Thank you for travelling through this year with us by subscribing to our e-bulletin. We hope it's been helpful and interesting for you. We'd love to hear from you if you'd like to give us any feedback or have ideas about features we could include: ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net.
By keeping you informed about how voices of lived experience are helping to change services for the better, we hope to inspire others to get involved. You might be someone who feels you have experiences to share, or you may be someone who delivers a service and wants to learn from voices of lived experience.
Spotlight on this edition:
- Our Newsletter - see positive changes being shaped by Experts
- CEO of Derbyshire Healthcare Mark Powell listens to what matters most
- 'The NHS needs you if it is to transform' consultation
For more updates, follow our social media channels.
Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year for all, but support is available and you matter: https://bit.ly/Derbyshirecrisissupport
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.
Niki and Josie, Mental Health Together. |
| |
|
Our recent news
Read our Winter newsletter here.
Our Experts by Experience continue to work incredibly hard to improve mental health services for service receivers and their carers.
Some highlights in our newsletter include:
- Voices of lived experience shaping staff training at Derbyshire Healthcare in the new Model of Care, risk assessment and Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)-
- Our new Good Practice Co-design Guide
- Top Tips for Staff from our Experts by Experience
If you would prefer a physical copy of the newsletter, we’d be happy to send a copy to you. Please email ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net |
| |
|
Derbyshire Healthcare's CEO meets with Experts
Recently, Mark Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Derbyshire Healthcare met with Mental Health Together Experts at our Peer Support meeting.
Mark heard what matters most to Experts with different backgrounds of lived experiences. Discussions included:
- How the Trust will increase it's commitment to co-production so that those who use their services will be able to influence service design and delivery. The NHS England Culture of Care Standards for mental health in-patient services outline the core commitment of involving lived experience at all levels. Mark will continue to update Mental Health Together directly and return to the meeting in the first half of 2025.
- How people are able to get help for themselves and others in crisis. The Derbyshire Mental Health 24-hour Helpline was particularly mentioned on this topic and MHT gave insights from Expert's sharing experiences that the service was operating on a 'call back' service since the Summer. We asked for clarity on this and we are meeting with the service leads.
- NHS Change Consultation: Mark shared the Government's 10-year health plan consultation 'NHS Change'. There is very little within this on mental health. More on this below.
Both our Experts and Mark found the discussion very helpful, and Mark has asked to come back again in the first half of 2025. We appreciate the fact that Mark has already reported back on the actions which he took away from the meeting. |
| |
|
Purposeful Admissions to hospital
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is preparing its staff to deliver a New Model of Care on its in-patient units.
Earlier this Autumn Mental Health Together connected with Paul Blakeman, Clinical Educator leading the staff training on this particular topic.
Paul was keen to involve the voice of lived experience but had little time available to enable it. Fortunately for him we had a wonderful Expert, Shelagh, who was willing to reflect on her own in-patient experiences and provide some great insights as to what 'purposeful' might feel like and what changes are needed.
The training is currently being delivered and should eventually be received by some 900 members of staff. We have received some feedback form the Trust's Lead Educator on this topic which speaks for itself really! |
| |
|
Government's 10 year plan consultation 'NHS Change'
The government's 'Change NHS' plan lacks focus on mental health and may scrap vital safeguards.
Rethink Mental Illness urges you to tell your MP to protect mental health funding and have created a quick and easy way to do this. Fill out Rethink's digital form to generate a letter to your MP.
Rethink has written to the Prime Minister seeking clarification on reports that the Mental Health Investment Standard (MHIS) could be axed. The recent Plan for Change, prioritises reducing some NHS waiting times but excludes mental health.
NHS Change online national questionnaire is a consultation open until mid February to hear people's views, experiences and ideas as part of this engagement to help shape the 10 Year Health Plan for England.
The ICB and Healthwatch Derbyshire and Derby are creating a Derbyshire based engagement approach of which we will share more details early 2025. |
| |
|
EQUAL Forum's achievement
Recently, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held their annual HEARTS staff awards ceremony at Kingsway Hospital, Derby.
