Over the past nine months community groups throughout the area have benefited from free professional services through High Peak and Derbyshire Dales Rural ProHelp scheme to the tune of £33,000.

This figure is set to rise to £50,000 by Spring 2006. These figures represent the equivalent amount of free work undertaken on behalf of groups who do not have the funds to pay for professional fees.

In total twenty one High Peak and Derbyshire Dales ProHelp members have given assistance to a variety of community group projects by offering architectural and surveying services, accountancy advice, valuations, finance and Health and Safety courses, marketing and legal advice.

Sixty-five invited guests from community groups and businesses joined ProHelp members at the first annual High Peak and Derbyshire Dales ProHelp event held at Chatsworth, sponsored by LaFarge Cement.

During the afternoon presentations were given illustrating the diversity of just a few of ProHelp's projects.

John McCall of John McCall Architects spoke about his work on Footsteps in Whaley Bridge, Glenn Leathley of Chronicle Business Solutions on the 'Understanding Accounts' courses he runs, Angela Taylor from Wormhill Village Hall on the assistance they had received to install a disabled toilet and Patrick Sandner of Encore Re-Use on help in setting up and supporting a new business.

Guests later enjoyed discussing their projects whilst strolling in the wonderful settings. The event ended with a delicious afternoon tea.

ProHelp Co-ordinator Chris Mellor said "The event is a recognition of the contributions made by our members. Their pro bono work is invaluable to community groups who do not have the funds to pay for professional fees and over forty projects have benefited during ProHelp's first year."

Professional members, community group representatives and invited guests at Chatsworth ProHelp event

ProHelp professional members

Future ProHelp courses will be on 'Understanding Accounts' to be held on Sept 27th and 'Risk Assessment' on Nov 3rd. Both will be held in Bakewell and are free to any not for profit group in the High Peak or Derbyshire Dales areas. If you are a community group or professional and would like to know more about ProHelp and the courses please contact Chris on 01663 735350