Bev Wakefield, Owner of sponsors Vibrant Accountancy, with the winners of the Community Impact Award
Derby County first-team manager Paul Warne and Rams legends Roy McFarland and Roger Davies were special guests at a glittering awards ceremony held at the club’s Pride Park Stadium.
But the real heroes as Derby County Community Trust – the charitable arm of the League One club – held their annual awards, were people such as Andy Nichols who signed up to the Team Talk project in 2021, after struggling with his mental health throughout the covid pandemic.
Andy was named Participant of the Year for his work with Team Talk and other projects including Dad’s Space and Fit Fans; an initiative that aims to improve the physical health of participants. Andy recently raised more than £1,000 for the Trust by taking part in a sponsored walk through the city.
Other award winners included Sam Redfern, who was named Education Champion, Inclusion Champion Caira McCausland and Zaytouna Primary School, who picked up an award for School of the Year.
Rose Eadson was credited for her work as a volunteer with the Trust, while Carly Burns and Lee Fearnley shared the accolade of Employee of the Year. There was a special mention, too, to the Rams in Kenya initiative, which is celebrating its 10th year.
Over the past decade, Rams in Kenya has taken over 500 volunteers to Nakuru in Kenya, raising more than £150k-plus. That money has been invested in eight partner schools abroad, with 20% also helping contribute to Derby County Community Trust’s programmes here in Derby.
The awards were sponsored by major businesses in the city and county such as Smith Partnership, Lubrizol and University of Derby. Bev Wakefield, owner of Vibrant Accountancy, said it was a humbling experience to be involved with the awards, as sponsors of the Community Impact category.
The winners were the Rams Family Support team, who have been helping fans and families through the cost-of-living crisis.
This has involved opening a dedicated area within the stadium for community use, known as Harrison’s Hub, which has been used as a base for weekly activities. The team has also provided free-of-charge holiday courses that include lunches for children and young people, to plug gaps left by the local government-funded Holiday Activity and Food programme.
Mum-of-two Bev said: “The work done by Derby County Community Trust is invaluable; they are making an impact across the city and whole county and, as the owner of a business that supports its community, it was important for us to be involved.
“The Rams Family Support project has supported 612 children and young people, served up over 1,000 meals, distributed food hampers and vouchers and operated over each school holiday in 2022/23 despite government funding not always being available.
“Derby County Community Trust touch the lives of so many people every year, enhancing life chances, building community pride and inclusivity.”
Vibrant Accountancy, recently shortlisted for a British Business Award, are also Trust Partners which means that they support the charity both financially and via volunteering opportunities.
“Giving back to the community is important to us,” added Bev, “and as well as being involved with Derby County Community Trust, we also support various projects with team members allocated paid time off to volunteer.
“Times may be tough, but we can all make time to help out others.”
