Welcome to our latest e-bulletin!
It has been a lovely September on the whole – lots of unexpected sunshine and blue skies to cheer us along.
We always enjoy the process of pulling together this bulletin because it's a chance to celebrate the good stuff that's happening.
Often it is happening despite the challenges and struggles that people, communities, and groups are facing. BUT it is still happening!
We are so often inspired by the achievements and innovation of our Experts by Experience – setting up much needed self-help groups, coffee groups, mindfulness sessions etc.
Reaching out to others who are struggling, sharing experiences bravely and honestly to educate and inspire others.
Recently several of our Experts by Experience have joined the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) mental health delivery groups.
This is where commissioners, providers and those with lived experience can have open and helpful discussions about local services.
They sit within the governance structure of the ICB and Experts can ask questions, propose solutions and help escalate any concerns or risks.
One topic of discussion recently was about the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service. Currently people can still use the original 0800 phone number to access the helpline direct, but the helpline is also now accessible via the 111 service.
NHS England has suggested it might be better to have just the one point of access for Derbyshire people via 111.
Our Experts have highlighted the fact that the current 111 message says, 'press 1 for physical health or press 2 if you are in mental health crisis' . They wondered if this reference to 'crisis' might put off some people who just want some advice and signposting information.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts: ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net
And in the meantime, please enjoy reading about all the latest news and information on mental health related topics.
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Spotlight on Experts' Voices - Baton of Hope
"Hi I am Tim, Expert by Experience and Founder of Mindscapes. On Saturday 13th September, I was a baton-bearer for the Baton of Hope UK Tour 2025 at Chaddeston Park, Derby.
I felt honoured and humbled for being picked to carry the Baton of Hope which is close to my heart with being a survivor but also for my cousin and friends I've lost along my journey.
The day was a emotional, powerful and amazing all in one."
Tim is the founder of Mindscapes (see their fantastic website), which is a mental health peer support group for people 17+ empowering individuals in a safe lived experience setting with focus on creativity and photography.
Tim's story is inspiring and along with other Mindscape leaders, is focussed on recovery and resilience.
If you live near or can get to Chesterfield or Clay Cross areas, Mindscapes offer a lot to the wellbeing of the community.
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Image accreditation to Benno Media. Baton of Hope Derby/Derbyshire
"Hi I'm Matt, I am a mental health advocate, Expert by Experience and a poet called the Amber Valley Poet.
At the Baton of Hope UK Tour 2025 in Derby, I read three original poems: A Tribute to Robert Westle, The Bi Polar Coaster, and The Baton We Bear.
The event was interpreted by British Sign Language Interpreters live, but this recording features one of my poems in BSL.
I will now carry the Baton of Hope with me everywhere." 💚 |
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Experts by Experience discuss the NHS 10-Year Health Plan
At our 6 weekly Expert by Experience Peer Support meeting, Experts discussed the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, from the Government's Change NHS consultation.
Experts reflected that although it is good to hear that mental health is a priority, there is a lack of detail on mental health in the plan. They highlighted the need for more detail and better accessibility, especially for the Deaf community. (BSL summaries are only available by the deaf health charity, Sign Health).
Experts are also at the heart of national work on new 24-hour mental health hubs. Tony is representing Derbyshire’s lived experience at a national NHS England event this October, making sure local voices are heard where it matters.
A real highlight was an Expert sharing a new “mental checklist” tool he had created to help Experts by Experience to judge how best to share insights in meeting with professionals, whilst also protecting their own wellbeing.
The group continues to celebrate each other’s achievements and is committed to shaping services that work for everyone!
Some of our Experts attended online, but here are a few of us after the meeting. |
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World Mental Health Day - 10th October 2025
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This year, our local theme is “Support starts in the community” with focus on connection, understanding and lived experience. This includes our Experts by Experience who continue to provide their time and share their experiences, sometimes at a cost to themselves.
The Mental Health Foundation share ways to be involved this World Mental Health Day 2025. Because talking about mental health isn’t always easy.
Derbyshire Mental Health and Suicide Prevention have created toolkits, info packs, and social media resources available here.
There are also new co-produced Let's Chat Resources, to order here: https://dccmhsp.com/ResourceOrderForm
Having Better Mental Health Conversations is free training, available to anyone who works or volunteer in Derby and Derbyshire. Joined Up Care Derbyshire is supporting this programme.
The sessions have practical tips and advice for how to open up conversations about mental health, and how to respond when someone opens up about their mental health. Book your session today and learn how to make a difference.
