Social isolation is to be tackled in a Derbyshire community after almost £225,000 was awarded to a new scheme by the Mayor of the East Midlands.
Mayor Claire Ward has awarded £224,307 to social enterprise Parkside High from her £3 million Community Development Fund. The funding will be used to develop Future Cotmanhay, to help people “connect, collaborate, and be empowered to meet economic and social challenges”.
Cotmanhay is one of 10 neighbourhoods across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area chosen for investment after they were identified as facing high levels of disadvantage and having fewer local community and voluntary organisations than other areas.
Mayor Claire Ward said: “Cotmanhay residents know their community better than anyone, and this funding is about giving them the tools and support to lead change locally. By empowering people to come together, share ideas, and take action, we can tackle isolation and create a stronger, more connected neighbourhood for everyone.
“By supporting community-led projects like this one, we’re building stronger, healthier neighbourhoods, boosting pride in place, and making sure everyone across our region has the chance to share in its future.”
Community-led schemes in the key areas have now each been awarded up to £300,000 to support projects designed to build skills, strengthen resilience and help residents shape the future of their own neighbourhoods.
Future Cotmanhay is based on three key themes – improving communications to build trust, increasing resident participation to strengthen voice and agency and expanding opportunities via volunteering.
It will see the launch of the Cotmanhay Community Assembly, where residents will come together to discuss issues, make decisions, share information, and strengthen relationships.
Parkside High’s application said: “Regular newsletters delivered to every household will keep residents informed, connected, and up to date with what’s happening in Cotmanhay, supported by new noticeboards placed in key locations. This will help reduce feelings of isolation and make it easier for everyone to take part in activities.”
The scheme aims to distribute Cotmanhay News to all homes in the area three times a year, ensuring residents are better connected and informed, building trust within the community.
Some 1,200 warm spaces resources will also be provided, including clothing and draft excluders to help tackle the cost of living, while the Cotmanhay Community Wharf outdoor space will be supported to improve access and engage volunteers, with the aim of establishing and filling 30 voluntary opportunities.
Elsewhere in Cotmanhay, Softclue Date Empowerment has been awarded £22,400 for its Softclue Community Program to unlock digital potential.
The community interest company believes “in the power of technology to transform lives”. Its platform offers a range of courses designed to enhance digital literacy and data skills, ensuring everyone can thrive in the digital age.
Olujuwon Ebenezer Omotoba, Softclue founder and director, said: “This funding is a transformational opportunity for our community, enabling young people and residents in Cotmanhay to gain vital digital and data skills that open doors to employment, confidence and long-term opportunity.”
For further information about awards to other areas of the East Midlands Combined County Authority region, see https://shorturl.at/IlLUX
Published on: 9 April 2026
Categories: Economic Development, News