’It’s about bringing people together, breaking down barriers, encouraging understanding and helping everyone feel part of the community.’

Leading lights in community organisations have joined forces to bring people together under one roof in north Derbyshire and break down barriers on International Day for Tolerance.

Tom Oxley and Marc Wade are inviting everyone to a coffee morning at Staveley Community Centre on November 16, 2026.

Tom, who founded Chesterfield Community Network, said: “We want to bring people together from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, culture, faith, disability, identity, age or personal circumstances, to enjoy a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and, most importantly, some friendly conversation.”

Marc, project and development manager at Just Good Friends charity, and Tom are appealing for support to cover the cost of the coffee morning. They are reaching out to businesses, organisations and individuals who would be willing to help with refreshments, whether through a small donation or by providing tea, coffee, cakes or other supplies.

Tom said: “It’s not a political event or about debating people’s differences. It’s about bringing people together, breaking down barriers, encouraging understanding and helping everyone feel part of the community.

“People don't need to belong to an organisation, represent a particular community or have any connection to the groups attending. Individuals, families, friends, neighbours and anyone who simply fancies coming along for a cuppa and a chat are all very welcome.

“At the same time, we're making a particular effort to reach people from ethnic minority backgrounds and other minority or under-represented communities, including refugees and people seeking asylum, migrants, Polish and other Eastern European communities, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, Muslim and other faith groups, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people and anyone who may experience isolation or exclusion.

“Ultimately, I'd love people to walk through the door as strangers and leave feeling a little more connected to the community around them. Whether that's through making a new friend, learning something about another person's experiences, discovering a local organisation that can offer support or simply enjoying a conversation with someone they wouldn't ordinarily meet, I think there's an opportunity to make a genuine difference.”

The centrepiece of the event will be a Tree of Tolerance, where visitors can write a word or short message on a leaf explaining what tolerance, acceptance, kindness, respect or belonging means to them, before adding it to the wooden tree.

Tom, 42, who lives in Staveley, said: “I'm particularly keen to get children and young people involved, as it's a lovely opportunity to encourage conversations about kindness, understanding, respecting differences and making others feel welcome. We've invited and encouraged local schools, youth groups and community organisations to get involved by creating their own Trees of Tolerance and bringing them along on the day. The idea is that, rather than having just one tree, we could create a little "Forest of Tolerance", filled with contributions from different schools, groups, generations and communities.”

Charities, voluntary organisations, public services, community groups and support agencies have also been invited to set up information stands at the coffee morning, which runs from 9.30am until 12 noon.

If you can help with donations, or want to find out more, email: [email protected] or go to https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6P0jLvfwZ1

*In 1995, UNESCO adopted its Declaration of Principles on Tolerance as part of the United Nations' International Year for Tolerance The International Day for Tolerance was introduced by the UN General Assembly the following year to encourage understanding, respect and appreciation between people of different cultures, faiths, nationality and backgrounds, while recognising the importance of addressing tolerance and discrimination.

Tom said: “I know some people aren’t particularly keen on the word ‘tolerance’. After all, saying we tolerate someone can sound as though we’re simply putting up with them, rather than genuinely accepting or welcoming them.

“But UNESCO’s declaration makes an important distinction. Tolerance isn’t about reluctantly putting up with people; it’s about respect, acceptance, appreciation and recognising the value of our differences.”