As we begin 2026, one message is coming through loud and clear across Derbyshire: children and young people’s mental health needs urgent attention — and sustained investment.
Through DVA’s Annual Survey, organisations across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector told us that access to mental health support for children and young people is one of the most pressing priorities facing our communities. Long waiting times, rising levels of anxiety and distress, and a lack of early, preventative support were raised time and again — alongside concerns about funding uncertainty for the community-based services that young people often turn to first.
In response, DVA is starting the year by creating space for young people themselves to be heard.
Behind the Pane: A Youth Mental Health Exhibition
Opening in Chesterfield this February, Behind the Pane is a youth-led exhibition hosted by FutureMinds Collective, created by children and young people from across Derbyshire.
Each artwork hangs as a window — a view from the young person’s side — reflecting what they see, feel and live with in relation to their mental health. Together, the pieces invite us to slow down, look closer and listen. Not to fix or explain, but to understand.
Because panes can be seen through — and when we choose to really look, connection becomes possible.
Why this matters now
Too often, conversations about children and young people’s mental health happen without young people in the room. Behind the Pane challenges that by centring lived experience in a way that is accessible, human and deeply moving.
It also reinforces what the VCFSE sector has been telling us: early, community-based mental health support works — but only when it is properly funded. Without sustained investment, opportunities to prevent crisis are missed, placing greater strain on young people, families and already overstretched services.
This exhibition is not about answers or solutions. It is about listening — and recognising that understanding must come before effective action.
Exhibition details
The exhibition will be open during dedicated times for stakeholders, schools, youth groups and young people:
📅 Dates: 10–12 February 2026
🕙 Time: 10am–12pm
📍 Venue: 8 Broad Pavement, Chesterfield, S40 1PA
Attendance is free, and the exhibition is suitable for professionals, educators, community organisations, and young people alike.
Leading the conversation into 2026
Through FutureMinds Collective, DVA remains committed to ensuring that children and young people’s voices are not an afterthought, but a starting point for conversations about mental health, wellbeing and support.
Behind the Pane marks the beginning of 2026 with a powerful reminder: behind every statistic is a young person with a story — and meaningful change begins when we choose to listen.
We encourage our members, partners and the wider community to visit, reflect and share this important work.
