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Our recent news
Welcome to our first e bulletin of 2025, we hope you will find it helpful and interesting.
It's been a good start to the year as we've welcomed several new Experts by Experience. Each of them brings such valuable skills and insight and have been quick to get involved in our work.
In this bulletin we share some of their inspiring contributions to mental wellbeing, as well as all the latest local information and opportunities.
This month, the Change NHS national consultation enabled us to create a specific mental health lens session for Experts, in addition to the local engagement events by Joined Up Care Derbyshire. All insight from all events was fed into the national consultation by the ICB Engagement team.
We wish all our members a good, and hopefully warmer Spring, and we welcome your feedback on our e-bulletin content by emailing ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net
Last time we shared our Winter newsletter which you can view here. |
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Lifestyle Choices Survey
We have been working with a local GP (Dr Rachel Burnett) who has a vision to support people diagnosed with a severe mental illness (SMI).
Dr Burnett carried out a project last year which identified that there are healthy lifestyle services that are tailored to help patients with SMI.
Research shows that for many reasons people living with debilitating mental health conditions tend to present late at their GPs with physical health symptoms.
She says: "I want to develop an offer specifically for patients in recovery from severe mental illness. I want them to be able to speak to a GP in a setting where they feel comfortable, have support from other patients in recovery and be able to discuss healthy lifestyle choices that can both help reduce the risk of developing physical illnesses."
If you, or someone you care for, is able to complete her survey and help her shape this primary care offer that would be much appreciated: https://app.smartsheet.eu/b/form/f6b2d136dd80416a8c0bee92b284ab2b
Additionally, at our Expert Peer Support meeting last week, we welcomed Olivia Allanson, Service Development Officer and Richard Keeton, Service Manager from Live Life Better Derbyshire. An opportunity arose for Experts to experience the service as it currently is and feedback of improvements and developments, particularly considering people with severe mental illness. We extend this to our wider membership and welcome you to become involved in creating service improvements.
If you would like to be involved, please email ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net
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Song-writing helps
"Hi, I’m Belinda!
I write songs inspired by my personal journey, my mental health struggles and my experiences as a transgender woman. My goal is to express the inner battles I face while leaving each song with an uplifting and hopeful message.
Song-writing is a new hobby I’ve embraced as part of my recovery from a serious mental health crisis I experienced last year. It’s been a powerful way to process my emotions and connect with others. I sing with a local group, but when it comes to my original music, I rely on an AI vocalist to bring my vision to life. I carefully guide the AI and provide the lyrics to ensure the song captures the emotion I want to convey.
For my videos, I use professional-grade editing software (the same used in films like Avatar, Deadpool 2, and The Batman) to create visuals that enhance the storytelling in my music.
My songs include:
'It’s OK to Not Be OK'
I wrote this song at my lowest point when I desperately needed words of hope and understanding. It became a reminder to myself and others that "It's OK to not be OK" and "Somebody always cares." A member of my local group told me it lifted her spirits when she needed it most, which was incredibly moving.
'Breathe Again'
This song is about the safe haven my local wellbeing centre which provides for me and the community. It captures the comfort and support we find there. I donated this song to the centre in hopes it will inspire and help them continue their amazing work.
'She is Me'
This song is a deeply personal anthem of resilience, transformation, and self-love as a transgender woman. It tells the story of a journey through pain, discovery, and empowerment. 'She Is Me' celebrates the strength found in embracing who I truly am.
You can listen to all songs on 'Ta Belinda' on YouTube and my single She is me on Spotify and most other streaming platforms." |
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Mindscapes
Mindscapes is a peer support group empowering individuals, founded by Expert by Experience, Tim.
Like photography? Like finding ways to support yours and others mental health? If you live near or can get to Chesterfield Town Centre or Clay Cross areas, you'll be welcomed to Mindscapes.
For more information about the group contact Tim: mindscapes.photography@hotmail.com |
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Photo shows L-R: Becki Hook, Senior Health Improvement Advisor; Abbie Foster, Health and Wellbeing Lead; Mahmud Nawaz, Trust Chair; Beccy, Mindcapes; Tim Adwick, Mindscapes Chair and Trust Governor; and Steve Heppinstall, Director of Finance, Improvement and Transformation. |
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Let's Talk About Suicide
Matt, Expert by Experience shares a poem that he wrote this February. As a mental health and suicide awareness advocate, his verse encourages much needed movement from all of us.
Matt carried the Baton of Hope in 2023 in memory of his friend Robert Westle and honouring Matt's own lived experiences with suicide attempts. Matt is currently involved in lived experience training videos that are being created for all healthcare professionals (not just mental health) with Derby and Derbyshire Suicide Prevention Programme.
In the shadows, a whisper is shared
A word that's feared, a topic impaired
But silence is deadly, it's time to be bold
Let's break the stigma, let's talk about gold.
The gold of connection, of love and of light,
That guides those who suffer through the darkest of nights,
By speaking openly, we can show the way,
And help those who struggle to face a new day.
The weight of secrecy can be crushing and cold,
But sharing our stories can help the young and the old,
To find courage to speak and to finally seek aid.
To know they're not alone, that there's hope to be made.
So let's talk about suicide, let's ALL break the mould.
Let's create a world where love and support can unfold,
Where those who struggle can find many helping hands,
And where the stigma of silence is lost in the sands.
Together, we can make a difference, and we all can save lives,
By talking about suicide, and being open and brave.
Let's shine a light on hope, guide those in need through the night,
And create a world where love and support shine, with all of their might.
By Matt Jarvis
February 14th 2025 |
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New Hospital Wards Opening
In January 2025, the Bluebell Ward at Walton Hospital was the first of the Making Room for Dignity programme facilities to open. It provides mental healthcare for 12 older adults, who each have their own private, en-suite bedroom. The ward has quiet areas and easy access to green spaces.
