a fantastic real-world learning opportunity for our students. Working alongside local social enterprises allows them to develop practical skills, confidence and a strong sense of social responsibility. Martina and Jai have shown real commitment and professionalism, and we’re proud to support a campaign that delivers such a positive impact for children and families in our local community.”

The Sole Mate campaign aims to raise funds through £40, £50 and £60 vouchers, each covering the cost of a new pair of high-quality shoes and a vital professional fitting service. The campaign is supporting children identified by the local charity Global Fund for Jesus, which currently works with more than 120 children across Derby who need suitable footwear.

A specialist children’s shoe shop based on Green Lane in Derby is supplying the shoes and providing professional measuring and fitting to ensure comfort, correct alignment and long-term health benefits.

All campaign partners, are based within Derby’s Arboretum Electoral Ward and the St Peter’s Business Improvement District, areas where child poverty rates remain among the highest in the city.

Jaz Greer, Director of Enterprising 4 Change, said: “For many families, buying new, well-fitting shoes is routine. For hundreds of children in Derby, it simply isn’t. This campaign offers a practical solution that protects children’s health, dignity and confidence, and we’re delighted to be working alongside Derby College Group and its students to deliver that impact.”

Derby College Group continues to work closely with local employers, charities and social enterprises to ensure students gain meaningful experience while contributing positively to the communities they live and learn in.

To support the Sole Mate campaign, visit www.58i.co.uk/sole-mate or contact Jaz Greer on 07958 930844 or jaz @ 58i.co.uk.