Tuesday 7th October, 9.15am-12.30pm- Book Here
Wednesday 15th October, 1.15pm-4.30pm- Book Here
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Our High Peak Engagement Group
Our High Peak Engagement group is for carers, service receivers, professionals, and anyone else with an interest in mental health in the High Peak area. We meet 6 weekly on a Thursday 1pm- 3pm. Our next meeting is Thursday 2nd October 2025 1pm - 3pm at the Lower Room of Buxton Methodist Church and Online on Microsoft Teams.
Most recently, we discussed the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline, with Kieren Williamson, Helpline Lead, highlighting its importance as a first point of support. Group members fed back how the helpline continues to help them in times of distress. Future changes were discussed, especially the risk of losing the 0800 number if crisis lines are merged. The Helpline Clinical Lead committed to involving lived experience voices saying they must shape any future changes, so the helpline stays welcoming and accessible for all.
The helpline is there at any time to support yourself or someone else. Call 0800 028 0077 or 111 and select mental health option 2. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Grapevine Wellbeing Centre Buxton host free community talks on wellbeing. We would like to focus on one particular talk 'Caring for the Carers’. This talk will look at different aspects of being a carer and what support is out there to help. If you know anyone who cares or if you are a carer, you'll know that carers' own wellbeing often suffers. You can book on Grapevine's Eventbrite page. |
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Our System Voice
Recently, several Experts from Mental Health Together attended the Derbyshire Healthcare Medical Senate (large meeting for all psychiatrists in Derby and Derbyshire). Experts received feedback from the Medical Director and other senior clinicians, who valued the session and have given the go ahead on a new patient information leaflet co-produced with Mental Health Together.
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Information about Medication Shortages - Steve Jones (Chief Pharmacist at Derbyshire Healthcare)
One of the topics discussed at the Medical Senate was the national medication shortages which have impacted so many people over the past few years. At our request Steve has kindly provided the following updates for our membership:
1. The availability of Methylphenidate products seems better than it has been for a number of years. This is one of the medicines used to help people manage their Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and similar conditions. There are a very small number of products still with supply difficulties, but only two are listed as unavailable at the time of writing, which are “Xenidate XL 27mg tablets” and “Matoride XL 54mg tablets”. Hopefully these are coming back into stock soon. The last three years in particular have been a time of huge anxiety and disruption for the people who rely on these medicines, for their families and for the healthcare professionals who try to offer the best possible services and support. We all hope that supply now continues to be robust and reliable.
2. There continues to be no supply at all of Galantamine modified-release capsules. This is a medicine sometimes prescribed to people with Alzheimer’s Disease. The problem started earlier this year. There are indications that this situation may improve in the next couple of months. The prescribers in local memory clinics are aware of the problem and we don’t think this is affecting very many people in the area. In most cases, people can be prescribed similar medicines that work in the same way, which are the ones we would normally use anyway. For anyone who does need galantamine it is being provided as an oral solution, with an appropriate change to how much is taken and how often.
3. For the last year or so there have been off-and-on supply problems with Olanzapine long-acting injection that some people are prescribed to help control symptoms of psychosis, such as in schizophrenia. This has meant we needed to change how much is given and how often people received their injection in our clinic. By making these adjustments we have been able to keep people on the same total dose over time. For some people they have needed to come to the clinic more often which we know is not ideal. The situation is now improving and people have mostly been moved back to their original dose and timings. We continue to keep an eye on this as the problem is still not completely sorted out. |
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Mental Health Related News
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A new group for you!
Starting this week...  
Kathryn one of our enterprising Experts is delivering wellbeing sessions at Infinite Wellbeing in Heanor. Learn and develop your mindfulness and relaxation techniques in a small, supportive session at the wellbeing hub.
Sessions are free of charge with free parking.
Starting weekly this Wednesday 1st October, 7:15-8:00pm at Infinite Wellbeing, Market Street, Heanor, DE75 7NR
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Derbyshire Healthcare invites you
Join this year’s Annual Members Meeting, by booking your place on the booking page on Eventbrite, emailing dhcft.memberhsip@nhs.net or calling 01332 623723.
This year’s theme is ‘All in it together: health and wellbeing of people in Derbyshire’. Everyone (members and none members) are welcome.
In the two hour virtual call, you will find out more about the Trust's progress in 2024/25 and future plans, with a special focus on perinatal mental health and neurodevelopmental services.
