A recap of SocialFuse Festival 2025 events.
Sunday 7th to Sunday 21st September
Venue opening hours
Across Chesterfield
Cafés and venues across Chesterfield are hosted Sip, Chat, Connect tables – drop-in spaces where anyone can join a chat, meet new people, and share ideas to reimagine wellbeing.
Wednesday 10th September
10.00am – 1.00pm
The Saints Parish Centre, S41 7TJ
Chronic pain changes how we live, move, and connect — and often brings a deep sense of loss for the life we used to know.
Hosted by Darrell Price – Founder of Pain Inspired CIC, Derbyshire’s largest peer-led pain support group, this event explored how we manage life with pain through peer support, nutrition, gentle movement, and honest conversations around grief and identity.
Subjects covered:
- What are peer-to-peer support groups?
- Sleep and chronic pain
- Nutrition and chronic pain
- Exercise and gentle movement
- Communication around living with chronic pain
The event was open to anyone living with pain, supporting others, or working in health and wellbeing.
Tuesday 16th September
9.30am – 1.00pm
The Saints Parish Centre, S41 7TJ
Reimagining Spaces for Wellbeing
We explored how spaces can be reimagined to actively support wellbeing in our communities. From high streets to hospitals, hospices to playgrounds – this event brings together organisations working at the intersection of design, health, and social impact.
This session showcased real-world examples of co-designed, purpose-driven environments that put people first.
Christine Durrant – Executive Director Chesterfield Borough Council – Why Wellbeing Spaces Matter
Amy Revell – We Are Spaces – Reclaiming Chesterfield High Street for health, care, and connection.
Chris Haddleton – Kompan – Designing community-led sports and play spaces in High Peak for all ages.
Abbie Foster – Health & Wellbeing Hub at Chesterfield Royal – Delivering a dedicated space for staff wellbeing at a local hospital.
Wednesday 17th September
6.00pm – 8.00pm
Board and Bean, S40 1QR
Social Enterprising the Transitions Ahead – Film Screening and Q&A
A special screening of Social Enterprising the Transitions Ahead, a powerful documentary exploring how Sheffield’s social enterprises are leading systemic change in response to the interconnected social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time.
Commissioned by the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network (SSEN) and produced by local social enterprise Opus Productions, this film showcases the innovative work of social entrepreneurs in Sheffield – pioneering inclusive employment, circular economy models, and community-led solutions that challenge traditional economic narratives and offer a vision for a fairer, more sustainable future.
Thursday 18th September
9.00am – 4.00pm
Chesterfield Studios, S40 1LW
What does it really mean to thrive — as individuals, communities, and places?
This year’s SocialFuse conference dived deep into the theme of Reimagining Wellbeing. From mental health and social connection to inclusive design, green spaces, and economic justice, we explored how wellbeing is being redefined across sectors.
Friday 19th September
5.00pm- 7.00pm
Soresby Street Cafe, S40 1JW
Where Business Meets Purpose
A captivating, high-energy networking event that brought together Chesterfield’s business community and the not-for-profit sector in a unique, fast-paced format.
The Biz Buzz is a speed networking experience designed to spark connections, inspire collaborations, and open up new opportunities between organisations doing good and those doing business.
Whether you’re looking for local partners, purpose-driven suppliers, or fresh ways to support your community — this is where the buzz begins.
Hosted by Tina Pozyer
Tuesday 23rd September
2.00pm – 3.00pm
The Assembly Rooms, S40 1AR
Gentle, chair-based exercise session designed to help you move more, feel better, and build confidence — all at your own pace.
Led by experienced instructor Oli Barnes, the session was ideal for anyone looking to improve mobility, balance, and wellbeing in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Whether you’re managing a long-term condition, recovering from injury, or just want to get moving again — everyone was welcomed!
It also provided a good practice session before the Trust’s World Record beating Chair Based Exercise session that was held on Thursday 25th!
Hosted by Chesterfield FC Community Trust
Check out some of the local events organised by purpose-driven people
Tapton Festival – a festival of fun for families, celebrating art and the outdoors.
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September
11am – 4pm
Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, S41 7JB
Set along the beautiful Chesterfield Canal, this free two-day celebration of community and culture is packed with hands-on activities, live performances, and outdoor fun for all ages.
This year, the festival is teaming up with Arts Derbyshire and their exciting touring programme, Festivity, to bring even more arts and culture to the water’s edge.
Body Shop Chesterfield – Spa of the World Experience
Sunday 7th to Sunday 21st September
Venue opening hours
The Body Shop, S40 1PT
Join us at Body Shop Chesterfield and discover the new Spa of the World collection.
✨ Enjoy a free relaxing hand massage in-store.
✨ Scan the QR code and leave your details to be entered into our £50 Body Shop gift card giveaway.
✨ Signing up also gives you access to exclusive updates from Body Shop Chesterfield and Kakou CIC, helping you stay connected with local wellbeing and community events.
