The Trent Parents’ Association (TPA) has once again demonstrated the power of community by supporting a major local charity initiative, the Canaan Trust’s Aspire House, a dedicated service for homeless women in Derbyshire. Opening over the summer, Aspire House addresses a critical local gap. Until its creation, there was no dedicated female-only accommodation or support service for homeless women in the area, particularly those who have experienced domestic abuse or trauma. The £800,000 project was funded through a mortgage and £500,000 in charitable fundraising.
Supporting women to rebuild lives
Funds raised by the TPA have contributed to the development of the project’s ‘multi-function room’, a key facility at Aspire House. This space allows the Trust to deliver essential life-skills sessions, including budgeting, sewing, employability training, and emotional wellbeing workshops. It also offers a safe and nurturing environment where mums can have quality contact with their children, an important step towards rebuilding family relationships, something Canaan Trust Project Manager, Kevin Curtis, tells us is vital:
“A mother can cook her children a meal, spend time with them, watch telly, play games, read a book. This is the first step on the journey of rebuilding her life and their relationship with her.”
Hope, healing and new beginnings
The programme is supported by a professional counsellor, ensuring that each woman receives holistic care that addresses both emotional and practical needs. This approach enables women to heal from trauma, rebuild confidence, and take steps toward independent living. TPA funding will continue to support the Multi-Function Room programme, helping Aspire House provide long-term, life-changing support for women in need. The school community is proud of the TPA’s ongoing commitment and generosity. Their efforts continue to make a lasting difference, not only within the school, but across the wider Derbyshire community.