Experts and professionals working with MHT would like to share their brilliant news. The winner of the Making a Difference Award was awarded to EQUAL for making a positive difference to the lives of the people we serve day to day by taking initiative without being prompted, demonstrating exceptional reliability and a willingness to help, and embodying the Trust's values: Respect, Honesty, People First and Do your Best.
EQUAL is Derbyshire Healthcare's feedback network. If you have used any service at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS, either as a service user or carer, you can become involves.
Being part of EQUAL will give you the opportunity to discuss what you believe to be working well and what could be improved. With opportunity to share and feedback these discussions with the Trusts executive leadership team, EQUAL teams are looking to set up more groups across the Trusts services. If you are interested, please email dhcft.equal@nhs.net
|
| |
|
High Peak Hearing Voices Group's achievement
High Peak Hearing Voices group is facilitated by Rose Harrison, Expert Carer, and Les Ralph, EQUAL Network Advisor North.
Hearing Voices received Highly Commended accreditation by High Peak CVS Crompton and Woodcock Award celebrating voluntary organisations in the High Peak that provide outstanding service to the community.
High Peak Hearing Voices provides 2 monthly meetings for people with a severe mental illness, generally labelled as having schizophrenia to meet and discuss their personal, tormenting voices and to learn and share strategies.
A safe, respectful group to talk with ‘people in the same boat, on the same level’, which has helped on their road to recovery/inclusion.
For more information, email les.ralph@nhs.net who alongside Rose will share more details. |
| |
|
Derbyshire Safe Places (county only)
Have you heard about Derbyshire County Councils Safe Places scheme?
A Safe Place is somewhere people can go if they need help when out in the community.
All Derbyshire-based businesses and organisations can become Safe Places including shops, leisure centres, cafés/restaurants and visitor attractions. They don't have to be 'open all the time'.
Individuals can register to get a 'Keep Safe Card'. For more information for individuals and businesses find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/safeplaces or email safe.places@derbyshire.gov.uk. |
| |
|
Baton of Hope
The Baton of Hope will be coming to Derbyshire, in Derby City, with a date set for 13th September 2025! Get this in your diary.
This event will be a vital opportunity to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Residents of Derbyshire affected by suicide will carry the Baton along an iconic route through Derby, making key stops with a final 'event' in the city centre.
Baton-Bearer Applications are open. Baton of Hope are looking for Baton-Bearers who:
- Have lost someone to suicide—whether a loved one, friend, or colleague.
- Are survivors of a suicide attempt.
- Special exceptions may also be considered.
There is a £20 application fee, but if finances feel like a barrier, please don’t let that stop you. If your application is selected and you’re concerned about costs or fundraising, message any of the admins in the Derbyshire/Derby Facebook group.
To apply to be a baton-bearer for Baton of Hope click here.
|
| |
|
Free wellbeing events at Grapevine Wellbeing Centre Buxton
Book securely at your leisure on Grapevine's Eventbrite page.
Wednesday 15th January 2025, 6.30pm-8.00pm
“Coping with the New Year” with Angela Williamson, psychotherapist and motivational coach. At a time of New Year’s Resolutions and high expectations, learn how we can be kinder to ourselves.
Thursday 23rd January 2025, 6.30-8.00pm
"How to start your day right” with Georgina Burdett from For the Love of Tidying. Explore the profound impact that decluttering and organising can have on your mindset and how you start your day.
Tuesday 4th February 2025, 6.30pm-8.00pm
"Healthy Neurodivergent relationships With Holly Sprake-Hill, Neurodivergence Specialist Occupational Therapist
Tuesday 11th February 2025, 6.30pm-8.00pm
"Understanding sexual violence and its impact" with Helen Jackson, Training Manager at The Survivors' Trust.
Thursday 27th February 2025, 6.30pm-8.00pm
“Exploring Grief and Bereavement” with Liz Fletcher from High Peak CVS’s Bereavement and Loss Support Groups. |
| |
|
Mindscapes
Founded by Expert by Experience, Tim, Mindscapes is a peer support group empowering individuals.
Like photography? Like finding ways to support yours and others mental health? If you live near or can get to Chesterfield or Clay Cross areas, why not try Mindscapes.
For more information contact Tim at: mindscapes.photography@hotmail.com
|
| |
|
Chatterbox Café
Experts by Experience co-created a fabulous well-being group in Derby city centre. You'd be very welcome.