Tuesday 9th September
9am – 1pm
The Post Mill, DE55 2EJ
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is proud to announce their 2025 Conference, bringing together voluntary, community, and social enterprise partners, public sector leaders, and changemakers to explore the new connected approach to neighbourhoods model.
🧭 Why attend?
🔹 Hear from inspiring speakers from the VCSE, ICB, GP, and Public Health
🔹 Connect with partners across sectors
🔹 Explore what the neighbourhood model means for you with interactive workshops
🔹 Q&A with the guest speakers to greater explore and understand how the Integrated Neighbourhood Model for Derbyshire will affect us
🔹 Shape the future of place-based working in Derbyshire
Let’s shape what’s next, together.
Eclectic Delights of Serendipity – Ladies Pamper Night
Wednesday 10th September
7.00pm – 9.00pm
Eclectic Delights of Serendipity, S40 1PS
Come join Eclectic Delights of Serendipity for their Ladies Pamper Night!
They will have the brilliant Sarah who will have Tropic Beauty and Skincare, gorgeous nibbles, cakes and drinks, and a few more goodies in store! Also we will be giving you 10% off any purchases in our shop during the pamper night!
It is FREE to attend but we do need you to book so we can reserve your space (and so we know how many glasses of bubbly to prepare) 🥰
To book just message Eclectic Delights of Serendipity on Facebook, drop them an email on eclecticdelightsofserendipity@gmail.com or pop into store so they can reserve your space!
Not a night to miss – so treat yourself!
Eclectic Delights Facebook Page
Volunteer Sector Awards
Wednesday 10th September
7.15pm
Winding Wheel Theatre
The Volunteer Centre proudly presents the best and unequalled ‘Voluntary Sector Awards’. This annual event, now in its 12th year, celebrates the amazing work carried out by Volunteer Involving Organisations and Volunteers across the area.
“This is an awards show without equal – don’t miss it!”
East Midlands Chamber Sustainability and CSR Conference 2025
Thursday 11th September
9.00am- 1.30pm
University of Derby, DE22 1GB
As more businesses are looking to develop their sustainability and decarbonisation strategies it is critical to ensure that the right governance structures are in place. That is governance relevant to business size and sector which ensures responsible decision-making, ethical practices and accountability built into the business model, adding to, rather than distracting from your core strategy.
Through a range of speakers, practical workshops and panel discussions, this year’s conference brings together the theme of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) through a business-centric lens of sustainability, governance and collaboration.
This is within the context of the current economic and political climate, ensuring alignment with the commercial imperative, business resilience and risk mitigation. And the opportunities these can present.
We will explore how the role of the business community, through effective collaboration and stakeholder management, becomes increasingly important when driving sustainable and inclusive regional growth.
On the day, there will also be an opportunity to network and visit exhibitors at the refreshment breaks and over lunch.
Rosewood Wellbeing – Meditate and Paint
Thursday 11th September
1.00pm – 3.30pm
Healthy New Me, S40 3RG
Getting back in touch with the essence of your Be-ing
Are you ready to learn more about yourself, to get back in touch with who you are within while experiencing the joy of creative imagination?
This will be freeing and fun within a safe, non-judgemental space, free to explore beauty & colour & joy & possibly challenging feelings; this workshop supports your emotional, mental & spiritual wellbeing in a hands-on & light-hearted way with a wellbeing/coaching element.
Led by a Femke Williams – former Nurse turned experienced Wellbeing & Intuitive Therapist, Mentor & Artist – this workshop is ideal to help you let go of limiting beliefs, as you follow the spontaneous creative process, so you can gain insights, release tension, feel joy/ have fun and calm the mind. And you will leave with your own artwork too!
£25
Book here to reserve your space, and then just come as you are! (maybe wear clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on ;)). All materials & refreshments included.
Standing Tall Support – Domestic Abuse CPD Training Workshop
Friday 12th September
10.00am- 1.00pm
Rom 5, Chesterfield Town Hall, S40 1LP
Join the Movement: Shape New Training to Support Moving On After Domestic Abuse.
Be part of something new and powerful!
Join a hands-on workshop in Chesterfield and explore and shape a new CPD-accredited training pack designed to support people moving on from domestic abuse.
Based on a ground-breaking 12-week personal development course developed by Amanda Roberts, a woman with lived experience, this workshop invites you to taste key activities, share your feedback, and help build a resource that will support facilitators across diverse communities.
Limited to 12 places, book in advance with a free light lunch included.
This is a free event
To book your place email Amanda Roberts info.standingtall@gmail.com
Compassionate Voices Collaborative Speak Out
Friday 12th September
7.00pm- 10.15pm
Chesterfield Football Club, S41 8NZ
Join members of the Compassionate Voices Community as they take the stage alongside inspiring speakers. Together, we will celebrate the brilliance of women and girls through heartfelt stories, powerful poetry, and soul-stirring music. This evening is designed to empower, uplift, and ignite change.
