Derby City Mission Ltd

Who we are

Derby City Mission exists to make disciples of every people group in partnership with the Churches and other agencies by demonstrating God’s love and bringing hope to the City.

At Derby City Mission, we have been transforming lives with Christian Gospel-led action for over 30 years. We have responded to the challenges of poverty, homelessness and disadvantage with various projects and partnerships, meeting people at their point of need. Derby City Mission’s uniqueness is in building trust whilst respecting the dignity of the most vulnerable and marginalised in society. Our vision is:

1) To eradicate extreme poverty in Derby, Derbyshire and surrounding counties

2) To give long term care and support by addressing the causes of poverty, journeying with people to move them from chaotic lifestyles to become contributing members of society by addressing entrenched causes of homelessness, addictions, mental health issues, criminal lifestyles, broken relationships and low skills.

3) To sustain our work through social enterprise, donations and grants

We do this through offering free debt and benefits advice. In 2021 clients benefited by £1.5 million, £1.1 million of which was through debts written off. We also fed 5,000 people through our foodbank and have recently opened a community shop and café where people can come for support and choose food for their family. For seven years from 2013 we ran nightshelters during the winter months in Derby, Mansfield and Chesterfield to provide a hot meal and a safe, warm place to sleep for around 250 homeless people and we have continued to provide support to the homeless during the winter through the pandemic. Since 2019 we have worked in partnership with local and national agencies all year round through our pioneering Safe Space project to provide for the basic needs of entrenched homeless people and journey with them to support and encourage change to a more stable lifestyle. Since 2009 Derby Street Pastors have been walking the streets of the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights, listening, supporting and caring for those who find themselves in a vulnerable state and in need of first aid, someone to listen to them or make sure that they get home safely. The Street Pastor volunteers are a valued partner in the night time economy. We also work in schools and the community to teach children that God loves and cares for them and how they can know him personally. In 2019 we acquired a larger building to support our expanding ministries and provide opportunities for social enterprise development to generate sustainable income.