The Movers and Shakers Community fund is a new fund for local people from Amber Valley. So far, we have distributed a total of £20,000 to 24 individual projects in the borough.
The decision to fund these specific projects was made by The Movers and Shakers Community Panel, a group of six local people from Amber Valley. The panel first got together in July 2024 and spent three months learning about models of participatory grant making and designed this fund based on that learning. To find out more about the Movers and Shakers Community Panel read our blog here.
We hope that each of these amazing projects will kickstart more joy, hope, creativity, and connection in Amber Valley. All the successful projects and a bit more detail about each one is listed below.
If these ideas inspire you, and you have an idea bubbling up that you want to try. Then keep your eyes peeled for the next round of the Movers and Shakers fund, which will open in September 2025. You can find out more about how to apply here.
Many of the Movers & Shakers will be looking to get more people involved in what they’re doing, so if you like what you hear and you want to find out more, please get in touch hello@wearemakeshift.uk
Andrew Martyn Sugars
The Table Top Chaos Club,
Belper
Object based play. Taking a bag of things to established communities with an invitation to take part in 'the table top chaos club'
Anna Sharpe-Jones
SoulGround,
Alfreton
A light-hearted, low-pressure introduction to the beautiful world of clowning; a much-misunderstood concept. An opportunity for adults to enter a space where playtime isn’t just for kids
Deborah Hill
You can Folk it,
Belper
A series of folk-art workshops which will be therapeutic and aim to combat isolation and loneliness
Gareth Hills
Find your own form journaling,
Sawmills
'Find your own form journalling' is a group that will run for 2 hours an evening, once a month, in a workshop in Sawmills. It will focus on making, mental health and social connection
Netty Lou Sumner
Make it Wearable,
Riddings
Hands on, beginner friendly workshops designed to empower participants with the confidence to hand sew, use a sewing machine, repair their own clothing and breathe new life into old garments through upcycling
Rebecca Patrick
Next gen Heanor,
Heanor
Outdoor community cinema screenings created with young people in Heanor
Sarah Dale
Lulla Notes Music Class,
Crich, Ripley & Heanor
Live music classes for caregivers and infants. These sessions aim to provide 45 joyful minutes of inclusive, and enriching musical experiences for adults and children, free from financial barriers
Sarah Ellis
Be the Maker,
Riddings
An opportunity to come together and learn new crafting skills from 5 of our local Derbyshire Makers, with the chance to also engage with others and learn new skills that can be continued after
Sarah Francis
Severn Square project,
Alfreton
Workshops inspired by nature, using natural or recycled materials & creative guidance. Participants will produce items to make a temporary display to brighten up Severn Square for the whole community
Tara Donlon
Chronic crafters,
Alfreton
A craft project for participants to explore or work on their own projects. With group led activities whenever possible, intended to empower individuals who may feel marginalised in society by valuing their contributions and ideas
Tara Bennett
Listen to the land,
Ripley
Using the leyline that runs through Amber Valley to create a poetry trail - so that residents and groups can take a mindful walk, explore both outer and their own inner landscapes through invitations to walk, sit, breathe, feel and listen to the land
WANT TO APPLY IN THE NEXT ROUND?
There will be three rounds of applications. With applications open in Autumn 2024, Spring 2025 and Autumn 2025.
Applications will open for the Autumn 25 round of funding on Saturday 20th September 2025. Details on how to apply will be available nearer the time here.
Many of the Movers & Shakers will be looking to get more people involved in what they’re doing, so if you like what you hear and you want to find out more, please get in touch hello@wearemakeshift.uk