Questions are requested in advance, due to the numbers of the event, by emailing dhcft.membership@nhs.net.
The Trust's 'what makes me happy' art competition winners will also be announced at the Annual Members meeting (read more below). |
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Hannah is shortlisted in the Trust art competition!
Derbyshire Healthcare's ‘What makes me happy’ art competition was launched in June and was open to people living in Derby and Derbyshire. The aim was for people to create a piece of art to share on what makes them happy. We are pleased that Hannah, Expert by Experience contacted us to say she had been shortlisted and we heard from the shortlisting panel how competitive the standard was and how a message of thanks was given to everyone who entered.
Hannah says:
"Drawing gives me a focus when my mind is difficult to wrangle. I get great satisfaction from drawing and creating something beautiful using simple tools. Art and creative crafts give me a sense of purpose for a short while and I feel proud of myself when I see something through to completion. When I am struggling with my mental health, even small achievements feel like huge victories! I like to challenge myself, using different techniques and media, most recently soft pastels. I try to draw different subjects, including portraits and animals, but I also like more expressive, abstract pieces. Here, I have drawn my late dog, Cooper. He was so special to me and the memories of him make me so, so happy."
Grief only exists
where there was once the greatest love.
So I will endure it,
embrace it,
because it means that you
were here
and that I experienced a wonderful thing.
by Hannah Lockwood, September 2025 |
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Timeswap features on The One Show
On Monday 15th September, we were notified by Belinda, Expert by Experience and Derbyshire Timeswap member of some exciting news.
Derbyshire Timeswap featured nationally on BBC One’s The One Show and shone a spotlight on showing how people can share skills, build friendships, and support one another through volunteering at Time Swap.
Over the last few months, we have been building a connection with Timeswap and signing Mental Health Together up as an organisation.
Belinda and Niki (Service Lead at Mental Health Together) also met with Jay Patient from Public Health at Derbyshire County Council to discuss how the Derbyshire Time Swap initiative can develop it's ability to support people with their wellbeing.
Lindsey Hearspeak, Timeswap Development Officer for High Peak and Derbyshire Dales, spoke to the High Peak Engagement Group about the positive impact Timeswap is having locally, and how more people can get involved.
See a video on how Derbyshire Timeswap works on their website and become involved as an individual or organisation!
Belinda photographed with Jane Davison, Timeswap Development Officer and the film crew. |
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Black History month
References from 'Black History Month' on the Mind website are included in the below text.
This month acts as a catalyst for addressing systemic racism and inequality in various aspects of society including education, employment and access to mental health services.
Although October acts as a dedicated month, we must continue to lift the voices and experiences of Black communities all year round.
Last year, the theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ focused on empowering Black individuals and communities to take control of their own stories, histories, and representations. This theme is about making sure Black voices are heard. It means sharing important stories that haven’t been told, learning about Black history, and speaking up against unfair and harmful ideas that have hurt Black people in the past and still do today.
This year's theme in the UK, 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, recognises the strength, resilience and commitment of Black leaders, activists and pioneers in the face of systemic barriers, both past and present.
Black Mind Matters UK is a registered charity connecting Black individuals and families with free 1-2-1 talking therapy for up to 10 fully funded sessions. They provide culturally appropriate and free talking therapy.
Also, Black Maternal Mental Health Week 2025 was the last week of September and focuses on raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by Black mothers.
The Motherhood Group hosted national events, which some were recorded: BMMHW25 - The Motherhood Group. |
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New NHS Neighbourhood Model
Are you wondering what the new NHS neighbourhood model will look like in Derby and Derbyshire?
The NHS Ten Year Plan aims to bring care into local communities and develop patient-centred teams.
The ICB are hosting a Neighbourhood Summit on Tuesday 21st October 9.30am-12.30pm to find out how the programme will run, what the ICB are aiming to achieve and how you or colleagues can be involved.
This webinar is for people working in health and social care and the voluntary sector in Derby and Derbyshire.
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Meet the Commissioners
Derbyshire Mental Health Forum are hosting a Meet the Commissioners Event on Tuesday 4th November 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm. The poster below details that you can share your questions with Commissioners from Derbyshire County Council, Derby City and the Integrated Care Board.
Please email questions in advance by 10th October to mentalhealth@erewashcvs.org.uk |
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Healthwatch
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Both Healthwatch Derby and Healthwatch Derbyshire, along with over 130 other local Healthwatch, have signed an open letter and supported a petition urging the government to protect the future of local Healthwatch, which is at risk of being abolished. Details of how you can sign the petition and let your MP know why it matters on the Healthwatch Derbyshire website.
