Creating a Hub of Community Empowerment: Co-create a Shared Space for Chesterfield
In the centre of Chesterfield, a vision is taking shape—one that promises to transform the landscape of community engagement and support. Community organisations, volunteers, and local groups are coming together to champion the creation of a flexible community and co-working space right in the heart of Chesterfield with Derbyshire Voluntary Action.
The need for such a space has long been voiced by community organizations, who have identified a gap in the infrastructure needed to support, promote, and empower the local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. This shared space aims to be a vibrant hub that fosters collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, catering to a diverse range of needs and activities.
Proposed features of the shared space include:
Offices for partners and VCSE groups: Providing a dedicated workspace for organisations to collaborate and coordinate their efforts more effectively.
Workshops and consultations: Offering a platform for knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and strategic planning to drive positive change in the community, and share in the expertise that Derbyshire Voluntary Action has already established.
Meeting and training spaces: Equipped with facilities to host meetings, seminars, and training sessions for both professionals and volunteers.
Community café: A welcoming space where people can come together, socialise, and share ideas over a cup of coffee or a hearty meal.
Activity spaces: Catering to a variety of interests and pursuits, from art and craft workshops to fitness classes and group activities.
Play space for families: Providing a safe and stimulating environment for children to play, learn, and interact with others.
Space for arts and creativity: Focusing on health and well-being promotion through creative expression and cultural enrichment.
The creation of such a space has the potential to catalyse positive change on multiple fronts. Not only will it provide much-needed infrastructure to support the work of local community organisations, but it will also serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals and families in the community.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders—charities, volunteers, community groups, and local residents—this initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration and collective action. It is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in driving social progress and fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
As plans for the shared space continue to evolve, community input and engagement are essential to ensure that the final design reflects the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. To this end, organisers are inviting members of the community to participate in co-creation sessions, where they can share their ideas, offer feedback, and help shape the future of the shared space.
The vision for a flexible community and co-working space in Chesterfield is bold and ambitious, but with the support and commitment of the community, it has the potential to become a reality. We need you to co-create this space with us - so join us today to get involved!