The group meets Fridays 10-11am at Derbion Community Hub, in the Derbion shopping centre ground floor, opposite Iceland.
|
| |
|
Warm Spaces and Wellbeing
If you are in the Amber Valley, try Happy Monday at Number 28, Belper, DE56 1FZ.
Every Monday, 11am - 4pm you are welcome to come in, and join the group. |
| |
|
Men Walking and Talking starting 2nd January 2025
My name is Mike, I’m 27 and I’m the walk leader for MWAT Long Eaton. I was originally a part of the Quinton MWAT group, however after moving to Long Eaton, quickly realised how important that group was to me.
I grew up, like a lot of men, being told that “men don’t cry” and “men shouldn’t show emotion, they’re strong”, but when my dad passed away in 2021, things took a dark turn and I didn’t know what to do. I bottled everything up.
Suddenly I found myself somewhere I had never been before, a deep depression, and it wasn’t until my wife had told me there was a “walking and talking” group specifically for men that I’d realised just how bad things had gotten.
|
| |
|
Derbyshire Mind What's On Calendar
MindSpace is one of Derbyshire Mind's popular Mental Wellbeing Services, it’s a great opportunity to meet with our friendly volunteers to have a chat and a walk in our local parks.
There are MindSpace groups in 4 locations on various days throughout the week, you can find all the times and locations on the: What’s On Calendar.
|
| |
|
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.
With lived experience sharing and self help on attachment styles and shame, this edition is really helpful!
View the Winter 2024 newsletter by opening and scrolling to the bottom. |
| |
|
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.
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. |
| |
|
Connect magazine
The latest edition of the Trust's membership magazine, Connect magazine is out now!
Featuring:
- How our new-build mental health facilities will put therapeutic-based care at the heart of recovery.
- Our Derby Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service and how it has helped local resident Marvin Richards to recover from a 25-year drug addiction.
- The launch of our new Trust strategy, vision, values and priorities for the years ahead.
|
| |
|
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.
This month's newsletter includes:
- Advice on staying warm and well this winter
- Kath and Sarah speak out on women's health
- Have your say on services
- Showcase for new mums' support charity
- E-triage system at urgent treatment centre
- Educational video created in memory of Rowan
View the latest edition and subscribe using the button below.
|
| |
|
Mental Health Study
Recruitment for paid advisers to mental health study.
GlobalMinds are recruiting paid advisors to use health data to improve treatments and pathways for mental health conditions.
The advisers will be paid £25 per hour (in line with NIHR payment guidelines) and the time commitment is likely to be around 6-8 hours per month, with a combination of online meetings and independent pre-reading.
This role would require people who have lived experience of the following mental health conditions:
- Major depressive disorder
- Psychosis
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementias (including Alzheimer's disease)
If you know of anyone who might be interested they can contact Kathryn Stanley, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead at Akrivia Health via kathryn.stanley@akriviahealth.com |
| |
|
Quality Conversations free training for volunteers and staff
The Quality Conversations for Mental Health training is a 3-hour training course to help participants develop more confidence for everyday conversations with people around mental health.
Who it’s for?
It is for staff and volunteers from statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations, working in Derbyshire County or Derby City.
Find out more and book your place here. |
| |
|
Derbyshire Mental Health Forum News
We love receiving the Derbyshire Mental Health Forum News, sign up to receive the latest in your inbox. And see the latest editions here.
|
| |
|
Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service
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.
The Trust improved access for Deaf people. SignVideo allows deaf or hard of hearing people to make BSL interpreted videos calls via their electronic device.
|
| |
|
Suicide Bereavement Support
Specialist Suicide Bereavement Support – for anyone affected by a death by suicide. The Tomorrow Project is here to help anyone bereaved or affected by suicide. They provide information, advice and emotional support to anyone:
- of any age
- who might be struggling following a suicide
- supporting someone you are worried about following a suicide
- regardless of relationship to the person they lost
|
| |
Text based services here for you
Text 'TOUGH' to 85258 for free, confidential text based support available 24/7.
More information below. |
| |
|
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.
|
| |
|
