Ripley volunteers, social prescribers and befrienders welcome ICB Chair Kathy McLean

Volunteers, social prescribers and local befrienders welcomed ICB Chair Dr Kathy McLean into the heart of their thriving hub in Ripley to show her the impact and reach of Amber Valley Community and Voluntary Services (CVS).

Since 1989, Amber Valley CVS has provided community support, working to strengthen local groups and volunteer networks across Amber Valley and parts of Erewash.

They provide a range of services including social prescribing for adults and young people, Help at Home to help people stay independent for longer, a volunteer befriending service, a get active scheme and encouraging and enabling volunteers in all areas of Amber Valley .

Kathy, chair of Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICBs, met members of the team and toured the building. She met the social prescribing team, saw the on-site Men in Sheds workshop and met befrienders at their coffee morning. She heard about the organisation’s core strengths including strong local knowledge, established community links, and effective communication routes.

Kathy said: “I was impressed by the breadth of services offered by Amber Valley CVS. It’s clear they play a central role in connecting people to the support they need.

“The Help at Home programme has some incredible results helping people maintain their independence, and ensuring people can stay in their own homes for longer. It’s hugely important for people. I also appreciated how they’re not just delivering services but actively listening to communities and adapting to meet local needs.

“As part of the NHS Ten Year Plan, we want to shift care away from hospitals, helping enable people to look after themselves better and then if they need care to get help closer to home rather than going into hospital if they don’t need it. These services are really helping to do that.”

Amber Valley CVS has been delivering Social Prescribing services for the Alfreton, Ripley, Crich & Heanor Primary Care Network (ARCH PCN) since October 2019. The approach includes home visits and motivational planning with clients, with 754 referrals received between September 2024 – 2025. Also, they take a proactive approach to public engagement and local solutions.

The Help at Home service, which supports independent living, has also gone from strength to strength with an Amber Valley  workforce of 40 domestic support staff and 13 gardeners, serving 333 domestic clients and 170 gardening clients. Support through Help at Home is also offered from further staff members in Erewash.

The Get Out Get Active (GOGA) programme supports inclusive physical activity with a pilot programme called Couch to 5X being trialled with GP patients, and since 2021, 150 clients have taken part.

They also have a role in community engagement, volunteer development, and organisational support running campaigns, events, and newsletters to reach the public, and providing guidance on funding, volunteer brokerage, and good practice. It connects with a wide range of groups including retirees, disabled individuals, young people, and those experiencing social isolation.

Lynn McCree, CEO of Amber Valley CVS, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Kathy and share the work we’re doing across Amber Valley and beyond. Visits like this help highlight the value of community-led support and the dedication of everyone involved.

“We have a fabulous team and a huge army of the most amazing and committed volunteers. The impact we make on people’s health and well-being is in some ways immeasurable but also we see every day the pleasure, independence and care our services make on the lives of local people. We could not be prouder of what Amber Valley CVS has achieved over the last 36 years.”