The night features an incredible lineup of trailblazing women who are leading change in their fields and advocating for better mental health. One of our very special guests is Esther Ghey (mother of Brianna Ghey). Since the tragic loss of her daughter in 2023, Esther has appeared in numerous television interviews, becoming a passionate campaigner for social media reform. She is also the founder of Peace and Mind UK—a service dedicated to enhancing mental health for young people and their families through the promotion of mindfulness in schools. We are absolutely delighted by Esther’s presence; her compassion and determination to foster positive change are truly inspiring.
Heritage Open Day: Exhibition and Tours
Friday 12th September – Saturday 13th September
10.00am – 3.30pm
The Winding Wheel Theatre, 13 Holywell St, Chesterfield S41 7SA
Join us for a free exhibition showcasing the building’s transformation from historic cinema to the Winding Wheel Theatre. The exhibition is open daily 10am – 3.30pm, (closed 1pm – 1.30pm). There is no need to book for the exhibition.
Free guided building tours giving exclusive access of the building including rarely seen backstage areas are also available to book.
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September
12pm
Geek Headquarters, S40 1PS
Get your hands on a new Pokémon product before the official release while taking part in a pre-release tournament or casual play.
Geeks Headquarters is a Chesterfield based gaming store, specialising in tabletop gaming, trading cards, miniatures, role-playing games and board games. We provide a safe, friendly, open and welcoming space for gamers old and new to play together, join groups, participate in events and tournaments and buy products for their favourite games!
Our friendly expert staff are always on hand to help, recommend games and board games, chat through hobby painting progress and teach you how to play or point you to the right groups playing in store to get involved.
Chesterfield Community Roast
Sunday 14th September
12pm – 2pm
Community Rooms at Whittington Moor Methodist Church, S41 8NA
The Chesterfield Community Roast Team is a volunteer group that organises a monthly event to serve a cooked Sunday roast for the local community.
This initiative originated in 2021 from the idea of reducing isolation, and with the dedicated efforts of a few individuals, it has become a reality.
Every month, we come together to cook and serve lunch for approximately 60-90 people.
The community roast is for anyone to come along to and enjoy. We’d love to see you at the next upcoming event. If you can afford it, we ask for a donation of £3.00 adults, £1.50 children.
Destination Chesterfield – Chesterfield’s Marketing Meet Up
Wednesday 17th September
8am – 10am
SMH Group Stadium (Chesterfield Football Club), S41 8NZ
Marketers and senior leaders – join a collaborative event with Hello Social Avenue to:
- Boost your leads and conversions…through more creativity, experimentation, and partnerships
- Bolster recruitment, retention, and local growth…through ideas to better tell our town’s story
Understand the power of storytelling from our keynote speaker, hear success stories from those who make Chesterfield our hero and discover the latest marketing insights from Hello Social – with actionable tips to support your business goals.
This event is organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Hello Social Avenue.
The event is open to all Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses, who are marketing professionals (or senior leaders who manage a marketing function). Chesterfield Champions have a priority booking period until 25th August.
Destination Chesterfield Event Page
Definitely Women – Coffee Morning
Wednesday 17th September
10.30am – 12.30pm
Strutts Community Centre, DE56 1UU
Join Deafinitely Women for a friendly social chat with crafts and activities.
Come along to their monthly coffee morning with knitting/crocheting/sewing
(Some materials are supplied, or bring your own project along!)
For deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing women only.
Refreshments included.
For further details and bookings:
T: NGT/Text Relay: 18001 01773 828233
M: 07421 827162
E: info@deafinitelywomen.org.uk
Sorbo Lounge – Lino Printing Workshop
Wednesday 17th September
6.00pm – 8.30pm
Sorbo Lounge, S40 1TW
With Dave Elsom of Sombrero Printmaking.
Come along and learn how to design, carve and print your own art work.
Suitable for beginners and anyone wanting a refresh who may have done lino printing before.
Just £25 per person, which includes a drink.
50% off food for all attendees!!
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE:
Tel 01246 235845 • Email sorbo@thelounges.co.uk
Sombrero Printing Facebook Page
Chesterfield Fire Station Open Day
Saturday 20th September
10.00am – 4:00pm
Chesterfield Community Fire Station, S40 2WH
Chesterfield Fire Station is opening its doors for a free open day for the whole family.
Come along for the chance to meet your local firefighters, experience our virtual reality headsets with support of our Community Education team, view a demonstration of the Aerial Ladder Platform and more.
There’ll also be an ice cream van, food, cakes, sweets, a book stall and various other things to do.
Funds raised will go to support the brilliant work of The Fire Fighters Charity.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Facebook Page
Recovery – Let’s Walk It Toghter
Sunday 21st September
1.00pm – 5:00pm
Zink HQ, SK17 6LJ
Invite family and friends to celebrate National Recovery Month
- Non-strenuous walk
- Mini sports day
- Circus Skills
- Picnic
- Recovery shares
- Celebration and cake
For bookings and more information email jane@zink.org.uk or call 07777 104159