About Tale of Two Cities Early Years.

Gillian Sewell, CEO of YMCA Derbyshire, is leading a city wide call to action to tackle child poverty before school even begins. Through Team Derby: Tale of Two Cities Early Years, YMCA Derbyshire is bringing partners across the city together to confront the stark inequalities facing children in their earliest years and to act before disadvantage becomes entrenched.

Why this matters in Derby.

Across Derby, hundreds of children start life without the essentials many of us take for granted.

In some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods, families are struggling to afford nutritious food, warm clothing, books and the early learning experiences that help children thrive. Community nurseries are doing everything they can to support children and families, but without additional help they cannot meet the growing level of need.

This challenge is urgent and it requires a collective response.

Team Derby in action.

Team Derby is choosing to act, with encouragement and guidance from a strong network of local businesses and organisations committed to improving outcomes for children.

Partners include Vaillant, HUUB, University of Derby, Salloway Properties, Toyota, Cosy, Derby County Football Club, Derby City Council, Marketing Derby, Derby Cathedral, Vibrant Accountancy, East Midlands Chamber, MacMartin, TMLA, Smith Partnership, Northstar Partnership, Derby Book Festival and Food4Thought.

Together, these partners are helping to shine a light on early years poverty and support practical solutions that make a real difference.

The role of YMCA Derbyshire.

YMCA Derbyshire brings extensive experience supporting individuals and communities affected by poverty across the city.

Under YMCA Derbyshire’s stewardship, this expertise, compassion and vision are now being applied to the early years. The organisation is working decisively and collaboratively to change outcomes early and ensure every child in Derby has the chance to flourish.

Delivered through our Padley Poverty Relief work, YMCA Derbyshire will oversee the project on behalf of community nurseries, ensuring funding reaches the areas where children need it most and that support is delivered effectively and responsibly.