Local businesses and organisations are being encouraged to swap the office for the sports field this summer as the Derby Business Games returns for another fun-filled evening of teamwork, competition and community spirit.

Taking place on Thursday 25th June 2026 at Haslams Derby RFC between 4pm and 8pm, the event will see teams from across Derbyshire go head-to-head in a series of classic school sports day challenges with a competitive twist.

Teams of eight will compete in a range of old-school relay races including egg and spoon races and sack races, before taking part in rounders and the ever-popular welly wanging competition. The evening promises plenty of laughs, friendly rivalry and opportunities for businesses to network in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

The Derby Business Games continue to bring together organisations from across the region, encouraging team building, wellbeing and community engagement, while also supporting the important work of Derbyshire child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound.

Each team entry costs £350 and includes participation in all games, along with a drink from the bar and food from the barbecue for every team member.

Businesses, organisations and groups interested in entering are encouraged to register early.

For more information or to enter a team, please email: [email protected]

Safe and Sound, a Derby-based charity dedicated to protecting children and young people from exploitation, is proud to announce the outstanding success of its annual Charity Race Night, raising over £8,000 – the highest amount ever achieved from the event.

Hosted once again at the unique and much-loved Great Northern Classics venue, this year’s Race Night was bigger and better than ever, bringing together supporters, partners and local businesses for an evening of fundraising, fun and community spirit.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of headline sponsor Cosy Direct, alongside print support from Melbourne Print, and a fantastic group of race sponsors including Davlyn Construction, Timms Solicitors, Creationz Marketing, Gravity Digital, Vic Handley, Love Marketing, Wathall’s, Armsons Barlow, Derby Daybreak Rotary Club and Boxall Brown & Jones.

Funds raised from the evening will directly support Safe and Sound’s vital work across Derby and Derbyshire, helping to prevent child exploitation and provide ongoing support to young people and families affected by it.

The continued growth of the Race Night reflects the strength of Safe and Sound’s partnerships and the community’s shared commitment to protecting young people. As demand for the charity’s services continues to rise, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring that support remains available to those who need it most.

Safe and Sound is celebrating a resounding success following the official opening of its new city centre hub, Melbourne House, on Bold Lane last week. The special occasion drew a full house of supporters, partners, funders, and community representatives – all gathered to witness a defining milestone in the charity’s history.

The sun shone brightly over Derby as guests arrived, setting the tone for what became a warm, uplifting, and unforgettable event. The ribbon was formally cut by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, marking the opening of the purpose-built space designed to meet the doubled demand for Safe and Sound’s specialist child exploitation services since the pandemic.

Attendees heard from CEO Tracy Harrison, who spoke passionately about the organisation’s mission and how the new hub will transform the charity’s ability to deliver one-to-one and therapeutic support for children, young people, and families affected by exploitation. Chair of Trustees Mark Richardson highlighted the remarkable community collaboration that made the project possible, acknowledging key funders – including the government’s Community Ownership Fund-and a whole host of partners including Armsons Barlow and Davlyn Construction.

The atmosphere throughout the event was one of pride, optimism, and shared purpose, as guests toured the new facility and saw firsthand how the expanded space will enhance Safe and Sound’s capacity to safeguard and support vulnerable young people across Derbyshire.

With multiple rooms for therapeutic interventions, enhanced security features, and a welcoming environment for families, the new hub strengthens the charity’s ability to support those affected by online grooming, sexual exploitation, county lines, and other forms of exploitation.

Safe and Sound would also like to extend special thanks to Aramark, who provided the wonderful catering for the event – some of which was later enjoyed by our young people at the Osmaston Community Hub.

Safe and Sound extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the opening a tremendous success.

We at Safe and Sound are absolutely thrilled to have been presented with the National Charity Today Partnership of the Year Award for the redevelopment of 8 Bold Lane, Derby!

This dream wouldn’t have become a reality without the extraordinary dedication and collaboration of our incredible partners. We are grateful of the help of BB and J and Smith Partnership for helping us secure the premises and for visual marketing agency Briight for capturing the renovations journey.

Most importantly Armsons Barlow for project managing the whole project from beginning to end and Davlyn Construction – what a job!

We also want to congratulate and thank every single contractor involved in the transformation of 8 Bold Lane:

• Fujisu / Oceanair UK Ltd
• Systemair Ltd
• BB Lighting
• Marolow Fire and Security Ltd
• Plumbase Derby
• Anton Scaffolding
• Derbyshire Floorcaft
• Vibrant Doors
• Freshh Cleaning

Together, we’ve converted a derelict building into a vital new home for the charity, creating a beacon of hope and safety for Derby’s most vulnerable young people and their families.

This project wasn’t just about renovation – it was a profound act of community regeneration.

The collective effort has allowed us to:

Thank you for demonstrating unparalleled dedication, innovation, and a shared commitment to driving meaningful change in the city of Derby! You helped us build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Derby for generations to come.

Jenny, a team member at Safe and Sound – Derbyshire’s child safeguarding charity – is a kinship carer to her four-year-old grandson. She never imagined that she would become a full-time guardian for her grandson, but when the need arose, she stepped up without hesitation, driven by unconditional love.

Her days are filled with the beautiful chaos of a four-year-old, from school runs to bedtime stories, and like other kinship carers, Jenny has navigated a unique journey, one that is full of joy and challenges.

Kinship carers take on the responsibility of raising a relative’s child, often a grandchild, niece, nephew or sibling and provide a stable and loving home when a child’s parents are unable to. This love, dedication, and sacrifice are the foundations of their role, and it’s a role that often goes unrecognised.

Jenny’s own experience has fuelled a passion to support others in her position.

She knows how important it is for kinship carers to feel valued, heard, and connected to a community that understands their unique situation, and her desire is to raise awareness of Kinship Care Week throughout Derbyshire about the vital role these carers play and ensure they receive the support they deserve.

By raising awareness, we can make sure every kinship carer feels supported and heard. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact: [email protected]