To mark the end of UK Charity Week 2025, Derby County Community Trust are shining a spotlight on Upbeat Communities, who utilise the Derby 10k to raise vital funds for their charity.

Upbeat Communities was founded in 2005, with the aim to welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives in Derby. The people that they work with have fled horrific circumstances including conflict, persecution or torture. In the absence of routes to safety, many have made dangerous journeys to the UK.

Upbeat Communities provide free English classes, support groups, community meals, emergency accommodation, and support into employment. Their social enterpriser, Upbeat Clean, partners with businesses across the city to provide employment for refugees facing barriers to work.

A key element of the fundraising efforts of Upbeat Communities is their participation in the Derby 10k, which they have done since 2017. During this time, they have raised an incredible £17,000 which has helped run activities from their Integration Hub in the centre of Derby.

Maddie Thomson, Community Engagement Manager said: “We love the Derby 10K and take part each year because it is a fantastic way for people to raise money for the charity. It is a well-organised event, and we always know our runners will be well looked after on the day. The 10K is an accessible challenge for all sorts of people; we often have a mix of staff, volunteers, supporters, participants (service users) and our social enterprise partners taking part. We usually have a small team taking part in the Family Fun Run, too, which is great fun for families or less confident runners to get involved in.”

The event, ran by Derby County Community Trust, provides great exposure for the charity; with their runners wearing branded t-shirts as they make their way round the course. Upbeat are hoping to continue fundraising through the 10K to facilitate the costs of their new building enabling them to support more refugees into 2026.

Touching on the impact of the funds raised, Maddy said: “In particular, the money raised will contribute towards our work supporting refugee women, who often face isolation, language barriers and need a safe place to overcome these things and heal from the trauma they have experienced. We do this through therapeutic activities like singing and crafts; informative, specialist sessions that help with things like parenting, or navigating the immigration system.”

Derby County Community Trust offer an official Derby 10k charity package where local charities can bulk buy spaces at a discounted price and set minimum fundraising targets for their supporters. Our 2025 race allowed the charities who signed up through this offer to raise a combined £25,000. If you are a charity looking for ways to raise important funds, please contact our Events and Partnerships Officer, Daisy Feeney, daisy.feeney@dcct.co.uk to discuss pricing and how to enter.

To find out more about Upbeat Communities, click the link here – https://www.upbeatcommunities.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20121457864&gbraid=0AAAAACuwx3itErMpxHq7zm1hTxodBHp8I&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLbRhvejkQMVsJFQBh09Dy65EAAYASAAEgLSBvD_BwE.

If you would like to sign up to the Derby 10k 2026 please click here –https://derbycountycommunitytrust.com/event/derby-10k-launch-2026/.