The new build in-patient wards at the Carsington Unit, Kingsway Hospital Derby and the Derwent Unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital are to follow in March 2025. Kingfisher House, the new male psychiatric intensive care unit and Audrey House, the female enhanced care unit, both at Kingsway Hospital are both expected to open in May 2025.
The latest edition of the Trust's membership magazine shows how the new-build mental health facilities will put therapeutic-based care at the heart of recovery.
Led by specialist Trust colleagues who are involving service users with lived experiences including some of our Experts in the Model of Care transformation. Shelagh's involvement in creating a purposeful admissions staff training video with Mental Health Together has had a high feedback rate (90%) from Trust staff on Shelagh's work! |
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Carers Information
Taken directly from the Carer's section on the Trust's website: "If we are to build an NHS that is fit for the future then carers must be full partners in the way we deliver that care. We must join up our services around their needs as well as those of the patient and we must help them look after their health and wellbeing to enable them to sustain their vital caring role” - NHS Long Term Plan
Have you seen the newer Support for Carers booklet?
Mental Health Together support a number of Expert Carer's to have their voices in the mental health system.
Universal Services for Carers in Derby offer support for Derby City Carers. See their latest newsletter.
For Carers support in Derbyshire visit Derbyshire Carers where the service is called Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service.
Derby City and South Derbyshire Mental Health Carers: Self-help group that support carers in Derby City, Erewash, Amber Valley, and South Derbyshire. They meet on the third Friday of every month 11.30-2pm at The Oddfellows, Oddfellows Hall, 32 Charnwood Street, Derby DE1 2GU.
High Peak Mental Health Carers’ Group: Run by Carers with lived experiences providing invaluable peer support. First Wednesday of each month 11:30am-1:30pm. Methodist Church, Market Place, Buxton 11.30am to 1.30pm. Contact Helen 07791 219541.
The Croft, Ripley Mental Health Carers and Carers Group: invite carers and ex-carers to a friendly group offering support. The Croft, Slack Lane, Ripley, DE5 3HF on the second Thursday of the month starting at 1.30pm until 3.30pm. Facebook page called the Croft Mental Health Carers Group. Contact Terry 07721 006100.
Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Mental Health Carers Community: are a friendly group who are trying out a new location in Loundsley Green, Chesterfield. For more information on the meeting dates and times please contact Jose on 07730 526219. |
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Market stall event for all
Mark the 6th March 10am-3pm at Erewash Voluntary Action in your calendar if you are near the south of the county.
This event will celebrate the Living Well Collaboratives coming to their close with the end of the contract in March 2025. It is designed by the Collaboratives in the south of the county.
Please consider attending this event, to discover many organisations in the county who support with mental health.
This event is welcoming all! |
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Borderline Derbyshire Newsletter
Derbyshire Borderline Personality Disorder Support Group is for anyone affected by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) in Derbyshire and beyond.
View the Spring 2025 newsletter. |
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Expert by Experience Peer Groups
Here are some of the spaces set up by Experts within Mental Health Together and Living Well Engagement teams. You'll be most welcome to attend these weekly drop-ins that are created by people who understand mental health. |
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Grapevine Wellbeing Centre, Buxton
The Grapevine Wellbeing Centre, Buxton is a drop-in wellbeing centre. They also hold lots of events throughout the year about different aspects of mental health. Including talks from people with lived experience on their recovery! Book securely at your leisure on Grapevine's Eventbrite page. |
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Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service (countywide)
Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Group offer both 1:1 support and groups across the county on the Mental Health Support Map. A full list for your area can be obtained by emailing GroupsDRPSS@rethink.org or call the Service Single Point of Access on 01773 734989. |
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Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health (Derbyshire Dales and High Peak)
Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health offer a range of 1-1 support services based in the High Peak in and around their Buxton hub and in the Derbyshire Dales. They offer tailored support built around you. Some new groups are listed on their website! |
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South Derbyshire and Derby
Upcoming confidence and self-care workshops in the South of the County. |
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GRID - Growing Recovery in Derbyshire
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Support is available 24/7 by phone and 4:30pm-12:30am in person
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or in need of urgent mental health help, you can now call 111 and press 2, or visit 111.nhs.uk/ 24/7 to speak with a trained professional 24/7, 365 days a year.
You can also still use the mental health helpline and support service number on 0800 028 0077.
If the helpline team feel you would benefit from some face-to-face support, you may be invited to the ‘Safe Haven’, where you can continue to discuss your problems in a calm, welcoming environment with people who understand what you're going through. These centres in Derby and Chesterfield are open every evening from 4:30pm - 12:30am.
SignVideo allows deaf or hard of hearing people to make BSL interpreted videos calls via their electronic device.
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Text based services here for you
Text 'TOUGH' to 85258 for free, confidential text based support available 24/7.
More information below. |
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Joined Up Care Derbyshire
Joined Up Care Derbyshire produces a bi-monthly newsletter which provides important updates on health and care developments around the city and county.
View the latest edition and subscribe using the button below.
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Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism
NHS England's latest edition includes national updates.
Including
- The mental health homicide report following the June 2023 Nottinghamshire incidents
- Principles for using digital technologies in mental health inpatient treatment and care
Read and sign up here.
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If you have any feedback, or questions, please email us at: ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net
 Mental Health Together  @MHTDerbys
Disclaimer:
While every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this bulletin are accurate and up-to-date NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board do not accept any responsibility of any omission or inaccuracy as it is not deliberate. Nevertheless, we will appreciate provision of accurate information to improve our work. Where links are provided to external content, NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board holds no responsibility for such content or accuracy.
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