2 minute read
Welcome
Welcome to our 2022 Annual Report, where we refelct on a year when some kind of ‘normality‘ returned, our full timetable of activity resumed and a number of exciting new projects were launched.
They say you learn most about the character of any team during times of challenge. Well, the last 12 months were certainly a major test for Derby County - with administration and, at times, huge uncertainty about the continued existence of the football club. But how the team at and around Derby County responded. A depleted squad outperformed all expectations on the pitch. The club staff went above and beyond to keep the business going and the fans came together in their thousands to send a loud, clear message about the importance of the Rams to our community. But, of course, this is no surprise to us at Derby County Community Trust. It is this spirit, this power of football, this love for our club, which we leverage to allow us to do our work. The Derby County brand inspires and excites. It breaks down barriers and it opens up opportunities. And it allows us to touch the lives of thousands of people every year, helping with their educational needs, to improve their health, offering support, providing purpose or simply extending the hand of friendship. Now, with new ownership at Derby
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Chair of Trustees
County and the promise of a bright, new future ahead, I am certain that by harnessing the spirit of the past 12 months, we can make an even greater difference. I am proud to say that we’re now providing early interventions for young people with mental health issues, supporting youngsters who receive free school meals to ensure they are fed during the holidays, supporting vulnerable students to stay in education and we’re taking a lead on long Covid and menopause - areas our teams on the ground told us were vital but were not being covered by others. And these are on top of all the other programmes that we run to support our four pillar objectives of: • Supporting good health and wellbeing • Developing more active communities • Optimising life chances • And building community pride I am confident that our work will have impact in each of these areas because we know that, whatever the challenge, when club, trust and community come together, great things can be achieved. And lives can be changed.
