Derbyshire Carers Association - ProHelp Case Study

East Midlands ProHelp pulled out the stops to help Derbyshire Carers Association get a new home in Chesterfield. With only limited space from which to operate a service for carers in the area, the team were keen to look for new premises to expand and develop their activities.

“The help, support and guidance from all firms involved has been tremendous. The individuals concerned have all offered support in varying formats in a pleasant and highly professional manner”

 

Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) provides support, advice, information and representation to and for people who care for others. DCA help Carers to value their own feelings and needs as well as those of the person they care for. Activities include day trips and events, which offer respite as well as support group discussions, home visits and one-to-one advice and signposting.

Identifying a need to increase its membership and reach and support unidentified carers in the locality, DCA were keen to relocate their teams in both Chesterfield and in Derby City, to a site that is much more visible.  Not having the knowledge or expertise to undertake a property acquisition, Joanne Goodison, DCA’s Head Office Manager, turned to East Midlands ProHelp.

Derbyshire ProHelp member firm Barlow & Associates initially surveyed the Chesterfield property and gave extensive advice over the general condition, helping Joanne negotiate with the landlord over what works should be undertaken prior to the lease being agreed. Says Chris Mills from Barlows “I was pleased that our early involvement prompted the Landlord to rethink his scheme. As a result DCA have more office space all refurbished to a higher standard than originally envisaged.” Property consultants Milner McCrea and legal firm Bakewells then took up the reins and continued negotiations, offering free professional support through the ProHelp scheme, to a satisfactory conclusion.

Bakewells, with assistance from property agents Boxall Brown & Jones, have maintained support to help negotiate lease terms with landlords on the Derby property.