Healthwatch remains committed to listening and supporting the community until further announcements. Most importantly, Healthwatch wants people to know they are still here and still listening just as they always have been. The team continues their usual work: gathering feedback, offering advice, and ensuring that people’s experiences help shape care services.
As the NHS 10-Year Health plan introduces the analogue to digital shift, Healthwatch Derbyshire are running a short survey to gather local feedback. Your voice in the Healtwatch NHS App Survey will help the NHS understand what's working well and where changes are needed.
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Derbyshire self-harm and suicide prevention framework
This summer, several Experts by Experience met with James Creaghan, Public Health Lead for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, to share lived experiences and help shape the 2026–30 strategic framework
A wider survey also reached 218 people, and the impact is clear:
95% backed the 8 key priorities calling for better information, training, and support.
71% supported the proposed priority groups, with strong calls to include LGBTQ+, Deaf people, rural communities, and those experiencing menopause or migration.
85% agreed on the key risk factors with trauma, bereavement, and social media topping the list.
Insights from Experts by Experience, survey participants, and community forums will shape the final Derby and Derbyshire Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework, due late 2025.
From January 2026, a Call to Action will invite everyone (individuals, groups, organisations, and leaders) to take part in suicide prevention through awareness campaigns, sharing trusted information and improving accessibility.
Self-harm and suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Together, we can make a difference.
This work is led by Derbyshire County Council Public Health and the Derbyshire Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Partnership Forum (DSSPPF).
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Chatterbox Cafe
Meet John, an Expert by Experience and co-founder of Chatterbox Cafe mental health drop-in in partnership with Derby City Life Links and Waythrough.
Chatterbox Cafe is facilitated by John and peers who understand wellbeing through their own lived experiences.
Anyone is welcome.
It is friendly safe space open every Friday 10am-12pm in the Derbion Community Hub, (a small setting located on an entrance/exit at Derby Shopping Centre).
Advance notice of dates the Drop-In is closed:
Friday 17th October 2025.
Friday 21st November 2025.
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Carers voices
The poster is promoting an opportunity for Carers to come along and speak up about what matters to them and help shape support and services for Carers. The event welcomes Carers from all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. |
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Carers Information
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.
Ruth, Expert by Experience mentioned Chesterfield Care Group. Their mission is to reduce social isolation and support for older adults with physical and mental health to live well and independently as well as provide respite for their Carers'.
New Poster below! 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.
An update from Sandra Austin, Chair of the group.
Debbie, (Vice-Chair) and I attended the Baton of Hope in Darley Park where we handed out leaflets and did a raffle which raised £52 towards Carer Events like our trip to Derby Theatre.
At our meeting on Friday 19th September we had our guest speakers of Andrew Wilson Derby City Council & Jude Boyle Derbyshire County Council Commissioners. Nicky Crompton Universal Services for Carers together with Christine & Emily from ATS Services who will attend again next month too - We had 3 new Carers so a big welcome to Anita, Cyra & Wendy and we hope to see you again soon.
For the first hour of our Friday 17th October Meeting, we have Mark Powell, CEO from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust together with Lynn Dunham Care Standards Co-ordinator and Carer Involvement Lead. Please contact me on the email address below if you are reading the Mental Health Together bulletin and would be interested in joining the Mental Health Carers Group.
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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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 Autumn 2025 newsletter at the bottom of the page. |
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We're so glad you're here
This page is taken from the Sunshine and Shade newsletter called We're so glad you're here. Sunshine and Shade are a befriending and bereavement service in North East Derbyshire.
We really enjoyed reading their newsletter, which has many great excerpts like the one below "THE MAGIC OF CREATIVITY" that highlights how creative expression supports mental and physical well-being. |
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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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Support is available
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or in need of support, you can call 0800 028 0077 or call 111 and press 2, 24/7 to speak with a trained professional, 365 days a year.
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Derbyshire Mind
The Ripley Crisis Support Drop-in has been closed since July due to staffing issues.
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Closing thought from Belinda, Expert
Here I have 2 x £20 notes.
The one on the left has been through a hard time.
The one on the right is straight & crisp, not touched.
Answer me this.... is the one on the left worth less than the one on the right?
Moral of the story.
We are ALL equal. We are worth the same value. We just have perfect imperfections which make us who we are!
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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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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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